Take a Shot

CHAPTER 14

She slowly sliced the steak that Allen ordered for her. Hendrina loves food so much that she anticipated tasting good food. As she sliced the steak she tucked her hair behind her ears as it kept going in front of her face. 

Tinikman ni Hendrina ang steak at talaga namang napapikit siya sa sarap ng pagkain. Napangiti siya ng malasahan ang paminta at ang creamy na sauce ng steak. She also feel delighted when again a familiar taste strike her taste bud. It is her first wine that she formulated. Ni sa hinuha niya ay hindi niya naisip na babagay ang wine niya sa pagkain. Knowing that her wine makes the steak more special her heart was so happy.

"You know what Allen? I should really ask my cousin to give your friend a discount. He uses my wine to make this dish more salivating." Masayang turan niya.

"Well you know my friend is really fond of Caberro's wine from the start. He said that a good formulated wine in a dish makes everything perfect. Hindi na ako magugulat kung yung ibang pagkain na niluluto niya ay kasama ang wine mo sa mga sangkap. You are talented in making wines so you don't owe Norman at all, in fact he owes you because he couldn't make this best seller dish in his restaurant. If it wasn't for you." Allen complimented her and Hendrina's face kept flushing. 

"You're such a flatterer Allen. Thank you really! And by the way what do you call this dish again? Steak au po-poi-poivre? Something like that?" She confusedly asked.

"Yes it is! But it is pronounced as steak oh-pwahv." Pagtatama ni Allen sa kaniya. Napangiwi nalang siya dito.

"Alam mo di ko talaga magets ang French language. Ang hirap eh. Ang yaman nila sa letters pero kadalasan ang iba silent or di belong at kapag binigkas mo naman nakakabulol." She said and put a mouthful sliced of steak on her mouth.

"Sa totoo lang agree din ako sayo. If Norman isn't my friend I will also suck at French." Allen replied and they both chuckled. 

They both enjoy their food and talk things about their own businesses. It was a topic that she will easily got bored but Allen himself make their conversation lively at wala man lamang siyang naramdaman na pagkainip sa kanilang usapan. Habang kumakain silang dalawa ay nag-grab ng table napkin si Allen ng di namamalayan ni Hendrina. She was solely focused her attention on her food and enjoying it like there's no tomorrow. 

"Hmm can I wipe your mouth?" Pagtatanong lalaki na tila ba nag-aalangan.

Hendrina unconsciously nodded her head without understanding his question. Nafocus kasi siya sa paglasap ng pagkain. It was so savory that she was able to forget for a minute. The sound of the moving chair back her mind to reality. Everything feels hazy as she smells Allen perfumed when he gets close to her and wipe the side of her mouth. Kulay kamatis na naman ang mukha niya dahil sa lalaki. Kung bakit ba naman kasi umiral ang pagiging matakaw niya. Di niya tuloy napansin na meron na siyang natirang sauce sa gilid ng labi niya. 

"Hehehehe salamat. Nakakahiya ang kalat kong kumain." Sabi niya at pilit na pinapakalma ang sarili. Ayaw naman niya na buong dinner nilang dalawa ay sobrang pula ng mukha niya. Napakadali pa naman mapansin ang pagkapula ng kaniyang mukha dahil white ang complexion ng balat niya. As Allen sit back he has this gentle smile that made her feel at ease. Mukha namang di ito na turn off sa kakalatan niya.

"It is fine Drina. Natutuwa nga ako na nakikita kang nag-eenjoy sa mga pagkain. That was my goal though para makabawi sa tulong mo sa akin nitong nakaraang gabi. And also I asked you out to dinner because I want to say sorry." Turan nito na nagpaseryoso sa pagitan nilang dalawa. Hendrina know that she need to listen to him as she see him having a guilt look on his face.

"I feel so guilty that you took care of me last time, knowing that you help me because we shared a kissed. Alam ko naman na hindi mo ako mapapansin kung walang halik na namagitan sa atin noon." Kunot noo naman si Henrina habang pinapakinggan ang lalaki na magkwento. Kaya tila pinagpawisan ang lalaki sa titig ng dalaga sa kaniya. At that time Allen didn't want to have a bad impression on Hendrina but he wanted to be honest with her so he needed to confess. Aminado naman ang lalaki na napakajerk ng ginawa nito noong una nilang pagkikita.