Richard Faulkner, Jr. and Madeline "Dei" Mendez have been best friends since college, with a hint of something more in between. Theirs is a romance that never quite made it, and decided the friendship was too precious, and dedication to their craft...
"No. I was too busy to meet anyone. I was so intent on getting published because I wanted to get it out of the way so that I could follow you."
"I'm glad you pursued your dream first. I wouldn't want you to have any what-ifs once we're really together."
"What about you? What happened when you came back?"
"I was busy immediately after settling down in Manila again. Kat recommended me to several directors who had story ideas for TV anthologies and movies. I was overwhelmed that they were willing to gamble with a newbie like me. I started with TV scripts, they were easier to do and the workload was more manageable. KPop adaptations were easy because there was a plot already and I just needed to localize it. But there was a lot to be done and pretty soon I was already outsourcing some of the work. I finally asked for a loan from my dad to set up Pageturner. Dad wanted in as a silent partner. The rest is history."
"I'm glad Kat helped you out. See, I told you she'd be a good sister to you."
"Yes, we became closer when I got back. I owe that to you."
They finally arrived at Concha's Garden at the Cliffhouse, a branch of the chain of restaurants owned by Jay's family in the Philippines. Dominic managed this branch while another one in Quezon City was managed by his sister. Dei liked the lush greenery around the restaurant, the homey feel of the interiors, and warmth of the staff. She was introduced to the chef and the restaurant manager, after which they were ushered to a table with a nice view, the table already laden with comfort food for breakfast.
"So much food! I'm so hungry I could eat everything," she said excitedly.
They were left to enjoy breakfast, feeding each other and outrageously flirting. Their conversation was laden with subtle references to intimacy later, the sexual tension between them was so evident. Dei could not get enough of the way Richard's eyes would roam all over her body, watching her every move, such that she had to playfully slap him once, to pay more attention to what she was saying. He pulled her chair close to his, rubbing his bare knee against hers, skin against skin making electric contact.
They went to Museo Orlina to check out the glass sculptures on display, marveling at the beauty of Orlina's work.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
He took her to The Bathhouse at Qiwellness Living for a relaxing bathhouse experience; soaking in their pool for forty five minutes, followed by a seventy five minute massage.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
It was already past two in the afternoon when they decided to have a late lunch at Bag of Beans, but neither was that hungry. Dei was sleepy from the massage and they decided to check into their room at The Inn at the Cliffhouse.
"Dei.......separate beds?" He looked at her longingly, as though to implore her to say no.
"No," She said, blushing as she looked away, but he gently turned her face to him.
"We're not doing anything you're not ready for, sweetie. But I do want to hold you close while we sleep. Ok?" She nodded and hugged him in response.
They slept for a few hours and woke up to a beautiful sunset unfolding before them. Both were lazy to go out and ordered room service for dinner. It was during dinner that Richard shared his plans to stay in the country for good.
"Dei.......I'm thinking of relocating to Manila. I asked my brother to help me find a house, when I go back to Miami next weekend, I'll just tie up loose ends there with Faairfax-Harper and move here."
"Why? Won't your parents miss you there?"
"I can always visit them. They're busy with the business, they're not that old yet. They also travel, so I don't think they'll miss me that much."
He reached for her hand across the table and looked at her steadily.
"I promised I'd follow you remember? I'm making good that promise. And this time, I'm making sure we're clear on our label. No more excuses for us to blur the lines, Dei."
"Are you sure about this? I don't want you to regret this later on if things don't work out with us."
"We will make things work, Dei. At least on my end, I will."
"I'm so afraid of losing you again. Please hurry back, ok?"
"I will. But for tonight, I just want to be with you and make up for lost time."
She stood up from her seat and walked towards him, barefoot with just a loose shirtdress on. She pulled him up from his seat and cupped his face to bring his lips to hers, brushing her mouth against his.
