*Chloe's POV*
"Chloe! Are you done changing?" Eve asked. She was watching Crash Landing on You, a Korean drama, in the living room while I left my bedroom door open so we could easily see each other.
"Almost!" I say out loud enough for her to hear it. I put on my last earrings in my left ear and check myself one last time in the mirror before I head out.
"Hey Eve!" I called out.
"What?" She says.
"Come here!" I said.
A few seconds later, I heard her pause what she was watching and heard her footsteps coming towards my room.
"I'm in my walk-in closet, Eve!" I informed her. I fix the last touches of my hair.
"Wow!"
Evelyn exclaimed behind me. I turned around and saw her surprised face. "How do I look?" I asked and smiled at her.
"Holy moly!" She blurted out. "You're absolutely stunning, Chloe," She commented. I grinned ear to ear, satisfied with her compliment.
"Thanks, Eve!" I turned around to look in the mirror and fixed my dress one last time.
"Are you staying for the night?" I asked.
"Yeah, I am," She said. "I need to finish watching Crash Landing on You on your Netflix," I shook my head. "You have your own Netflix, though," I said.
"Yeah, but then I have to use my internet data," I chuckled. "Hyun Bin is mine," I teased.
"Are you sure it's not a date?" She changes the subject. I rolled my eyes. I walk past her and make my way towards my bed. I grabbed my purse and phone at my bedside table. I looked over at Eve, "Yes, it's not a date," I sigh, "He just wanted to talk, alright?" I convinced her. Am I really convincing Eve or myself? LOL.
I walked my way towards the front door while Eve was walking behind me. I open the door, "Whatever, have fun!" She said excitedly.
"Oh, I will!" I wink and leave.
Fun? Fun isn't the right word I'm feeling right now. I'm too damn nervous, and I'm on the verge of canceling the meeting with Jaco.
Why did I agree to meet with him in the first place?
I exhaled heavily.
After 15 minutes of driving, I finally arrived at The Pyramid Restaurant, parked my car, and turned off the engine. I quickly retouch my makeup. After I finish retouching my makeup, I check the time on my phone. It's 7:10 p.m. I went out to my car and walked towards the restaurant.
"Good evening, ma'am." The staff greeted me. "Do you have a reservation, ma'am?" She asked.
"Good evening, and yes, I have a reservation for two."
"May I know the name, ma'am?" She asked.
"Jaco Russ Davis,"
She nods and checks the name on the monitor. "This way, ma'am," She gestures to me to follow her and leads the way on the table.
I was getting closer from our table, and the first thing I noticed was Jaco's back facing in my direction. He was sitting at our table. His back is a little tense, perhaps, nervous just how nervous I am about our meeting tonight. I pause and stare at his back, appreciating it for a moment.
He was wearing navy blue polo long sleeves and paired it with jeans. I chuckled, remembering we always wear casual clothes or school uniforms whenever we see each other. Oh god! How will I survive this night without a drool on my face?
*Jaco's POV*
Before I called her in the morning, I was nervous as hell. My palms were sweating. I don't know what to do― if I should text her or call her. I'm glad I chose to call and not the latter because I got the chance to hear her voice― that familiar voice I've known for so long.
Damn, hearing her voice made me realize how much I miss her. I know it's wrong to feel this way because I'm with someone, but at that moment, it felt so right― it felt so good to be true.
"Excuse me, Sir do you want to order?"
I looked up and saw the staff was standing beside me.
"I'll just have a glass of water," She nodded and left.
Minutes later, the waitress arrived with my water. "Thanks," She nodded and left. I sip my water as I check the time on my wristwatch. It's already 7:15 p.m. She really did take her time. I stared at the screen of my phone on the table, contemplating whether I should give her a call or not. Should I ask her if I'll order the food beforehand while I―
"Hi, I'm sorry I'm late,"
I froze.
I was too stunned, and my heartbeat rapidly to hear her voice. Is this real? Did she really come? Calm down, Jaco. Go, look at her and say something. I slowly move my head and look at her. Damn, she looks stunning tonight. Chloe's wearing a white pleated high-low hemline short dress and flattering the square neckline.
"Jaco?"
She arched her brows and looked puzzled.
"Huh?"
I didn't realize I was staring at Chloe for too long and didn't utter a single word.
"Close your mouth, your drooling," She winked and chuckled. I quickly closed my mouth, got up from my seat, and cleared my throat, "Hi," I said softly. I offered my hands to shake, and she naturally shook it in return.
"Hello, did you wait for too long?"
"No, I wasn't. Please have a seat," I gestured, and we both took a seat across from each other. I waved at the staff for the menu so we could order.
"Good evening, ma'am, sir." The staff greeted us. "Here's the menu," She handed two menus to us.
"Call me when you're ready to order, sir," I nodded. "Can I get a glass of water, please?" Chloe says. The staff nodded and left to get Chloe's water.
"So," I began. "What do you like?" I asked while scanning the menu.
"You,"
Wait, what? What did she say again? I pause and secretly gaze at her. She continued looking at the menu as if she didn't say those words seconds ago. Is she playing tricks on me? I chuckled and shook my head. "Smooth, Chlo― Really smooth, I miss your sense of humor," and it was her turn to chuckle.
"Seriously tho, what's your order?" I avert my eyes to the menu and look at her.
"Hmmm… I'll just have carbonara and red neck merlot 2012 red wine," She closed the menu and put it aside.
"I feel like drinking wine tonight. How about you, Jaco?" I gazed at her, and she was grinning while looking at me. "Sure," I shook my head and hid my amused look at her.
