Sentimental Chances (On-Going)

Chapter 35 : Life Is Short

Since I hadn't had lunch, Roldan took me to a Chinese noodle shop called Nuzi Noodle. We reached the evening because I was complaining to him about my wonderful sister-in-law, and I had done earlier that day.

I told him how irritating she was to talk about how I felt about Roy.

"I know she meant well, and I shouldn't have snapped at her like that," I sighed.

"Well, that's true," Roldan replied with a nod. "However, she should have listened after you told her that you are not comfortable talking about it."

"Either way, I know I have to apologize."

The older man seemed to be impressed by me. "I admire your maturity, Pepsi."

"Life is too short to be mad at family. Especially if that family member is a blabbermouth sister-in-law," I said.

"That's right."

I took a better look around the noodle shop. It was my first time there. It was small, with glossy wooden walls, red Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and a bar table where we were sitting while waiting for our food.

We could see the cook making our noodle soup. The smell from where I was made me starve more. Good thing there were complementary pawn crackers to help fill my stomach,

Even though it was the peak of dinner time and it was filled with customers, the place was quiet and calm.

"This place is nice," I commented. "Do you come here often?"

"Yes, this is where I used to take my wife on our first date," he answered. "Since then, this is where we ate whenever we wanted to go out."

"That's so sweet. I bet there are a lot of good memories here with her."

"Of course. I would take her to a fancy restaurant, but she loved it here."

"I know what you mean. Topher and I had our first date at this Vietnamese restaurant, Love Saigon. Since then, it has been our favorite go-to place whenever he gets back from his travels," I told.

"I know that place. It's the one with the spicy hot chocolate drink," Roldan recalled.

"That's the one."

"Is it good? I haven't tried it. Honestly, I find it odd. I can't imagine drinking chocolate, and it tasted spicy."

"Oh, it's good. Best thing in the world," I claimed.

"Alright, from that reaction, I will definitely give it a try," he said.

"I promise you, you won't regret it."

Later, it was nighttime. Roldan drove me back to the inn. I got out of his van and thanked him for lending an ear before going inside. 

There were people coming and going since it was time for dinner in the Loveday Inn. Since I already ate, I decided to go straight to my room.

When I entered, I wondered about Roy again. I checked on him by peaking at the dining area, but he was not there. It made me worried again.

"Hey, Barry, has Roy had his dinner already?" I asked the moment he came out of the living room.

"I don't think so. Actually, I think he's still in his room. He's in there the whole day," Barry replied, looking rather concerned as well. "No, wait, he did come down for lunch, but that's just it."

"Is that so? Okay, thanks."

"What about you? Aren't you gonna eat?"

"Uhm... I already ate. I'll just be in my room," I said.