Somewhere in the Avenue (Velez Cousins Series #1)

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Self-control

Sabay kaming bumaba ni Dad para salubungin ang paparating na mga bisita. As what I've said, his colleagues in construction business and employees in the firm will be coming over for a barbecue party for his birthday. The party will start at 3 PM at pasado alas dos ng hapon palang ngayon. Dad insisted to help with the extra preparation kaso hindi siya hinayaan ng kasambahay.

"Naku Ser, mag-bonding nalang kayo ni Einra dahil ilang buwan din kayong hindi nagkita. Einradelle, samahan mo ang Daddy mo sa may garden. May hinanda akong merienda do'n." sabi ni Yaya at binalingan ako.

Nagkatinginan nalang kami ni Dad dahil sa sinabi ni Yaya. Iniwan din naman niya kami para makabalik na sa ginagawa sa bakuran. All the tables are already set kaya ang tina-transfer nalang nila ngayon ang meat na gagamitin para mamaya and the sticks. Maybe they don't need our help anymore?

Dad offered his hand. "Garden, sweetheart?"

I scrunched my nose and smiled. "Anything for the birthday celebrant." I laughed and accepted his hand.

We were walking side-by-side all the way to our glorious garden. Our gardeners did a phenomenal job in making this garden majestic because Mom is always fond with nature. Even the tones in our mansion is earthy. The color palettes that are used for the interior design is in a shade of green, brown, black and gold. I must say, it's a pretty odd combination for someone who's not used to it but it's bearable.

We sat on the picnic table present there. Tama nga si Yaya nang sinabi niya na may hinanda siyang merienda. It's brownies, egg cookies and a pitcher of apple juice, my favorite. I checked the time through my phone and it's exactly 2 o'clock. I also saw a banner for notifications, saying I got a message from Deonell kaya in-open ko 'yon.

Deonell:

Mind telling me why?

"Einra, I want to tell you something." biglang sabi ni Dad.

I removed my gaze on my phone at tinignan si Dad. I was about to reply to Deonell nang basagin niya ang katahimikan. My brows raise.

"Hmm?"

"I really love the suit and this..." he raised the watch that I bought him that was now on his wrist. Napangiti tuloy ako. "I never thought you've got some excellent taste. I just want you to know that I am grateful for this."

I chuckled. "Aww! No worries, Dad. You deserved it!"

"I really thought someone bought this in your stead." umiling si Dad, natatawa.

Natigilan ako doon habang pinapanood siya. I bit my lower lip and decided to tell him.

"Uh, actually..." I took a deep breath before proceeding, "Someone did help me choose the suit and watch."

"Oh," Dad's eyes widened playfully, "I knew it. You would never have such excellent taste. Mana ka sa'kin, e!"

"Dad!" I exclaimed and pouted, making him chuckle.

Humalakhak lang si Dad bago umusog papalapit sa table. He's sitting across me at hula ko ay aasarin na ako ngayon. He's always fond of teasing me dahil ang dali ko lang mainis.

"What? Isn't it true?" he continued, plastering an annoying smirk.

I rolled my eyes and accepted my defeat. "Fine, Dad. Nagmana nga ako sayo."

He smirked. "So who helped you in choosing what to give to me? It must be Olivienne."

"No," ngumiwi ako, "Liv? Helping me? That's next to impossible. She's a terrible helper next to Suzy."