LTB—6
1660 Words
"It seems like he's interested in you," Tasha said when Bjorn was already out sight. I furrowed my brow and shook my head.
He just bought some lotion, that's all.
"That's good. Just always remember, when you choose a man to be your boyfriend, go for someone who loves you, respects you, and always makes you feel valued or special," Tasha said seriously without even allowing me to respond to her first comment.
It's like she's drawing from something in what she said. Is she okay? She seems to be going through something.
I glanced at Adrian and smirked. Adrian was staring at Tasha seriously, but she didn't even glance at him, even though she knew Adrian's eyes were fixed on her.
"Is that a piece of advice?" I teased. She laughed.
"I'm serious. You're at the right age to have a boyfriend. Just choose a good man," she added again.
"You're so advance, Tasha. He just bought some lotion, and he left right after paying."
"Why would he buy that much lotion?" she asked again, trying to give meaning to Bjorn's purchase. I didn't even know the guy.
"Maybe he's going to give it to his relatives?" I replied, unsure.
They laughed at my answer.
"With his wealth, his relatives don't use this brand," she insisted.
"Seriously? You quickly assumed that he's interested in me."
"Let's make a bet." She looked at Adrian.
"If my acquaintance finds out, he'll probably double what he bought. Maybe forty bottles, or he might even buy your entire stock," Adrian replied. He smirked at me, and I knew exactly who and what he was referring to.
"What are you saying?" Tasha asked.
He just grinned and shook his head.
Tasha also bought some bottles of lotion; she said she would give them to her workers in the province.
Considering the size of the deal I closed during my entire shift today, I'll be getting a substantial incentive.
Mimi suggested that we grab a bite to eat before heading home. I hesitated to join her and her boyfriend. It seemed like they had a date planned, and I don't want to be a third wheel.
"No, it's fine," she said with a smile. "Boyfie said he's bringing someone too, so it's a double date," she added while grinning and clinging to my arm. She pulled me gently, like an excited child eager to dine out.
I glanced at my outfit when I noticed that the receptionist was discreetly checking me out as we arrived at the restaurant.
Mimi and I were still in our uniforms, and we didn't have any formal attire to change into. I started feeling insecure again.
We proceeded inside the restaurant, and Mimi's boyfriend mentioned that our dinner companion had arrived earlier.
I scanned the entire restaurant, left, right, and then to the front. I was shocked to see Jetro sitting alone at a table up front.
My heart raced again, and my palms became sweaty. A strange sensation churned in my stomach. Why was it that no matter how hard I lectured myself and tried to remove Jetro from my system, I instantly forgot everything when I saw him?
"He's there," Mimi's boyfriend pointed. So, is Jetro the one we're having dinner with?
Just when I was trying to avoid him, our paths crossed again.
We approached the table. Jetro was busy on his cellphone and didn't notice us right away.
My knees went weak, and I struggled to step closer to him.
I seemed to have lost myself. I woke up from my daydream when Mimi pulled me in a different direction. Not towards where Jetro was sitting but to the side of the table he occupied.
What am I thinking? I want to laugh. I almost embarrassed myself in front of Jetro. That would have been so embarrassing.
Both Mimi and I were surprised when we saw Bjorn. He had a wide smile on his face when our eyes met. I swallowed and returned the smile.
"Hi," Mimi cheerfully greeted Bjorn as we approached. She gave me a sly grin that seemed to imply something. I winced and felt a mix of emotions.
Bjorn pulled a chair for me, and I waited for Mimi and her boyfriend to sit, but I noticed there were only two chairs at the table, the ones Bjorn and I were occupying.
I looked at the couple with curiosity and questions in my eyes.
"We'll be over there," Mimi said, smiling broadly before leaving us.
Did I miss something? "Do you know Mimi?"
Bjorn smiled. "Nope. I just met her now. I know her boyfriend." I nodded.
"So, you didn't know that I was with them?" I stared at him.
"Actually, all of this is my plan." Is he a fortune teller? My forehead creased as I stared at him.
"You're not a stalker, are you?" She laughed.
