Versailles Series Book 5: The Barista

CHAPTER 15

~ calhoun ~

"Hi Calhoun...kumusta ka na? You look more handsome every time I see you."

Inalis ko ang kamay ni Tiffany sa dibdib ko bago pa kami makita ng mga magulang namin. She was wearing a spaghetti-strap dress that reached half of her thighs. Any normal guy would probably gawk at her but I know better. I know what's beneath the skin.

"I'm fine, Tiffany," I said coldly.

She pouted. "Bakit ang sungit mo naman? I heard single ka now ha..."

"My girlfriend and I just broke up. Ayoko kasi sa babaeng maarte."

"Hindi naman ako maarte ah. Saka a few years lang naman ang tanda ko sa iyo..." She may be able to lure men with her looks and sultry voice but not me. I know her enough to fall for her charms.

We might have flirted when we were teens but that's it. My young, flirty, horny self was the most disgusting part of my life. I usually dated to fuck. But now, I am dating to marry.

"There are other guys for you, Tiffany."

"Pinagbabawalan ka ba ni Tabi? Alam mo, naiinggit lang iyon sa akin kasi hindi naman mahirap na magkagusto ka sa akin. As they say...my body is a wonderland."

I shook my head. "Nah. She doesn't have anything to do with this. You're not my type. Now, if you want our mothers to maintain that friendship, stop flirting with me. Sabi ko sa iyo, ayoko ng maarte."

I walked away and left her there. I didn't know what else to say to her. Muntik ko na mabangga si Tabi na may dalang vegetable kebabs. May subo pa nga itong isa.

"Bakit ka nakabusangot?"

I smiled and helped her carry the plate. "May masamang hangin lang."

"Umutot ka?"

I chuckled. "Oo umutot lang ako."

She scrunched her nose."Hmm...kaya pala may sangsang."

I chuckled before pinching her nose.

She continued to munch on her vegetable kebab. When we were kids, Tabi always ate the veggies on my plate. Ngayon nga ay mas kumakain na ito ng gulay kaysa karne. I thought that maybe that contributed to her loss of weight. I wiped the side of her lips that had some sauce on it. She gave me a sweet smile before walking away.

Tinulungan nito si Mom na maghanda ng mga pagkain. She is really close with my mother. Pareho kasing mahilig magluto ang dalawa. Nang mapasulyap ako kay Tita Mira ay nakatingin lang ito sa anak at sa nanay ko. I thought I saw envy in her eyes but Mom was her closest friend. Hindi pa sila nag-away kahit kailan.

"Tikman niyo Tita parang may kulang na something."

Tinikman ni Mom ang dressing. "Add some more balsamic."

Nang tikman na ng dalawa ay napatango na sila. With that, they started serving the food. Nakitulong ako sa pagbubuhat ng mga gamit at inumin. We started off with a prayer before eating. Nang magsimula na kaming kumain ay nagsimula na rin ang kwentuhan.

"I heard magiging blockbuster nanaman ang movie mo with Asia, Calhoun?" Tanong ng papa ni Tabi.

"Yes po tito. It's a reunion movie of sorts. Marami sa fans namin ang nagre-request."

"Do you have any plans of settling down? Nagkaka-edad na kayong mga bata. Look at Tiffany, sa sobrang taas ng standards sa lalaki wala pang boyfriend hanggang ngayon. You know what, you two actually make a good couple." Siniko ito ng asawa. "I'm just saying."