𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄

𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐙 𝐋’𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓

It has been four years since we stepped foot in our homeland, and the sights and sounds of Manila were both comforting and overwhelming.

His friends had gathered to welcome us back, their faces filled with anticipation. Demetrio, Thaddeus, and Bartholomew were there, each sporting a welcoming smile and hearty handshakes.

Demetrio grinned, his ever-present sense of mischief twinkling in his eyes. “Welcome back! The Philippines has been far too quiet without you.”

Thaddeus chimed in, his usual dry humor intact. “We were starting to think you’d gone and become a lumberjack.”

Bartholomew simply nodded in greeting, his inscrutable gaze fixed on me. I, however, regarded him with a hint of confusion, as if his presence stirred something deep within me, something I couldn’t grasp.

—

The car hummed with the rhythm of the road as we made our way through the bustling streets of Manila. Demetrio sat comfortably behind the wheel, a sly grin playing on his lips as he navigated the familiar terrain.

Thaddeus, the navigator, sat in the passenger seat, occasionally offering guidance. In the back, his friends were engaged in conversation, eager to get to know me better.

Demetrio glanced at me through the rearview mirror, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Teagan, tell us about your adventures in Canada.”

“Oh, Canada was incredible! We visited Banff National Park and went hiking in the Rockies. The wildlife there is amazing, and we even saw a grizzly bear from a safe distance.”

Thaddeus leaned forward, his interest piqued. “Hiking, huh? Did you climb any mountains?”

I nodded. “We hiked up Mount Temple. The view from the summit was breathtaking. You could see the entire valley below.”

Bartholomew chimed in with a subtle curiosity. “Did you have any favorite Canadian dishes?”

“Poutine, definitely, and the butter tarts were to die for, but nothing beats a warm bowl of maple syrup-drenched pancakes on a snowy morning.”

“Alright, everyone. Let’s not overwhelm my wife with questions. She’s been through a lot.”

—

Le Manoir de Saveurse exuded an aura of understated elegance.

Monochrome colors dominated the decor, with black and white marble floors reflecting the soft glow of crystal chandeliers above.

The walls were adorned with minimalist, black and white artwork, and the plush, high-backed chairs were upholstered in sleek, charcoal gray fabric.

Large, arched windows allowed natural light to filter in, casting a warm and inviting ambiance over the dining area. The tables were set with crisp, white linens and sleek, silvery cutlery, creating a stark contrast against the monochrome backdrop.

As we perused the menu, the low hum of conversations filled the air, creating an intimate atmosphere that was perfectly suited for a leisurely lunch.

A poised waiter approached our table, exuding an air of refined grace. “Good afternoon. Welcome to Le Manoir de Saveurse. My name is Desmond, and I will be your server today. May I assist you in making your selection?”

Bartholomew, his demeanor as refined as the establishment itself, leaned in and ordered with a confident nod. “I’ll have the Salade de Betteraves aux Noix de Pécan Grillées, please.”

Dacre followed suit. “I’ll go for the Tartare de Saumon de la Mer du Nord.”

Thaddeus, with his usual joviality, chimed in. “I’ll take the Pissaladière Niçoise aux Anchois et aux Olives.”

Demetrio ordered with an adventurous spirit. “I’ll have the Escargot à l’Ail Doré, if you please.”

Desmond nodded attentively, his notepad ready to capture their preferences. His gaze turned to me.

“I’d like the Velouté de Potiron aux Épices du Chef, please.”

Desmond noted down each order with precision, a smile of acknowledgement gracing his lips. “Very well. Your orders have been duly noted. If there is anything else you require, do not hesitate to ask.” With that, he executed a polite half-bow and withdrew.

As we waited for our appetizers to arrive, Demetrio leaned in toward Bartholomew. “Moretti, I must say this place of yours is absolutely refined. Top notch.”

Bartholomew, a hint of smile playing on his lips, acknowledged the compliment with a gracious nod. “We do aim for the utmost refinement in both cuisine and atmosphere.”

Demetrio turned his attention to our attentive waiter, Desmond. “I have to command your choice of staff. Desmond is quite the professional, always on point.”

Bartholomew’s humility shone through as he responded, “Desmond is truly exceptional.”

Thaddeus couldn’t resist adding a humorous twist to the conversation. “Don’t be so modest. You practically run this place with a velvet glove, and Desmond’s probably your secret weapon, isn’t he?”

As the laughter and camaraderie flowed around the table, I noticed my husband’s head had gently tilted, resting on my shoulder. His steady breaths indicated that he had fallen asleep amidst the lively conversation.

Bartholomew, ever observant, discreetly mouthed to me, his lips forming the words, “He’s asleep.” His eyes twinkled with a mischievous gleam.

Demetrio, curious and playfully fumbling with his phone, leaned in to me. “Teagan, can you help me put this effect on him? I want to document this.”

Thaddeus joined the playful charade, his eyebrows furrowed as he tried to figure out the intricacies of his phone’s camera. “Do we swipe right or left for filters?”

—

Dacre remained blissfully unaware of the playful photo session happening around him as he slumbered on my shoulder. The filter-enhanced image of him, with a few amusing effects, now rested safely on Demetrio’s phone.

As the group chuckled and admired their handiwork, the entrance to the restaurant caught their attention.

Sebastian, with an apron tied around his waist and a messily elegant bun, sauntered toward our table. A few stray strands of hair tumbled gracefully onto his shoulders as he removed his apron and settled beside Demetrio. His gaze immediately fell on Dacre.

“Teagan? When did you all get back?” He inquired, a curious smile playing on his lips.

“A few hours ago. It’s good to see you, Sebastian.”

As if on cue, Dacre stirred from his slumber, blinking sleepily as he took in the scene before him. “Racer, what are you doing here?” He asked, rubbing his eyes.

Sebastian grinned, his playful spirit evident. “I was feeling a bit bored, so I thought I’d drop by and annoy Bartholomew by working here.”

TO BE CONTINUED.