"What if I am your stalker?" She asked in return.
I shrugged. Well, at least, a handsome stalker.
"I hope you don't mind that I didn't even formally invite you for this date."
"A date?" He nodded.
I smiled and shook my head. It's okay. The food is free, I thought, feeling my hunger.
He looked at me seriously, then later gave me a flirtatious glance. I blushed and quickly looked away.
Our eyes met just right with Jetro. We were only a few tables apart, so I could clearly see his face.
He looked serious. I didn't attempt to engage in a staring contest with him. I felt awkward and uncomfortable, especially when I noticed that he had someone with him at the table – a beautiful, fair-skinned, and model-like woman.
He doesn't do relationships, Almira said, but why is he here with someone in such a romantic place?
Bjorn cleared his throat, getting my attention.
"You know De Gracia?" he asked, undoubtedly referring to Jetro.
"Adrian and Tasha's friend." He nodded.
"Dion is my cousin," he said, so I turned my attention back to Mimi's table.
"I saw Mimi's post tagged with Dion. She's wearing the same uniform as yours, and I saw her earlier at the event too. So, I asked him if he could arrange something like this," he explained.
I gave a small smile in response to him. I didn't see anything wrong with what he did.
But wait, does he have feelings for me?
"Sorry," he said, and I quickly shook my head.
"It's okay. You should have just told me earlier that you were at the event," I replied, blushing.
"If I had asked you earlier, would you have said yes?" he inquired. His question made me pause.
"See?" he said. I wasn't sure if he was disappointed.
"Am I not attractive to you?" he asked out of nowhere.
I took a sip of water in response to his question. Okay, it looks like he does have feelings.
"I guess I am not," he answered her own question.
"You haven't even let me answer, and you're already answering your own question," I responded with a laugh.
"I was there yesterday. I approached you. I even gave you my calling card. I asked if you could call me or send me a message. You said yes. So, I waited last night for your text or call. But, you didn't call," he said, seeming like a sulking child. I pondered for a moment. With the number of people who approached me yesterday, I couldn't remember their faces anymore.
"It's as if I don't want to believe what my mom says about me being handsome."
I chuckled at his last remark, and he joined in the laughter. When we stopped laughing, I happened to look at Jetro. He raised an eyebrow, looking in our direction.
Maybe it's not here, but I'm becoming conceited again.
"Why did you wait for my text or call?" I asked. Even though I knew what he might say, I still asked. I wanted to know.
"Because you said you'd call," he pouted. He looked cute.
"Sorry then. I plan to check the calling cards after the event tomorrow."
Can't you wait, Sir? He smiled.
"Are you a playboy?" I asked bluntly later on. I didn't like playboys.
"Nope," he quickly answered. "Why?"
"I don't like womanizers." I noticed that Jetro was walking by. He seemed to have heard what I said.
"I'm not a womanizer. You can ask my friends. I am sure that I am fit to be your man," Bjorn replied confidently. I couldn't help but smile. Truth, I felt a flutter of excitement.
Our order arrived, so Bjorn and I fell silent for a moment.
"What are you looking for a man?" His face was very serious, and he seemed genuinely interested in my answer.
"I want a man who will love me for who I am. Someone who will value me. He'll love me faithfully, and even if there are other women more attractive than me, he'll be content with me."
Jetro happened to pass by at that moment, catching me off guard. Hopefully, he didn't hear. Again!
Hey, like he cares!
"No one will surpass you," Bjorn replied, gazing intensely at me. But, I am just a nobody.
"Let's eat. It's late, and you have a long way to go home."
We ate in silence, and unintentionally, I found myself glancing in Jetro's direction.
They were having a lively conversation with a girl, and he was completely engrossed in it. It seemed like he had found the girl who would enchant him.
I found myself daydreaming again. So, I was quite surprised when Bjorn took my hand resting on the table.
"What?" I asked. I didn't understand what he was saying because my mind had wandered again.
"I said, I like you!"
I was taken aback by what he said. He said it loudly, and even Mimi and his boyfriend turned to look at us.
They both burst into laughter.
- Writer
