𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙈𝙧. 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙝𝙞𝙙

21. It's been a while

I was three glasses of wine in.

We were sitting at the dining table. I felt so full and so happy, just being here with Zayne.

"How did you meet Mr. Lopez?" he asked after taking a sip from his wine glass.

"We met at an event in Los Angeles. He asked if I’d be willing to appear on one of his network's shows, and maybe even do a cover for his magazine."

"Did he convince you that easily?"

"Why not? Since I’m here in the Philippines, I figured I might as well give it a try."

"Did you know I’m the director of the show?"

I shook my head.

"It’s just an interview on a morning talk show. I didn’t ask who the director was. Does it bother you?"

He shook his head in return.

"It would be my honor to work with you, Belle."

There was something about the way he said my name. Softer, almost tender. I found myself asking for another glass of wine.

"You’re going to get drunk."

"Not yet."

"Do you want to get drunk?"

"No. It’s just... it’s been a while since we’ve talked like this. And it feels nice."

We both fell quiet for a moment.

Then, Zayne spoke.

"You never called. You never seemed to want to talk to me."

His voice held a hint of sadness.

"I know, and I’m sorry. I can’t explain why... I just wasn’t ready."

He looked at me, and I felt like he was staring right into my soul.

"Will you tell me someday?" he asked, and I nodded.

We finished the bottle of wine and washed the dishes together.

When the kitchen was clean, we said good night.

"We’ll leave at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Each episode of the talk show is pre-recorded, so you don’t have to worry. I’ll introduce you to the team."

"Okay. Thank you, Z."

I was about to go into my room when he called my name again, hesitating.

"Good night, Belle," was all he said.

Did he want to say something else?

"Good night, Z."

As I closed my door, I scolded myself. Wasn’t I supposed to be seducing him?

I’d already had a few drinks, but somehow, I felt nervous all of a sudden. Maybe I hadn’t had quite enough yet to give me the courage I needed.

🐬🐬🐬🐬

I wanted to talk to her. Ask her if  Michael Bane is her boyfriend. Ask her if  napatawad na ba niya ako.

Pero hindi ko pa kayang itanong sa kaniya ang mga bagay na yun. Paano kung iiwas siya, lalayo uli? I don't want that to happen.

Nang nakahiga na ako sa kama, hindi ako makatulog knowing na nasa kabilang kwarto lang si Bella.

Habang umiinom kami, all i can think about is her lips. Ano kayang pakiramdam kung hahalikan ko siya.

And everytime i needed  to stop myself. Belle is out of my reach.

We still need to talk. And i  still need to gather up my courage.