I, Ache Vol. III

Ache Playlist | Sandwich

Written by TinapieCV

It was a busy Saturday night at Vino Dolce, one of the upscale piano bars in Makati. It was a favorite among the metro's elites because of its opulent yet cozy interiors, as well as the gracious and discreet staff.

For six years now, Mike had been entertaining the crowd at Vino Dolce, playing the piano for its discerning customers. His ex-girlfriend once said that she fell in love with him because he strokes the ivories the way he fucks her--sometimes he would be gentle, but at times he would be rough and merciless.

Mike watched as the patrons started pouring in. By the archway at the entrance was the cougar he christened Mrs. Jones, with her young boytoy in tow. Then there was Owen, a retired army general who was assigned to Mindanao. He stayed at the bar and ordered his usual gin and tonic, while another regular sat beside him listening to his stories and nursing his scotch.

"Boss, request daw ng kanta," one of the waiters said as he placed a slip of paper and a shot of vodka on top of the piano.

He played the last notes of Sting's Shape Of My Heart before reading the note, then began tinkering with the keys to perform Get Here.

After his first set he took a break and headed to the bar for another drink.

"Anong balita?" Alex, the bartender, asked as he uncapped the bottle of beer.

"Two sets lang ako ngayon," he replied.

"Excuse me..."

Mike looked to his right at the sound of her voice and saw a pair of the most arresting eyes he has ever seen.

"Sorry if I'm interrupting." She extended her hand towards him. "I'm Cassandra, I requested a song kanina."

He shook her hand, noticing how small and soft it was. "Mike."

"Ang galing mo tumugtog," she complimented.

He smiled warmly. "Salamat."

"Pasensya ka na ha. Tahimik yan pero matinik," Alex interjected.

"Tama na, binebenta mo na naman ako," he quipped.

She observed the two poking fun at each other, and deduced that they must be close friends. They both look good too--tall, well-built, and clean-shaven. Just the way she liked her men. But especially Mike. He had that silent-waters-run-deep kind of vibe that she found really intriguing and sexy.

"Patapos na pala yung break ko," Mike said while glancing at his watch. Before he left the bar, he winked and jokingly warned her. "Ingat ka kay Alex."

Cassandra watched as Mike played more songs, his hands caressing the keys like a lover. She could picture his agile fingers cupping her breasts as he took her from behind, and she crossed her legs at the erotic images it evoked.

As he sauntered back to the bar after his set ended, Mike saw that Cassandra was still there talking with Alex. He let his gaze wander from her full lips down to her slim waist, and wondered how it would feel to have those long legs wrapped around him while he fucked her.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Hello again."

"Binobola ka ba ni Alex?"

She giggled. "Actually ikaw yung kinukwento nya sa 'kin."

He laughed as he shook his head. "Gago ka talaga, Lex."

Mike was supposed to head out to run some errands, but Cassandra was quite the conversationalist and he ended up staying instead. Four bottles of beer and three shots of tequila later, they were already exchanging stories like old friends. They sat closer together and murmured words into each other's ears as the band's upbeat music blasted over the speakers. And the sexual tension heightened the more alcohol they consumed.