Jia and I had great Christmas and New Year celebrations with our families. I think both of us had difficulty getting each other gifts since we knew the other could buy any material thing. But it turned out great anyway. Jia and I have been gushing about the newest Nike shoes and without knowing, we both bought a pair for each other and had it customized with our names. So yeah, we have matching shoes from each other. It was great. Plus, we also took a short vacation in Antipolo. The holidays truly were perfect.
Around the second week of January, we were having lunch with my parents when Mom and Dad asked us to accompany her to a meeting.
"It's just a short meeting in the golf club. You used to play, right, Jia? Maybe you and Bea can pass time playing while we finish up with the meeting."
Jia smiled at my Mom and agreed easily. She never could say no to my Mom anyway. I, on the other hand, was apprehensive.
Golf used to be Jia's thing with Miguel. I felt insecure again and I didn't want Jia to be reminded of anything that had to do with Miguel.
"Why do you want us to be there though if it's just a meeting?" I asked. "I mean, I'm not even going to be part of the meeting itself so I doubt it's for me to learn."
Dad sighed and it caught our attention.
"Mr. Roxas specifically requested your presence, Bea," Dad said.
"Why?"
Dad looked at Mom for some sort of help and Mom easily took over.
"Since we started this business deal with him, he has been hinting that his daughter likes you, Bei. I think he's bringing his daughter to the meeting to meet you."
I raised my brows at that and looked at Jia whose face was suddenly void of emotions.
"Which is why I want Jia to be there, anak," Mom continued.
I groaned.
"Mom, you know Jia and I are keeping our relationship private. And if she knows me, then I assume she knows Jia, too."
"I'll introduce Jia as your best friend which is not a lie. I just thought Jia would want to be there," Mom said.
"I would be there, Mommy Det," Jia said firmly and gave me a meaningful look.
I gulped. I almost channeled my inner Bobbie because it wasn't my fault but Jia glared at me as if it was. Of course, I didn't say anything.
I nodded my head in agreement instead.
-
On the day of the meeting itself, Jia and I dressed in similar outfit appropriate for golf. Jia brought her own equipment and I brought Dad's.
When we got there, Dad played with Mr. Roxas for a while while Jia and I practiced a little, making sure we got the basics again.
"I missed this," Jia said with a small smile. "I haven't played since..."
Even if Jia didn't finish her sentence, I knew what she meant.
Not since Miguel.
Jia cleared her throat probably sensing my somber mood.
"You don't like golf, Bei?" she asked.
"I just have bad memories associated with golf," I admitted.
"What do you mean?" she asked curiously.
I sighed.
"Nico."
