THE SWEETEST SIN(BxB)

28: The Lunch Date.

GAVIN.

The cold cocktail cascaded my throat, eliminating dehydration and tickling my taste buds. A moan rumbled in my chest at the exotic taste of the pineapple mojito. My lips wrapped around the straw, I siphoned the drink, drinking as much as my mouth could take. In less than a minute, my glass was empty.

"That was so fucking good." A comment skated past my lips.

"No wonder you drank it up so fast. I haven't even reached halfway of mine." My date, stated, taking a sip of his drink.

"I could help you finish it." I proposed, stretching my hand across the table towards his drink.

"Not a chance." He swatted my hand away, protectively holding his drink. A cute pout had inhabited his lips.

"Fine I won't take your drink. I'll order another one." I stated, signaling the waitress, a short, slim Korean lass, dressed formally with hair neatly tied in a tight bun on top of her head.

"I hope you are enjoying your experience at the seaside restaurant and resort." She started a conversation, her small red lips stretching into a warm smile.

"Indeed. The cocktails are delightful."

"It's wonderful to hear that. Have you decided on what you are going to have for lunch?" She asked.

"We still haven't decided on it but I could use another grilled pineapple mojito." I requested, shifting my gaze to the menu in front of me. There were variety of sea foods on the menu. I had eaten most of the foods in the menu. All but one, Nakji bokkeumi. Wonder what that is.

"Your cocktail." The waitress stated, gently placing the drink on the table.

"Thank you," I stated smilingly, "Hey, do you know what nakji bokumi is? I have never heard of it before."

A small chuckle flew past the waitress' lips. "Yes I know what it is. Nakji bokkeumi is stir fried octopus. It's a popular dish among my people and it is very delicious."

"I would love to have it for lunch." I decided.

"You will love it, I assure you." She smiled scribbling my order on the sheet attached to her clipboard. Then she turned her attention to Carlito, "And what would you like to have?"

"Umm...I will have what he is having." He retorted. The waitress left soon after. "I have no idea what any of this is." Carlito whispered, referring to the foods on the menu.

"You have never had sea food before?"

"No. I always thought it's gross. Especially the snails and lobsters."

"Hey, those are delicious." I defensively reacted.

"I was watching a movie where a guy was sucking a snail from its shell. Do you know what happened next? The snail came out through his nostril and fell back into his plate. It was fucking gross." He made a retching sound.

"How did the snail even make it to his nostril in the first place?"

"I don't know. It just happened." He fake gasped.

We continued chatting while sipping on our drinks as we waited for our meal. The afternoon breeze gusted through the large windows, resulting in a cooling effect. Soft jazz music played in the back ground, designing a pleasant ambience. Carlito talked about the happy memories of his childhood. How close he was to his mom and dad as a kid. The first carnival he attended with his mother. He took tons of photos and ate a lot of candies and ice cream. He described riding the carousel for the first time as the most exciting feeling in the world. His childhood memories were beautiful to listen to and deep down, I felt envious because I never got to experience any of that.

My parents were absent for most of my childhood. I have lost count of the missed birthdays and important school events. To make up for their absence, they sent expensive gifts for my birthdays. The gifts managed to distract me but never erased their absence. I used to miss them, a lot. Like any child would, their parents. Eventually, I got used to their absenteeism.

"One day mom caught me putting on her make up. She was so mad." Carlito narrated, giggles erupting from his throat.

"You were a notorious child it would seem." I commented, siphoning my mojito.

"Yes. Those were the good old days. Wish I could turn back time and be a 6 year old once more. I was so wild and free. If only wishes were horses..." A dreamy look coated his visage.

"You could still be wild." I proposed.

"Yeah but it won't be the same. Everything changed that fateful day. I should never have asked my mom if liking boys was okay. Because that one question changed my life." Sadness took over his eyes. Reaching out for his hand, I gave it a comforting squeeze.

"There was a time, she found my drawing of Draco and Harry, making out. She yelled at me and burnt the drawing along with my art supplies. I remember sobbing and begging her not to burn my stuff but she ignored my cries. Claimed that my art was the devil's work and that he was using me to do his work. It's why she has never supported my passion." He opened up, pain taking over his eyes. My heart broke, hearing him say this. I don't know much about art but I know that it's what makes Carlito happy. It's his life force. I can't imagine his mom taking that away from him.

"She wants me to be a doctor. A surgeon in fact. But that's not what I want. An artist, with my own studio is what I have always desired." A smile embraced his lips as he shared his dreams with me.

"Is that why you are working at the café? To make enough money to start your own studio?" I inquired, running my thumb on the back of his hand.

"Yes." He nodded. "I know it will take years to make enough money but..."

"I could help. Actually I wanna help." I blurted.

"What? How?"

"By renting a place for you to set up your art studio."

"What? No! Gavin, I don't want your charity." He fired. I knew he would say this.

"Who said it's charity? You'll pay me every last penny. Consider it a debt." I stated knowing too well that I won't take a single penny from him.

"Okay. It's a deal. Where should I sign?" He queried.

"I shall have my lawyers draft a contract." I replied. Just then, the waitress arrived with two plates of steaming stir fried chopped octopus and a pinch of vegetables.

"Bon appétit." The waitress stated after placing the dish on our table. She excused herself and left the meal at our mercy. We dug in almost immediately. A moan rumbled in my chest as soon as the fried octopus made contact with my taste buds.

"This is so good." Carlito praised the food, stuffing more in his small mouth. I hummed in agreement, wolfing down the delicacy. By the time we were done, our bellies were at the brink of bursting. I paid for the meal afterwards and thanked the Korean waitress who introduced herself as Kira.

"I could really use a bath and a nap." Carlito stated, a yawn leaving his lips as he massaged his belly. Sand grains had stuck in his messy hair and food particles splotched the side of his mouth. He looked attractively, messy.

"Me too." I seconded then looked around for Kira. She was nowhere in sight, so I gestured one of the attendants who hurriedly walked to our table. I asked her if we could get a room to take a shower and change and she agreed. She led us to the accommodation section of the resort and left us with the receptionist.

"Enjoy your stay." The old receptionist stated, handing me the key to our room. Disgust coated her face as she examined my hand which was rested on Carlito's waist.

"Thank you." I replied, scooping the keys from the counter.