Dreams & Fate

The Pretend Game

Things change. It's all part of the human nature. But one thing remained in me that still hasn't changed. My poker personality. I believe that I have the ability to be a cameleon: blend in and not showing a bit of emotion. Maybe that was the reason why John never had the courage to hit on me when we were in college. Aside from the fact that he and Mitch were already together that time, and I had one too, I was so snob back then.

So when they walked in the room, even though all emotions were drained, instincts made me become that evil poker woman again.

This is it. I have to play it well. The pretend game.

"Good afternoon Sir, Ma'am,. What can I do for you?" I smiled at them. John just stared at me, his eyes never moving. Mitch, on the other hand, stepped forward and introduced herslef.

"Hi, I'm Mitch Aldrin, and this is my fiance, John Andrews." As she offered her hand for a shake. And I bitterly took it. She doesn't remember me, or she really didn't knew me at all? So, they're still together, huh? As far as I remember, when John confessed his love for me years ago, he really didn't want to break up his relationship or something. If he did, there won't be any story and we're a happy ever after couple now. But, no. What happened back then was a dream. Nothing more than that.

"Please take a seat." As I motioned for them to sit down in front of my desk. "What can I do for you?"

Mitch, the incredibly outspoken woman, talked first.

"Chef Jari, your reputation as a great patisserie is really good. And you're even featured in a magazine!" She said enthusiastically.

"Yes, I do believe I was featured on somewhere. Uhm, Ma'am where does this go?"

"Financial issues aside, I really want you to cater our wedding, Chef. From the wedding cakes, and give aways, and desserts and other dishes. Can you please do this for us?" She pleaded.

"Ma'am, may I ask when is your wedding? I'm gonna be honest with you. Our restaurant is really busy this time of the year. You see, Valentines is nearing, and... " Oh my god. I thought to myself. This can't be happening. John and Mitch are getting married and I'm gonna cater for them? Bitterness striked me again. But Knigh specifically told me not to lose this offer. "and I really don't want to disappoint you. I really do. So---"

"It will be on the 3rd week of March, so don't worry Chef. Still plenty of time. Really." she interrupted with a laugh.

"Oh, okay. Uhm, here is my calling card," I handed her the gray colored card, "and you just call me whenever you're free to discuss the themes and anything about the cakes. I'm always free after 5 o'clock."

They stood up, Mitch looking really happy that she's got what she wanted. John, on the other hand, remained quiet but took his time looking around my office. I just wish that he saw James' picture on  far side of the wall. You're not the only one here who's love life is still going strong, babe. Okay, now that's so bitter. And competitive.

"Thank you Chef Jari. Really!" As mitch shook my hand.

"Just Jari." I smiled, even that small muscle movement caused me bitterness and pain. John offered his hand and I took it.

"Thanks Ms. Cooper. See you soon." And they walked away. I stood, staring at him, unable to move.

When they left the room, all I could do was slouch in my chair and let out an exhausted sigh. The warmth of his palm still lingers on mine.  How could this happen? Is fate really this mean? I've moved on, even though we've never been together. I was in love with a man that has never been mine, discovered that he loved me too by his own confession, and worst of all, after all that, we never gave chance for each other! Maybe if you ask fate itself, we really aren't meant to be together. This is just so insane. And as I was battling with myself about the recent events, the phone rang.

I picked it up.

"Jari Cooper." I stated.

"Hey, honey. It's me." James said on the other line. Oh, James. I'm so sorry I'm like this. My bestfriend for life, the one person I can show my real self to, and I'm fooling him. Letting him believe that he's the only one. Why do I have to be this bad? I'm like a b*tch and a sl*t at the same time.

"Hey bearhugs. What's up?" I replied, making my voice sound enthusiastic.

"Honey, I'm really, really sorry but I can't come to dinner tonight. I have to attend this convention  suddenly in Singapore and my boss just informed me earlier. I'm packing right now because my flight is in 2 hours. I really am sorry baby." He said apologetically.

"Oh, okay honey. No problem. I've got tons of work to do anyway, so, it's okay."

"Really? You're not mad?"

"No," because I need time too to sort out my feelings, "anyway... When will you be back?"

"In a week.." he sighed, "Sorry. Really sorry honey."

"No, I told you it's okay." I assured him, "just be safe, okay? And be good."

"I will. I love you, bye."

"Love you too." And he hung up.

And that's it. Back to work,

***

John's POV

Now i'm really confused. Seeing Jari again brought back all the feelings that I had for her in college. And again, I still can't talk in front of her. Being in her presence makes my feet cold. Her fluffy, brown hair back then was now in soft curls and tied in a carefree way. Some small locks of hair is hanging  loose and that just makes her simpler and prettier. I only noticed that their conversation (my fiancee and her) is done when Mitch started to stand up. Next thing I knew is I'm shaking her very cold hand too and addresssing her goodbye.

Walking out of her office is such a relief. But I can't still stop myself from thinking about her.

 "Hey, baby. I know you have lots of work right now. But can you do me a favor?" MItch's distracted me from my thoughts.

"Yeah, sure. What is it?"

"Can you call the chef tonight or later or tomorrow? I want you to handle this because you have such an expertise on food. Please baby.." She whined.

"If you think I'm such an expert on this, why didn't you let me cater our wedding? I'm a chef myself, Mitch."

"Oh I haven't thought of that!"

She's such a dumb person sometimes. Well, I'm not gonna let pass this opportunity of meeting with Jar. Mitch is such a blessing sometimes.

"No, it's okay baby. The restaurant is also very busy right now and I can't very well just leave my work. For once, let's just have someone do the work for us."

"Oh, yeah. That's great!" She said happily. "Well, another thing babe. I..."

"What?"

"I have to fly to Georgia. Tonight."

"And why are you telling me this just now?"

"It's the dress baby. Vera Wang's having a vacation in Georgia this week. And she told me that if I can, we could talk about the dresses there. Would you want to come?"

"As much as I want to, I can't babe. Seattle needs me. I'm sorry." Isn't it perfect?

"Just this weekend. I'll be back monday morning, don't worry." She said and kissed me.

"Okay. Forgiven." I looked into her eyes, but now that Jar's come back, all traces of my love for Mitch just disappeared. I don't know if I'm confused or anything. But what I do know, I have to deal with this and let Mitch stay out of this.

I'm going to call Jari. Tonight.

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So, that's it! :) The third chapter.

Hope you guys keep on reading. >.<

By the way, this story is a work of fiction. If anything here is somehow related to actual events, that's purely coincidental.

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