Love At First Sit

by Ysa Arcangel

  “Manila didn’t look like it did when I left.” Awe and irritation left her mouth as they picked up speed and began to weave through the traffic.

  It was already dark when they arrived home.

  Wish bade them goodbye as soon as he unloaded the suitcases and a huge balikbayan box.

  “Hey, I’ve gotta go. Tonyo texted me about another speed dating thing at the bar again. I thought I could take a day off,” he blew out a frustrated sigh, “but I guess they need an extra hand. I have to go, Tita. Nice meeting you, po.”

  “Thank you, hijo, and it was a pleasure meeting you too,” Roxette smiled. “Why don’t you come back for dinner?”

  “Sorry, Tita. Unfortunately, I have to go to work tonight. Next time, promise.” He smiled, scratching the back of his head.

  As much as Wish would like to return, he needed to give the family quality time together.

  Roxanne accompanied him to his car, feeling the tension between them.

  “Um, thank you for what you did today, Wish. I really appreciate it.”

  He tucked his hands into his back pockets and shrugged. “That’s what friends are for, right?”

  “Right.” Roxanne nodded. “Thank you for being so good to my kids. They like you, and it makes me happy knowing they are comfortable having you around.”

  “The twins are so cute. They remind me of my youngest brother. I’d better go, buddy.”

  Roxanne let out a small gasp when he stepped closer instead of moving away. She inhaled his manly scent and controlled herself not to bury her nose at the crook of his neck.

  “See you around.” He pinched her nose.

  He walked over to his car, leaving her breathless. “Yeah, see you around.”

  Chapter Ten

  Bittersweet

  “Was that Aloysius Gregorio the guy you told me you met during the speed dating event?” Roxette asked as she made her dinner plate.

  Roxanne swallowed. “Y-yeah.”

  “He seems nice and attractive.” A smile bubbled at her mother’s lips.

  “Ma,” Roxanne drawled and threw a glance at her kids, who were enjoying the meal their grandmother had prepared for them.

  “I’m just saying,” Roxette shrugged. “He doesn’t deserve to be friend-zoned so hard.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

  Roxanne shook her head.

  “Ging, it’s about time.” Her mother reached for her hand and squeezed it.

  “Ma...we are not...I can’t...we shouldn’t.” Roxanne felt a deep red blush form on her cheek and knew she was stuttering. “I don’t want any more headaches, okay?” She could imagine herself tangled up with him, but immediately shooed the image. “You want some more, Danny?” she asked Daniella. The little girl nodded and Roxanne scooped more rice onto her plate.

  “Did HE contact you after the incident?” Roxette asked, pertaining to Chris, who’d resurfaced after years of abandonment, bribing the kids with toys.

  “I haven’t heard from him again,” Roxanne said in a low voice. “When do you plan to open the shop? I already have all the permits. We’re just waiting for you,” she asked, an attempt to change the topic.

  “Anytime you want.”

  “Ma, I thought of a place where the young and old could blend well. It’s a coffee shop/ resto bar/mom-and-pop diner all in one,” she explained. “What do you think?”

  “That’s a great idea.”

  “Mommy, chicken please,” Maximus demanded, reaching over for the piece of chicken leg across the table. Tinay was quick enough to get it for him and placed on his plate.

  “Before you know it, your business could become a beloved local dining establishment with a line out the door every day,” Roxanne enthusiastically laid out the possibilities.

  “Our business,” Roxette corrected her. “There are a lot of things I’d never dealt with before—employees, payroll, taxes, bank account management. I need someone to help me.”

  “That’s why I hired a well-trained staff to help you.”

  “I want YOU to help me manage our business,” Roxette said firmly.

  “Of course, I will help you,” Roxanne assured her. “But I have to work for my kids, too.”

  “Ging, I’m not gonna let you slave yourself working a steady night shift that poses a threat to your health and safety. Let me make it up to you for all the years that I have lost, anak[11].” Roxette smiled softly at her. She stood from her seat and gently wrapped her arms around her daughter. “But before we open, let’s go out of town first. Would you like that, kids?”

