Lose Control

3.3

Mornings and Coffee,
part three of three

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"You're really buying it at any amount?"

My friend, Vain, has the silliest grin on his face. "Name your price. I really need to buy it."

Doon ako natawa. Well, I know by now why this man is crazy enough to buy something that isn't for sale. He's been telling me all the time how he loves his wife and my hotel is lucky enough to witness it. Talk about some romantic here. Nakakabaliw talaga ang pag-ibig na 'yan. But what are friends for?

Ibinaba ko ang ballpen na kanina ko pa nilalaro. "Nope, I'm not selling it to you." Bago pa siya maalarma ay sinenyasan ko na siyang kumalma. "It's my wedding gift to you, my friend. Tutal 'di ka naman matigil-tigil sa pagsasabing ikakasal kayo ulit, ireregalo ko na lang sa inyo ang penthouse ko."

That made him really happy and I'm all up to seeing him happier with his wife. It's about time.

"Tito, 'antagal mo naman makipag-talk kay Toytoy Van. Nagugutom na ako!"

Doon kami natawang pareho. Sitting below my table is none other my niece, Nicolette. She's been busy playing with her dolls and now she's hungry again.

"Tito Vain, anak." Binuhat ko na siya at hinalikan sa pisngi. "Say Vain and he will buy you an amusement part."

Tumayo na rin ang kaibigan ko. "Come on, tiny Nicole."

Sumimangot ang pamangkin ko kaya natawa na naman kami. She's just too cute!

"Toytoy Van nga! Ganun din naman 'yun!"

May kumatok sa pinto at iniluwa noon si Chrys, ang asawa ng magaling kong kaibigan. Chrys is a lovely woman and she sure tamed my friend further. Binati namin siya nang pamangkin ko at alam ko na agad ang hihilingin ng mag-asawang 'to. Hihiramin nila ang pamangkin ko at okay naman ako doon.

"Anong oras ba siya susunduin ni Ate Nicole?" Tanong ni Chrys.

Umiling ako. "Nope, she's staying with me for a while kaya pwedeng hanggang hapon niyo siya kasama."

Sa katotohanan nga ay kaiiwan lang sa kanya ni ate dito sa opisina ko at sinabing may aayusin. I didn't mind, it wasn't the first time I babysat for my sister.

Aalis na sana ang tatlo nang bumalik si Vain. Ngising-ngising na naman ang loko. Inabot niya sa'kin ang isang calling card.

"Go to that café, they serve the best sweets, my friend."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I've always been the guy with the big appetite for sweets and coffee. I have my sister and my mom to blame because they make and bake the best pastries and I got really addicted. Plus, Ate Nicole can make some killer coffee. I really blame them for the addiction I have now.

I only know some cafés though since my mom and my sis was enough to satisfy my cravings and I haven't been here at the café Vain has recommended me.

Do I have my doubts? Maybe.

But only one way to find out--and I didn't expect to find something, no, someone else.