The Way To His Heart (The Starving Squad #3)

Chapter 21: Three's A Crowd

Paalis pa lamang ng bakeshop, ramdam na ni Mona ang tensyon sa pagitan ng dalawang lalaki. The three of them have cars and can go to the restaurant or wherever they choose to eat separately. But of course, she should get in the car with either Felix or Baste.

Felix opened the car's door for her. She turned to Baste and saw that he was doing the same thing. Both guys were waiting for her to decide whose car she'll be riding on.

Lumapit siya kay Baste.

Bago siya sumakay, nilingon niya si Felix. She gave him an apologetic smile and said, "Dito muna ako. Mamaya na lang dyan."

He simply nodded and hopped in his car.

"You really can't say no to him, can you?" tanong ni Baste nang makasakay sila ng kotse.

"I just did!"

"Not quite. You told him not this time, but you'll ride with him later. Wala ka talagang conviction."

She gave him a bland look. "Do you want me to get out of the car?"

To answer that, he unlocked the door, smiling smugly. She rolled her eyes and stayed seated. Isinuot niya ang seatbelt.

"Sa'n tayo kakain? 'Wag sa mamahalin, a. Baka ipalibre mo, maubos pera ko."

"Magkano ba ang budget mo?"

"Huy, seryoso? Ako ang pagbabayarin mo?!"

"That's the deal, right? I'll take you out to dinner but you'll pay for the food."

"Did America take away your manners? You're going to make a lady pay for your meal?"

"I wasn't... but you promised."

She opened her mouth to retort, but he has a point so she let it go.

"All right. Food park tayo. But don't tell Felix that it's my treat kasi... di ba nga, he should think that there's something going on between us."

Baste raised an eyebrow. "So, ano'ng gusto mong mangyari? Kunwari libre ko tapos babayaran mo 'ko later, gano'n?"

She nodded enthusiastically. It's good that they're on the same pace. Great minds think alike nga, especially if they are friends.

"Exactly!"

"Baka mamaya nyan, takbuhan mo 'ko, ha."

"Mahahabol mo rin naman ako. Mabagal akong tumakbo," pabiro niyang sagot.

For a short moment, Baste smiled. It immediately disappeared when he realized that he's smiling.

"Ang damot mong ngumiti, 'no?"

He ignored her and continued driving.

--

Sa isang food park sila pumarada. Like most food parks, pa-kwadrado rin 'yong lugar tapos may mga stall na nakapaligid at may kainan sa gitna. Halos walang magkakapareho na tipo ng pagkaing itinitinda kaya marami silang options.

Inikot nila 'yong mga kainan saka sila nag-decide ng kakain. And while they were roaming around, she noticed all the stares, particularly from women. Paghanga para sa dalawang lalaki, inggit o inis naman sa kanya.

"What do you want to eat?" Felix asked her.

"Ang hirap naman ng tanong!" reklamo niya. Gusto niyang bumili ng chocolate shake na umaapaw sa mason jars, may marshmallow, Pocky, stick O at chocolate cereals ba sa ibabaw. Gusto rin niyang bumili ng bagnet at kare-kare. Seafood platter. Pasta with garlic bread. Japanese bento boxes. Pati na rin 'yong mga lutong bahay kagaya ng adobo, afritada, at kaldereta.