(GRIEGO COUSINS #1)
Seven years after his mother's tragic death, Angelus Griego's father, Simon Griego, made a life-changing decision to marry a wealthy businesswoman with a troubled past and a sick child. Angelus, known for his charm, intelligence...
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My parents and I frequently dine at upscale restaurants. That's why the lavishness of this place's interiors didn't surprise me. We entered an opulent establishment, where a service member showed us the way to the VIP area.
Mayor Escalante was greeted by them as though he dropped by regularly. I was immediately drawn to the flavor of the sirloin steak that was served. It smelled really good and was cooked to perfection. Plus, the dressing was impeccable. But...
I lifted my eyes. Nagtama ang mga mata namin ng taong kaharap ngayon. He's watching me, his eyes looking so focused, like I'm some puzzle he wants so badly to solve. I swallowed hard.
"You should eat. Their steak here is much better than those steaks you will ever have in other countries." He encouraged me and smiled a little.
Tumango ako. "Thank you..." Pilit akong ngumiti at nagsimula nang galawin ang pagkain.
I am not comfortable, and I am not uneasy either. I'm confused. Why am I here with him? We barely know each other. At hindi lang iyon. He's the mayor of our city! The beloved one! The charismatic politician in the country!
And he's here with me, treating me to celebrate my award!
Kumurap ako nang manuot sa aking dila ang lasa ng steak. He was right! This tastes really good! I smiled and looked at him.
"This tastes so good. It's almost on par with one I had in Argentina a year ago," sa magaan ko nang tono.
"I told you," he said, smiling.
Pinagpatuloy ko ang pagkain at bahagyang ginala ang paningin. We're in a VIP room, so it's understandable that we're dining in a secluded part of the restaurant. That's reasonable. Mayor siya at parang nakakapagtaka kung makikita siyang kumakain kasama ang isang estudiyanteng hindi naman niya kaano-ano.
I wonder why he's doing this. Did he feel bad for me? Or... he's just too kind to celebrate with me because I achieved something, and every achievement needs to be celebrated?
"Do you play sports, Miss Farida?"
Maagap akong bumaling sa kaniya at umiling. "No. I am not really active. Though I usually watch my father play Polo with his friends."
"Really? What's your hobby, then? Aside from studying, of course." He beamed a smile.
Hmm... what do I usually do aside from studying?
Well, I am not really fun. Maybe that's why I don't have friends. I can't relate to their hobbies. I can't talk about boys with them; I can't play any sports. I also don't go shopping that much.
"I just... stay in my room and read books."
He chuckled. Ngumuso ako nang halos mawala ang mga mata niya sa pagtawa. He's holding his fork and knife with precision, and his fingers are long.
