NELINA
I was wearing a royal blue body-hugging dress above my knee since I was confident showing my figure after consistently working out in Royce’s gym in his condo in Manila. My tummy has flattened back, slightly showing the abs.
Marica’s black Cadillac parked in front of Bocca Felize Italian restaurant. My heart was pounding in my chest for an unknown reason. I was expecting to meet my best friend to have dinner with her and talk about work but it felt different.
As soon as I stepped out of the car my phone rang. It was Marica. “Hello, besty, I’m here. Where are you now?”
“I’m in the restaurant right now. Come on in, we’re waiting for you.” Marica said with a tease in her voice and then she cut the call.
“Wait? Did she say, we’re waiting? What does it mean? Marica probably invited some of my colleagues.” I shook it off out of my thoughts and started walking to the restaurant.
It was uneasy for me since I haven’t worn high heels for quite some time. I was met by the waitress to welcome me.
“Good evening Ms. Cruz, let me take you to your room.”
“Sure.”
We were heading close to the familiar room. All the memories came flashing at the back of my mind. It had beautiful ones with Royce and bad ones with Dennis when he entered the room without permission.
“Ms. Cruz? Are you alright?”
I was jolted by the sudden call out of my name. The waitress was looking at me, she was quite confused.
“Ah, I’m fine. Sorry. I thought of some memories.”
“We’re here. This is your room.” The waitress knocked on the door once and then she opened it.“Enjoy your night, Ms. Cruz,” the beautiful waitress said before leaving me. I nodded in response and mouthed thank you.
The room was in dim light as I entered, it was the same set-up when I dated Royce in the same room. I closed the door behind me without knowing who was sitting on the chair. As I got closer it became clear to me.
“Royce?” My throat dried up and I couldn't find another word to say.
Royce stood up and walked close to me. My heart became erratic with every step he took. Royce and I locked stares as he stood close in front of me. I froze and was speechless. I was content looking at the real man of my life, the man that I love.
He was the same handsome man I’ve known. It hasn’t been a month since I left him but he seems to have lost some weight. He looks thinner, his eyes sunken a little. It tore my heart thinking I made it to him. I made him worry about me, causing him to lack sleep and appetite.
Royce cleared his throat. “Satisfied?” He made it sound sarcastic. He hasn’t changed, he loves to tease me every time he gets a chance.
“What…what do you mean?” I asked, biting my lower lip.
“Do I still look handsome in your eyes? I wish you hadn't changed your taste in a man.”
“You lose a little weight, your face is a little sunken. Do you lack sleep these past few days?”
“Are you worried about me?” Royce trailed his fingers in my face.
I swallowed a lump in my throat.
“Of course, I’m worried and guilty for what I’ve done. I’m sorry, it was my fault. I should have thought thoroughly before making a decision.”
“I forgive you, my love. I missed you so much. Did you miss me?” Royce asked, gently cupping my face.
“I do.”
“You do what?”
“You know that I miss you.”
Royce didn’t wait for another word to come out of my mouth. He softly pressed his lips on mine. I didn't avoid it, I kissed him back. His lips were warm and soft. I clung my arms to Royce's neck as he held my waist closed to him.
I love him sucking my lips as he deepens the kiss. Oh, I wouldn't want it to stop until I remembered we were in a restaurant. I quickly parted our lips and pushed Royce a little.
"What's wrong? You didn't like it?" Royce was stunned by my sudden reaction.
"No. It's not that. Royce, we're in a restaurant, we can't do this here for God's sake."
Royce pulled me close to him again and then he softly trailed his fingers on my face. "Then let's do it in our nest, our love nest. Okay? Baby, how about that?"
"Let's talk about that later. I'm hungry. Can we have our dinner now?"
"Of course, my love, but first, do me a favor. Call me baby."
"Don't be so childish, can we do this thing later?"
"Just one. Baby, I love you. Say it." Royce insisted.
"Fine. Baby, I love you."
He kissed my lips again without permission before he went back to his chair. I shook my head in disbelief at how shallow he could be sometimes.
“There are too many memories in this room. Some are beautiful, some are not.” I said while having our dinner. Remembering the encounter with Dennis.
“It won’t happen again. You won’t see Dennis and Roxie again. They will never be our nightmare anymore. I promise.” Royce meant it, I saw it in his eyes. I know when he talks with sincerity.
“Thank you.”
We had the same set-up dinner as we had during our date in the same restaurant. It was hard for me to eat having Royce constantly glancing at me as if he is afraid I would disappear like a bubble.
“Can we at least eat peacefully?”
“Baby, what’s wrong?”
“It’s uncomfortable having you constantly staring at me while eating.”
Royce chuckled. “I’m sorry my love. I just love to see your heavenly face, I miss looking at those squeezy cheeks of yours.”
“My cheeks aren’t squeezy. It’s not like I gained so much weight while away. FYI, I did work out consistently while staying in your condo in Manila. I lost some pounds, and my stomach flattened back.” I narrated proudly.
“Wow, I can’t wait to see that myself. My mouth is salivating.” Royce said, smirking.
“Eww, can we be modest in front of our food?”
Royce only laughed in response. I was certain he wanted to annoy me.
The food was as scrumptious as always, and the ambiance was perfect, especially having Royce with me. There was nothing more I could ask for.
We were done with our dinner when Royce's phone beeped.
“I’m sorry baby, it’s Marica. I have to answer her text. She’s with Leo, they're having dinner outside.”
“Oh no, I forgot about Marica. Are they waiting for us? I have to talk to her.”
“No, I told her, you’re coming with me tonight.”
“Oh, so, you get to decide what I do with my life now. You haven’t asked me if I want to come or not.”
“Are you not coming with me? You have debts to pay,” Royce said as he stood up and came near me. He leaned over my face. “Remember?”
“I know I have debts and I will pay all of them. Just give me some time to save enough money. You shouldn't do this, you’re blackmailing me. You’re unbelievable Mr. Park. What a shame.”
Royce burst out laughing right in front of my face. “Which debts are you talking about?”
“My family’s debts, you know what I’m talking about. Don’t be stupid. I am yet to calculate it all but we will surely pay all of it. You don’t have to worry.”
Royce kept staring at me, smiling like a fool. Honestly, he looked like an idiot. “You don’t have to calculate. All paid.” Royce tried to pinch my cheek but I avoided it. “Can I not touch my baby doll’s face?”
“We’re not cool, Mr. Park, stop fooling around with me right now.”
"How about having a hot and steamy night? Are you cool with it?"
I swallowed a lump in my throat, thinking about what he meant by it. Royce's sexy body was in the forefront of my head. My mind voluntarily recalled those heated nights we had together in his condo.