  “Yes!” the twins said in unison.

  “Let’s go to Baguio!” Daniella squealed.

  “Tito Wish lives in Baguio. He can come with us,” Maximus told Daniella.

  “Oh, really? I missed Baguio. Let’s go this weekend then, and maybe we can ask Tito Wish to come.” Something flashed in Roxette’s eyes.

  Roxanne just shook her head at her. “Okay, I’ll tell him.”

  ***

  “You know what? You cannot bribe me even with a dozen Belgian chocolates to approve your resignation without rendering thirty days,” Mina told her during their fifteen-minute break in the smoking area of the mezzanine.

  “Ma asked me to manage the business. I don’t want to run into issues during the opening day. I need to prepare. Mentally, physically and emotionally,” Roxanne explained, puffing on her cigarette.

  “Roxy, you are one of our best agents. Do you think the company will let you go that easily?”

  “Mina, I’m tired. You know that. I can no longer do this.” She leaned against the wall, taking another drag. “She gave me this great opportunity to redo my life and hope for a better future for my children. I’m not saying there’s no future in this kind of job, because obviously, you’re doing great, but it’s not for me.”

  Mina blew out a sigh, twirling her fingers to her curly hair. “Okay, I’ll talk to Benj.”

  “You’re now first name basis with our Operations Manager, huh?”

  “Well, apparently, Mr. Millennial God and I are ‘hanging out’ lately since I helped him defend the outbound HMO team. The client didn’t pull out the account in our call center and extended the contract.” Mina’s blush didn’t go unnoticed. “I’ll see what I can do about your immediate resignation.”

  “You’re the best!” Roxanne beamed.

  “So, how is it going after that second date with the hot tattooed bartender?” Mina asked eagerly.

  Roxanne began to cough. “I told you, it’s not a date.”

  “Who are you kidding?” Mina patted her back until the heightened coughing waned. “C’mon, keep me updated. Tell me what happened.”

  “We had breakfast at Sookie’s Cafe.”

  “Oooh.”

  “The food and coffee were great. He’s funny. He really knows how to make me laugh. However—”

  “However, what?”

  “We had great conversations, but almost nothing in common. I mean, I like music and he doesn’t. He likes art; I don’t care anything about art. He likes current events and I don’t give a damn. I like history and he doesn’t care.”

  “Roxy, if each of you have an interest in learning from each other, it can be a rich experience. And the best part is, it leaves the door open for you both to create a new common interest together! Have you ever heard of the Law of Attraction? You two were meant to be together!”

  Roxanne swayed it off her mind.

  “Nevertheless, I enjoyed breakfast with him. He’s quite persistent.”

  “Seriously, you and Wish would make the cutest couple! So, are you going to go out with him again?”

  “We can hang out anytime we want; do not put colors on it, Mina.”

  “Pardon me for asking, I’m just a curious little bitch. If you are to describe He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and Wish, how are you going to compare them?”

  Roxanne frowned. “Okay.” She steadied herself. “Let’s put it this way. Chris is more of a leading man from a date movie, das
hing and debonair. He is the perfect book boyfriend material. Someone who will cuddle with you under the blankets. No talking. Chris is someone who will kiss you and you’ll never forget it for the rest of your life.” Roxanne let out a deep breath.

  “Did you just mention the name of your ex?” Mina was dumbfounded.

  “I guess so.” Roxanne shrugged.

  “You’re on the right track lady. And Wish?”

  “Wish is more like a total alpha male armed with a panty-melting stare. A guy who will show a girl what’s missing in her life. Someone who will give you a love that consumes you, adventure and excitement. He is every girl’s dream; a bad boy who wants to not be bad anymore. Wish is someone who will kiss you and you will ask for more.” Roxanne watched the smoke curling up from her cigarette.

  “Wow.” Mina’s jaw slacked.

