Stonehearts 8: Peridot

Five

My drive halted outside a very prestigious art gallery. It baffled me when Kiel texted me this address, but when I probed more on the subject, he just told me to hurry.

Demanding and infuriating this man is!

When I stood at the door, the guard immediately informed that the gallery is closed today since the artist is inside making more art. I started to get puzzled. Is Kiel messing with me?

"My friend told me to go here. Kiel Loyzaga?" I tried.

Mabilis naman nagbago ang itsura niya, "Ay, ikaw ba si Miss Dothy Hermoso?" Tumango ako. "Pasensya na, Ma'am. Sige, pasok ho kayo."

My heels made an unusually loud clicking sound when it connected with the tiled floor. Dozens of painting were scattered around the big hall. I wanted to take my time admiring them but I remembered why I am here.

Inilabas ko ang phone ko at muling nag-text.

Me: I'm here, where are you?

The bubbles started dancing until a reply appeared.

Kiel Loyzaga: omw

And just a few seconds, I heard steps echoing near me. At mukhang hindi lang sa iisang tao 'yon nanggagaling. The chatter soon solidified my assumptions until I saw Kiel pushing a cart with a huge frame in it, and he's joined by a woman.

I don't know why seeing him with someone make my blood boil for no reason.

I hate the feeling.

I cleared my throat so they would acknowledge my presence, which was successful because both looked at me in simultaneous movements.

"She's the friend you're talking about?" the woman said, her voice soft and obviously way too pitchy it irritates me.

Ugh. I don't know why I'm this bitchy. Maybe, because I've just gone over a breakup?

"We're not friends." I cleared, contradicting my statement earlier. "I'm his brother's wedding planner and I was tasked to bring him to the island."

The girl beside him laughed and leaned onto Kiel's strong frame. "Hindi naman pala kayo magkaibigan. You lied to me." Then she pouted.

Fucking annoying.

Kiel chuckled before encircling his arms around the woman's shoulder. "This is Desiree Policarpio. If you like art, you might've heard from her."

I'm not interested.

I shook my head, "No. I don't like art. And I'm not here to talk about art. I'm here to drag you to the airport."

A melting grin appeared on his face. My heart reacted and made it hard for me to breathe. What's with me? Is this about my dream? Shit.

"That's my cue." He said after, not breaking eye-contact with me. "Thanks for this anyway, Desiree. Really appreciate it. Just wished you would agree to pay you."

Desiree giggled making Kiel look at her. She ran her index finger on his chest before giving his lips a tap. "I don't accept money when it comes to you, Kiel. You know that. Isa lang ang mode of payment ko kapag ikaw."

I felt acid burning my stomach and threatening to spill out of my mouth. What a fucking man whore.

Kiel let out a chuckle. "I'll try to remember that. But right now, we need to leave."

Madali niyang itinulak ang cart hanggang sa nasa tabi ko na siya. He looked at me as if I didn't witness a very private conversation from him and this woman.