Embers of Love (Isla de Vista Series #5)

Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Rain

"You want a drink, Cresia?" aya ni Himarii. "May champagne or coffee."

Umiling lamang ako. "I'll pass. Thank you."

"Okay. Uhm, balikan ko muna ang manager ko, ah. Ayos ka lang dito?"

"Yeah, sure."

Ngumiti siya at kumaway habang paalis.

I took advantage of the opportunity to look at the other artistic creations. Mom felt we needed to go after a few more acquaintances with other individuals who were significant in the world of politics.

When we got back, Engineer Zechariah Bueanvista had already left. But he said he'll try to come here tomorrow, on Saturday, so I was hoping for it.

Early in the morning, Alexa came in with my schedule for the whole month. I was enjoying my breakfast when Engineer Zechariach arrived. It was 6:30 and we offered him breakfast too but he only wanted black coffee.

But still, I thought he would leave but he chose to drink his coffee at the table where I am having my toasted garlic bread for breakfast. He stayed.

"How was the Art Fair?" baritono niyang sinabi.

"It was good."

"Really?"

"Yeah, there's a lot of good pieces."

Tumango siya at sumisimsim sa kape niya. I noticed how his muscles reflexed from a mere movement. He was just staring at me and it somehow made me feel small on my chair. Thus, I looked back to my hot milk.

"What was the emergency during our appointment?"

His calm and steady demeanor made me look at him for clarification. He is on the opposite chair and it is just us in the room.

"I failed to comprehend, Engineer." pormal kong tugon.

"Nagpunta ang kapatid mo on your behalf. You said you had an emergency when we met. What was it about?"

"I was hospitalized for a minor medical reason."

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa aking mga kamay. Kahit wala na ang pamamaga dulot ng karayom, bahid pa rin ang pangingitim nito.

"Are you fine now?" mababa niyang tanong.

Tumango ako ng konti. "Yes."

"You should eat more. You're too thin."

Tumango ulit ako.

"And I mean you should start now, Miss Dela Cuesta."

"I can't have more for breakfast, Engineer. The maids did not prepare anything."

He growled beastly. "They offered me breakfast which means they had something ready. Are you even satisfied with just that piece of bread?"

Yumuko ako dahil bigla akong nahihiya. I don't know how to put it without lying. I don't want to lie to Engineer Zechariah Buenavista. He seems to be a good man and I don't want to lie to people who are good to me.

"I am grateful for your concern, Engineer Zechariah, but I am okay with this breakfast. It is enough." mahina kong sinabi.

He sighed heavily. "It seems like you would faint anytime now, Cresia. Eat as much as you want to get better. You're still not doing well. I can see that."

A sudden surge of electricity from the depths of my chest made me raise my head to him. I felt the spontaneous touching from his words of concern. It's nice. Not everybody is this kind to look after other people.