A few minutes later, the staff arrived and placed the water beside Chloe. "Thanks," Chloe thanked the staff and nodded in response. "Can I get your order now, Ma'am and Sir?" She asked.
"Yeah, sure," Chloe says.
"We'll have one each of carbonara and bolognese," I dictated. "And red neck merlot 2012, right?" I eyed Chloe. "Yeah, Redneck merlot," She confirmed.
"Is it a bottle or a glass of wine, sir?" The staff asks.
"Glass," I said. The staff takes down notes to our orders. "I'll be serving your wine in a few minutes," She informed us.
*Chloe's POV*
The waitress served our glass of wine, followed by our pasta on the table. We both thanked the waitress and waited for her to leave before I spoke.
I have to ask him now why he invited me over dinner. It's bothering me. I can't just be excited nor giddy about something that he won't usually do.
"I was wondering…" I grabbed my glass of wine and took a sip before I continued talking and gaze at him.
"Hmm?" He asked. He twirled the pasta and chewed it on his mouth before he gazed at me.
"What's with the dinner, Jaco?" I put the glass of wine beside my plate. "I'm surprised you even invited me over for dinner," I stated.
"I know it's too sudden since the last time we met. We weren't―"
"Just cut the crap, Jaco," I interject. He placed his fork on his plate.
"Fine, fine," He held his hands up in surrender. "I just want to catch up with you," I eyed him warily. I'm still not convinced, though.
"Really? Inviting me over a fancy dinner that's not the Jaco I know," I exhaled heavily. "I'm still not convinced, Jaco," I took a sip of my wine.
"How about we talked about it after dinner?" He suggested. I cross my arms. "How about now?" I challenged him. He sighs. "I want to enjoy a fancy dinner with you― for once," I rolled my eyes.
He has a point, though. Back then, we never got to experience eating in a restaurant. It was complicated. Chloe, just shut up and enjoy this night. Stop making this night uncomfortable that you'll regret it later on.
"Fine,"
We both continued eating our dinner silently for a while.
Jaco breaks the silence.
"So, how are you, Chloe?" He sips his wine. "Never been better," I answered sarcastically. He eyed me intently. "How about you?"
"Good,"
"Well, that explains why we're having dinner in a fancy restaurant," I smirked.
"Let's bill out," He says unexpectedly, and I nod in return.
The waiter handed Jaco the bill.
"How much? Let's split it up," I offered, and Jaco smiled. "No, I'll pay. After all, I invited you. It's my treat," I looked at Jaco warily, and I was about to protest.
"I insist," He says.
Oh god, Chloe! You just insulted him and hurt his ego. What's wrong with you? I told you to enjoy the night, not the other way around. If Jaco wants to pay for the dinner, let him pay, dammit!
"Alright, but let's have ice cream afterward just across the street and my treat," I stated. He chuckled. "Deal," He says.
After he finishes paying the bill, we both head out to the restaurant. "Should I bring a car? He asks. I looked at him surprised, "You have a car?" I blurt out. "I― mean no offense. I was just wondering," I explained.
"None taken," He chuckled.
What happened after I left Cebu? He's clearly successful now than ever. I'm just proud that he was able to achieve those things four years later.
"No need, we can just walk on our way there," I smiled while he was eyeing me in disbelief. "Walking? You― wearing that?" He pointed to my heels I'm wearing. I chuckled, looking amused at his reaction. "Thank you for your concern, but I can manage," I smirked, looking proud and confident at him. "Are you sure?" Jaco was not looking convinced, not one bit. I nod and start to walk while Jaco followed my pace.
"What happened four years ago, Jaco?" I randomly asked.
"Well, after we broke up for good. I started to move on just like what you asked me to," He says.
What he just said pierced through my heart right now. Well, I guess I deserve it. After all, I was the one who decided to let him go. I let him believe he was better off without me. It's complicated― it always does.
"I found someone else, Chlo," He said softly. "She's the best girlfriend I could ask for," He was smiling, looking proud.
Ouch, that hurt. I turn my gaze to the trees we pass by as my tears slowly form in my eyes and threaten to spill. My heart feels heavy. I guess Jaco's right. I don't know what I'll do if he said something like this over dinner. I might not be able to hide my tears from him.
"Well, that's good to hear you found someone else," My voice crack. I paused and cleared my throat. "I'm happy for you, Jaco," I smile faintly.
"Going strong?"
Why am I prying his love life? Is this my way of convincing myself that he was better off without me and I made the right choice even if I hurt both of us in the process?
"Oh yeah, totally," He says.
We walk silently, just watching the cars pass by and people walking across from us. A moment or two, we crossed to the opposite side before we arrived from the Gelatissimo cafe.
"Looks like we're here," He breaks the silence. I nod. He opened the door for me and gestured to me to get inside first. "Thanks," I say.
We walked towards the counter and looked at the different flavors of ice cream they have.
"What flavor do you want?" I asked him.
"You choose," He says. I nod in return. I told him to sit somewhere while I go to the counter and order our ice cream.
"Hi! Good evening," The staff greeted.
"Good evening," I greeted back.
"Can I take your order?" He says.
"I'll have one strawberry, one pistachio, and two scoops each," I dictated my order and gave him the money. A couple of minutes later, the staff handed me the ice cream. Instantly, Jaco was beside me, lending me a hand while I grabbed tissue napkins and spoons for our ice cream.
"So, do you want to stay here, or you want to walk around?" Jaco asks.
"Walking," I smiled.
"Are you sure? Your feet might be hurting now from your heels. It's fine by me if we stay here," Jaco said, looking worried.
"It's okay," He nodded and handed me my ice cream, and I handed the spoon and tissue to him in return.
We head out and walk to where our feet want us to wander around.