Ether of Anarchy (Manchester I - ON HIATUS)

Chapter 19

-

Next day morning I woke up in such a good mood. I went for a quick shower and put on some decent clothes since I'll be meeting with Professor Avery's fiancee. I honestly not looking forward to meet him but as mainly as part of my presence here in Palawan, I must.

I choose to dress in all white to be more presentable. I don't usually care how I dress but for the sake of Race, I have to do this.

"Hey, just right on time, Ms. Sinclair," we shake hands.

"Am I late?"

Mukhang kanina pa kasi siya dito dahil halata ang pawis sa noo niya. Sinabayan ko siyang lumakad paloob, siya narin ang nagtour sakin sa bawat kanto ng bar.

"Not at all, Ms. Sinclair. I came earlier than our agreed time," he said, his tone as professional as ever.

I glanced around the bar, taking in the nearly finished setup—the polished counter, the dim, stylish lighting, and the faint scent of fresh paint still lingering in the air. The bar was coming together nicely, and with a bit of luck, it looked like the opening would be during my last week here.

"Looks like the place is almost ready," I said, nodding in approval. "Perfect timing, right before I leave."

He smiled slightly, following my gaze around the room. "Yes, and it seems everything has aligned perfectly."

I pulled my phone from my bag and dialed Race's number. It took four rings before I finally heard her voice, soft and almost strained.

"Lia?" she sounded barely audible.

"Race? You okay?" I asked, immediately picking up on the tension in her tone. She muttered a yes, but something felt off. "I just wanted to update you about the bar's progress. Mr. Alvarez said the opening is likely for December 26."

"Really? I thought it'd be impossible with the holiday rush," she replied, sounding relieved but still distracted. "Anyway, can we go over the details later? I'm a bit tied up right now."

"Of course. Just... be careful, okay?"

"Love you, Lia. Thank you for handling everything. Enjoy yourself out there!" She hung up before I could respond.

I shook my head, smiling despite my worry. Race had always been like this—moving at a hundred miles an hour, juggling projects, clients, and her own dreams without slowing down. But there was something in her voice that stayed with me, a lingering worry that I couldn't quite shake.

I slipped my phone back into my bag, glancing around the nearly-finished bar one more time. Being here, seeing everything come together, made me realize how much I wanted to be here for Race, especially with something she'd poured her heart into.

I look around for Mr. Alvarez para makapagpaalam na ako. Tapos narin naman ang papel ko dito at kakausapin niya rin daw tonight si Race, which made me think my purpose here. I am here in her place pero iistorbohin niya pa si Race sa Laguna.

Composing myself as I walk towards Mr. Alvarez. Nasa entrance door siya ng bar, mukhang may kausap dahil sa pag galaw ng bibig niya although natatakpan ng door yung kausap niya hindi ko maiwasang kutuban.

"Are free tonight?" he asked the person behind the door.

"Of course, anytime," as the voice lingers in my ears. I already know who it was.

"Lia?"

Hindi ko namalayang nasa harap ko na pala sila, papasok sa bar, at agad napansin ko ang pagkalas ng kamay ni Miss Avery sa braso ni Mr. Alvarez. Medyo nagulat ako, lalo na sa paraan ng pagtingin sa akin ng propesor.