Key to You

Chapter 4

Separate Ways

I ARRIVED a little early at our meeting place, Bean Drinking. The place had a cozy, laid-back atmosphere, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the leafy neighborhood. Perfect for people-watching and, hopefully, keeping the awkwardness to a minimum.

I decided to wait at the corner of the cafe but it was just near the entrance so barf guy could easily spot me.

Damn, I still didn't get his name. After all that trouble.

Hay nako, Olivia. I mentally facepalmed myself. I'll make sure to ask for his name tonight.

"Hey, you actually showed up." That voice.

I looked up to see barf guy's smirking face. "Didn't think you'd go through all the trouble just to return my key," he teased, and sat on the seat across from me.

Umangat ang kilay ko. "What do you think of me? An irresponsible citizen?" I replied.

I fished his key out of my bag and placed it on the table. "Eto na. And for the record, I am no key thief."

He laughed. "Fair enough. But I have to admit, I almost wish you hadn't returned the key yet. Might've given me an excuse to drag this out a little longer."

"Drag what out?" I asked, confused.

"Getting to know you, maybe," he said, his tone both playful and sincere.

The way he looked at me then, like he was sizing up my reaction, made me both flustered and a little bit curious. I couldn't pinpoint whether he's just messing with me or actually interested. But either way, determinado akong hindi ipakita sakanya ang epekto niya sakin.

"Well," I said trying to divert the topic, "Lucky for you, you have my name, number, and business email. And unlucky for me, I still didn't get your name."

Ha! I finally get to ask for his name. Grabeng kalbaryo pa ang pinagdaanan ko just to get to this moment.

He grinned and reached out his hand. "Ethan Louis Delgado po. It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Olivia Paige Herrera."

Ang extra ha.

I shook his hand. Locked in. We officially know each other now. With names and all.

"Do you have other plans for tonight?" I asked him as soon as our handshake ended.

He only looked at me scandalously then covered his body with his arms. "Wag po. Hindi pa ako ready sa mature roles."

I stared at him. "So that's how you sound when speaking in Filipino." His voice sounds deep and manly. Yung tipong ipapagkatiwala mo buhay sa kanya.

His face showed curiosity. "How do I sound like?" He asked.

I only laughed at him. Refusing to give him an answer. Nakakahiya namang aminin na I like him speaking in Filipino.

"So, do you have plans or not? Because I'm still ordering coffee whether you stay or leave." I said.

"And miss out this opportunity to get to know you? I'll order for us. What would you like Liv?" Liv? Close tayo? But instead of pointing it out, I decided to let it slide.

"I'll take a vanilla latte." I replied.

"So, vanilla latte, huh? Basic but respectable choice."

I rolled my eyes. Tamo to. Jinudge pa ako base sa coffee preferences ko. "You say that as if I haven't earned it after all this drama with your key. Now, I am curious about your coffee preferences."