The Damned Chase

-4-

Chapter Four

"I see she's finally here..."

I turned my head to address the male voice behind me. "Hi, I'm..."

"Nice to finally meet you, Ms. Jetaime Alcantara."

That's him?!

There, towering over me is the man I prayed never to see again a week ago.

Within a split second, his expression turned from surprised to amused.

I stood up to face him. It took me seconds to realize he's reaching his hand out for a hand shake.

I hesitantly took his hand, "Uhm.. N-nice to meet you too, Mr. Sebastian" Why the hell am I stuttering?

"Call me Third." He said and he rounded off towards the seat at the other side of the table.

"So.. I guess there's no need for an introduction." Lance says as I take my seat beside him.

"Yeah, I'm quite sure Ms. Alcantara and I have already met somewhere.. Although, not formally" He's looking at me while wearing that smirk again. I stared at him, wide-eye. What is this guy trying to do?

I swear. If not because of Lance, I would storm out of this place right at this very moment.

"Really?" Lance turned to me, looking confused. "How? When?" I need to dismiss this subject. 

"Accidentally. I bumped into him a week ago at a coffee shop near my place." That was all I said, incomplete and a half-lie. There's no way I'm letting anyone else know about that incident. It was already on my list of 'Most Annoying-Embarrassing Moments'

Lance nodded, "Okay."

His smirk grew wider. "Accidentally or not, I'm glad to see you again. I mean, Of course I wasn't expecting you of all people, would be the artist my cousin recommends." He's obviously enjoying this. Ugh, the things I would do to wipe that amusement off his face.

"What a small world, right? Kung alam ko ba namang ikaw pala yung pinsan ni Lance edi sana hindi na ko pumayag." I muttered under my breath.

"What was that?" The bastard said, squinting.

"Nothing. Shall we eat?" I said, giving him the sweetest smile I could muster.

I can play this game better than you do, Third Sebastian.

__

We ordered pizza, pasta, and wine. Typical Italian food.

We were eating in silence when Third spoke. "So.. How old are you, Ms. Alcantara?"

"19. And please, drop the formalities. Jet will do."

He shrugged, "Okay, But I prefer Jetaime. It sounds nicer." Tss, annoying. "19 and already has an art gallery? Impressive. I even heard from Lance that you're still studying. Is it true?" Ang daldal.

"Yeah, I'm taking up Fine Arts. Currently on my fourth year." I glared at Lance and he mouthed 'sorry'.

"Good thing you're still keeping up. Isn't it difficult?"

"Hindi naman, walang gaanong pressure." Is this his way of interviewing prospective employees?

Third nodded and his phone vibrated.

His eyebrows furrowed as he scanned through the message.

"Okay, as much as I want to stay and continue this conversation, I have to go. I'm really sorry. Urgent meeting." Thank God. "Lance, you have the contract, right? I'll leave it up to you. After she signs, drop it at my office."