  Roxanne gingerly pushed up Mina’s chin.

  “I texted him about the trip to Baguio and he was excited to tour us around.”

  “You should both be looking forward to your romantic vacation, then! Picking strawberries together can be very intimate.” Mina giggled. “The field is big enough that you’ll be pretty far away from anyone else out picking, and you’ll likely be crouched down close together. It’s the perfect chance to steal a ki—”

  “Not when the twins and my mother are around, Mina.” She threw her cigarette on the ground and stomped on it.

  “Ah… yeah. I thought so. Let’s go; we’re OB.”

  Roxanne was scheduled for an exit interview. Fortunately, her TM and OM were understanding—scratch that, having an understanding—and the company was willing to waive her 30-day notice. However, she would not be entitled to a severance pay of one month, and would not be getting her prorated 13th-month pay and back pay.

  It didn’t matter to her. As long as the immediate separation from the company would not give her a bad record, money wasn’t an issue.

  Some of the agents, including Roxanne, were allowed to go on VTO[12] after the call volume subsided. Roxanne dropped by her favorite coffee shop to buy her frappe and sat at her favorite spot with her book. The isolated, dimly lit area near the door gave her the first look and the perfect view of guests coming in and out.

  The café door rang as it opened, and her head turned. Blinking a few times to clear her tired eyes, she froze at the sight of the man who walked up to the counter. Oh, she was hallucinating! She was out of her mind. She defaulted into panic mode.

  The man looked around, turning his head sideways before Roxanne could lift the book to hide her face. Would he even recognize her? She started to hold her breath, but the heaviness in her lungs forced her to let it out.

  She’d been living on a promise for the last five years, waiting for the phone to ring and his sexy voice to say, Baby, I’m coming back for you, but it never happened. He could have emailed her, told her he loved her in a letter, but it never came.

  She was now twenty-five years old and made it through a tough life in the city, but the stinging in the back of her eyes had everything to do with the man who might not even give a damn about her.

  Roxanne hadn’t seen him in years, but she could picture every part of him in her mind. In her head, he was still that charming guy with a cocky smile.

  Was she ready to see him?

  Why now? Her head spun with memories of the times she’d dropped everything for him.

  “What can I get you, sir?” asked the cashier.

  “Caramel macchiato, please.”

  Roxanne was jarred when she heard his voice.

  The cashier filled a cup with espresso, poured over steamed milk, accented with caramel sauce drizzled on top.

  Roxanne was confused and angry. He was there. Christopher Luna was there, in the flesh. Trying her hardest not to confront him and go into full bitchmode or bawl like a baby in front of dozens of people, she gathered her things and walked out the door.

  Chapter Eleven

  Longest Night

  She didn’t want her mother to see how she was feeling just then. She knew once she got home, got settled and let her head clear, she’d realize she was nowhere close to being done with Chris.

  Roxanne found herself having a bottle of beer with Wish at the bar where they first met. When the DJ played “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, Roxanne’s heart sank. Setting down the bottle on the counter, she leaned back in the booth.

  “Are you okay?” asked a concerned Wish.

  She forced a smile and nodded. She glanced down at her beer, gathering her thoughts. “I just resigned from my job to help Ma manage the shop. That calls for a celebration, right?”

  Wish opened the bottle and took a swig. “Cheers!”

  Roxanne followed suit, grimacing at the liquid that passed down her throat.

  “She’s planning to open it next week, and she’s expecting you at the opening,” Roxanne said, and took another few gulps.

  “Easy there, Foxy. We’ve got plenty.”

  A few moments of silence passed as they both drank, Wish opening up his second beer and silently passing another to Roxanne, who accepted it.

  “You know, one time I saw a woman wearing a shirt like yours with the word Guess on it...and guess what I said?”

  “What?”

  “Implants?”

  “You’re such a jerk!” said Roxanne.

  “I know! My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch either,” he laughed.

