Nights Like This

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Quit

"You know what I mean. That Uvero was just using you and you were so blind about it," Yael replied, still reeking with a boastful air.

"I warned you rin about how Rex wasn't serious with you. You should've believed me then. Had you done it, you wouldn't be caught up in a mess right now. Hindi ka rin sana mangangailangan ng rebound."

I couldn't quite understand where they're getting at so I just ended up staring at the two of them. Si Ethan ay tahimik lang din at hindi na sumabat kahit pa sinasali siya ni Anne sa usapan.

"Ethan's not her rebound, babe. Although at one point, he and I were the same — foolishly chasing after Bobbi."

What? Babe? Are they together?

My forehead was badly creased as I discerned the connection between the two. Nakakapit nga si Anne sa braso ni Yael at masyadong malapit sa isa't isa. Maybe they are indeed together?

But how? I mean, a few months ago, Yael was raging about how I ought to acknowledge him as a lover. May bahay at lupa pa para sa akin. He got over the rejection that fast? Well, not that I want him to weep over me. Nakakagulat lang na may nagugustuhan na siyang iba at si Anne pa. Literally the type of woman I never imagined he'd be with.

"Is that so? Well, anyway, this is probably her karma for not seeing your worth, choosing you over Rex. I admit he is a great guy but I know him too well. He's never the type to commit. May pruweba pa nga," Anne said.

"Dude, what is this? I don't think it's not nice walking up to us and talking like that," ani Ethan kay Yael. I held up my hand to him to tell that I got this. Nasa date siya at ayaw kong pagtuonan niya pa ng pansin ang dalawang 'to. He should just focus on Olivia.

"Talk to me, you two," I said and stood up. "May reservation kayo? Let me join."

Kinapalan ko na ang mukha dahil hindi ko gusto na takasan ang usapan na sinimulan nilang dalawa.

Yael looked shocked at my declaration. Si Anne naman ay nakangisi na para bang nagustuhan ang hinihingi ko. Hindi na rin siya nagsalita at nagpasya nang dumiretso sa malayong table na para sa kanilang dalawa. Yael asked for a chair for me.

"Ethan, sorry. Just enjoy your time with Olivia. Pagtatawanan kita kapag nagpaka-torpe ka."

I didn't give him a chance to protest because I already left the table. Giniya ako ni Yael para maupo. I almost flinched at his touch on my arm.

"Anne, were you the one responsible for the rumors about Rex Niccolo and I?" diretsahan kong tanong. I just think it'd be pointless if I don't go about it directly. Wala rin naman akong panahon para makipag plastikan sa kanilang dalawa.

"Bobbi, let's order first," si Yael.

"No. I didn't join you to share a meal with you. Mag-uusap lang tayong tatlo." Pinatong ko ang dalawang kamay sa mesa at mariing tiningnan ang dalawa. "I'll ask questions, you answer."

Anne scoffed and rolled her eyes at me. "You didn't just interrupt our lunch date, huh? You're accusing and demanding, too."

"Well, to be fair, you interrupted my lunch first. At bakit hindi ako magtatanong? With the way you were saying things earlier, you're dreaming if you think I'll stay silent."

Hindi nakatakas sa akin ang malamyos na tingin ni Yael. It's like he's glad I was here with him, close and within his reach. I wanted to dismiss it by scowling at him or something but I restrained myself.

"Now, I'll ask you again if you started the rumors. You were obviously so hung up on Rex Niccolo before. I'm not blind not to see that you like him. Maybe that changed now because you're with Yael but I couldn't let go of the possibility of you spreading the rumors."