Versailles Series Book 7: The Ballerina [COMPLETED]

CHAPTER 54

=== J U A N M I G U E L ===

"I really don't think I can make it."

I stared at Ate Joanna blankly. "Really. It's your daughter's freaking recital."

"Hey, hindi ko naman gustong ma-miss iyon kung may choice ako. I might spend half the time in the toilet. Tapos made-dehydrate ako. Hindi ka ba naaawa sa akin? And your niece loves you like her father. So please proxy for me?" She even batted her lashes at me as if that will convince me.

"I'm doing this for Jeya. Not you."

I turned on my heel and went back to my room to shower and looked for something to wear. We're at a townhouse in the metro and I was about to have a meeting in two hours when my sister asked me to go Jeya's recital today.

I know it was Alexandria's school that's why I am questioning my sister right now. I don't even know what she was thinking when she enrolled Jeya to that school.

For sure she had ulterior motives knowing my sister. Since we parted ways, I never made an effort to get in touch with Alexandria because I wanted to respect her decision to end things and create distance between us. As much as I'd like to, it was the only thing I promised to give her.

Nang makita ko ang saya sa mukha ng pamangkin ko ay nakonsensiya naman ako na hindi ako pupunta. I ended up cancelling my meetings today to spend time with her.

The school looked beautiful. Knowing Jarvis and Dallas, even if they are at each others' throats all the time, they create masterpieces together. I am looking at it now.

My niece happily joined her friends while I find a spot among the audience. I notice some women giving me meaningful glances before I settled at the back instead, my back on the wall.

I watched how the program unfolded. Alexandria looked ethereal in her dress. I looked at her proudly. She has achieved so much. I want to kick myself for thinking of stopping her before from reaching her dreams.

I gave my loudest applause when the people stood and gave her a standing ovation.

I narrowed my eyes when my sister came in before Jeya's performance in her usual jolly self like she wasn't acting like someone on the deathbed a while ago.

I let her be. I'm here anyway already and I get to see Alexandria again. I realized how much I missed her.

By the time the students were asking for photos with her, my niece pulled me and yelling something unaudible. I only realized what she was saying when I came face to face with Alexandria.

She looked more beautiful in person now. She looked at me before a shy smile broke.

I felt myself heat up when I told her why I was here instead of my sister who for some reason again can't be found anywhere.

"How are you?" Sabi ko rito. It was a genuine question because I didn't look up on her for our benefit.

"I'm good. School is doing well. You?"

"Work is work. Still hectic. We're looking for more potential mergers here and there."

There was an awkward silence after.

"Your niece danced well."

"I wonder where she got it. Not from our family that's for sure. You know how we are in that department. Maybe Byrne had it in his side of the family." I said pertaining to my brother in law and stopping my smile.

"I don't think dancing is genetic."

I shrugged. "So, are you....seeing anybody?" What the fuck did I just blurt out? Uhm...the real question?

Her cheeks turned slightly pink before she shook her head. "I'm not seeing anybody. I've been uhm...busy."

"Okay...can I ask you out for coffee sometime?" Eto na tayo. Natanong ko na rin lang.

I see how she hesitated a bit but gave me a sweet smile anyway. "Sure. How about after this if you're available?"

"That's fine. I'll meet you at 1pm at the front. Will that work for you?"

She nodded. "I'll see you then."

Tumalikod na ito at lumayo sa akin. Tinignan ko ang tumabi sa akin at nakita ko ang nakangiting si Ate Joanna.

"Stomach bug my ass." Bulong ko rito.

"What? Looks like you scored a date. You should be thanking me."

"I thought she'll say no."

"But you want her to say yes right?"

I smirked. "Of course."

=== A L E X A N D R I A ===

As I was walking back to my office, there's an indescribable giddy feeling flowing all throughout my body. It's electrifying I can't remember if I have felt something like this before.

I sat on my chair and tried to relax. It's just coffee with Juan Miguel.

Why did I say yes anyway?

If I wanted nothing to do with him anymore. I should not have said yes.

But his scent, face, and presence overwhelmed me. It's like meeting him for the first time.

I looked at my flushed face in the mirror. I suddenly felt conscious. I retouched on my make up and sprayed on some perfume.

Gosh I am not really doing this am I? I'm going out for coffee. Maybe just catching up.

Why did he ask if I was going out with somebody?

Maybe out of courtesy?

Then just go out without malice girl. Like genuine friendship and all that.

But it will never just be friendship with Juan Miguel. There is always something. Even the air awhile ago was sizzling. There will always be chemistry between us.

I stood up and smoothed my dress. I feel like going on my first date.

Gosh Alexandria get a hold of yourself.

I went out of my office and walked to the entrance. The school was almost empty anyway because the event is only half day.

I stopped on my tracks when I saw him leaning on a post. He was on his phone so he doesn't notice. It gave me more time to look at him. His custom suit covered his broad shoulders and trimmed waist. He wasn't wearing a tie and a few buttons were open which made him look more casual.

I knew this morning that I might see him but actually seeing him in the flesh still knocked the air out if me. He was still good looking as ever. Ang daya naman. Paano ako makaka-move on sa lalaking ito kung maya't maya sumusulpot?

His hair was slightly tousled and not slicked back like he used to in his office.

Passers by was stealing glances at him of course. He's tall and very much handsome. Definitely eye catching.

When he looked up, his eyes met mine and that elicited butterflies in my stomach and the weird electrifying feeling on my skin. It reminded me of the feeling when he first smiled at me at our classroom.

When he smiled, I almost dropped to my knees.

CHAPTER 55 >>