  She smiled at him, grateful to him for changing the mood.

  “I’m glad you can laugh at my jokes. I find them lame sometimes.”

  “Is this how you take life? Full of fun and laughter?”

  “No, I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.” They both burst out laughing.

  Wish was so easy to get along with. No worries and no complications.

  Silence reigned as she downed the rest of the second beer and chugged a third.

  “Anything you wanted to talk about? Like the reason you’re trying to drown yourself in alcohol?”

  Her jaw fell open. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

  “It’s your call. I won’t push you if you don’t want to talk about it.” He shrugged and took a gulp of beer.

  She tugged her lower lip between her teeth, eyes falling. “I saw him.”

  “Huh? Saw who?” His brows furrowed.

  “The twins’ father, my...ex.” Roxanne took a sharp breath.

  “And?”

  “He didn’t see me. I just ran away. I don’t know if I’m ready to talk to him again.” Roxanne’s lip trembled as she gazed at him. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be here, but I can’t think of anywhere else to go. I don’t want my mom to see me like this.”

  Gently, he leaned in, wiped away her tears, took her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.

  “Don’t you have anything to say? Any violent reactions, comments or suggestions? I’m pathetic, right?” Roxanne choked out, embarrassed.

  “It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt,” Wish said.

  “Are you trying to make me laugh again?” She chuckled between each sob.

  “Look, I don’t know what to say. I guess I’m not good at relationship stuff.” Wish explained.

  “The last thing I want to do is sit here and tell you how foolish I am,” said Roxanne.

  “Don’t say that. Never regret. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience.”

  “So, let’s say if you have a kid with the woman you’ve been with for almost all your life. Will you marry the girl?”

  “I don’t think so. I have three pets at home, who fulfill the same purpose as a wife. I have a dog that growls every morning, a parrot that swears all afternoon and a cat that snuggles with me all night.”

  “Wish! Seriously? I hate you, you’re such a dick!” Roxanne groaned and then slapped him playfully on his bicep.

  “No, seriously, I can’t fi
nd any reason to marry her if I didn’t love her, even if we’d been together for years.”

  “Not even for your kid?”

  “Yeah,” he simply answered. “Tell me why didn’t the father of your children marry you?”

  “If things turn out right for both of—”

  “Foxy, don’t give me excuses. He can’t find the reason to marry you,” Wish cut her off. “If a guy is sure that he wants to be with someone, he’ll be with her. No thinking twice. He will do everything to be with that someone. If he doesn’t, it means it’ll never happen.”

  Roxanne swallowed the lump that suddenly blocked her throat. “We were in love,” she objected.

  “You were in love. Not him. Love feels like magic. But magic is an illusion, Foxy.”

  “You’re such an ass.” Roxanne shook her head. “Can we just dance?”

  Wish smiled at her and pulled her onto the dancefloor. “Okay, no more talking.”

  ***

  The sound of mindless chatter, clinking glasses, the forced laughs of drunkenness and deafening music was like an ode to heartbreak permeating the air.

  When Wish finished rinsing the glass in his hand and set it out to dry, he spoke to his manager and asked to go off duty rather than mix work with personal business. Luckily, there were three of them working that night, Andy and Anthony seemed capable of handling the crowd. He changed out of his bartender uniform into his normal everyday shirt to join Roxanne at her table.

  Wish walked up to the DJ and asked him to play some pop music. The lights were dim but he could still see how beautiful Roxanne was.

  Roxanne came to him. She was clearly confused about the near-encounter with her ex. What Wish wanted to tell her was, ‘You’re better off without that idiot. You need someone who appreciates you like I do.’ Instead, however, he knocked back another bottle of beer. He’d make sure, though, that it was time to let herself try to be happy and have some fun.

  A small smile played around his lips and he pulled her to the dancefloor. A fast song came on and the strobe lights went into a frantic flutter.

  Wish danced to the beat. Roxanne kept on stumbling over her own feet and was laughing over her frustration.