Chapter 29 – Let’s Play Pretend
Rein’s P.O.V.
“Baby, we’re here. Gising ka na…” I felt Blake’s breath in my ear. He kissed my cheek bago ko inayos sarili ko sa pagkakaupo. Nasa loob kami ng plane ngayon and kakaland lang here in Monaco.
Yes, sumama ako. I gave up studying and some of my business works just to go with him. That’s how I love him. And kung nagtataka kayo kung bakit kami ganito ka sweet ay dahil yun sa ibang airlines kami sumakay. Hindi kami sumabay sa team nila Blake where Adrianna is. Pero ang alam go they’re going to pick us up. Nauna kasi sila ng 4 days saamin.
Blake and I agreed for me to pretend to be his assistant/secretary for safety purposes. We don’t want the media bashing us around with questions because some reporter saw us kissing when we had our date in MOA. Sabi ni Blake na this isn’t the right time to tell everyone about us kasi gugulo lang daw yung life ko, and I understand that.
When Michael died nga, my world turned upside down and the media kept on bashing every chance I had to move on. They would be waiting outside the house and force me to give statements on how I was doing and it was really a mess.
Blake looked disturb when we were waiting for our luggages in the conveyor. He kept on texting and checking his phone. It was just 8:30 in the morning here and 4:30 in the morning sa Philippines I am really sleepy and tired. I feel weak because I haven’t eaten while we were in the flight din. Inaalalayan ako ni Blake kasi daw baka ako biglang himatayin.
“I think we should stay in a hotel.” He told me habang nakasimangot. He still has the black eye from last week nung binato ko sakanya yung phone. Hindi naman na masyadong halata but its still a bit dark. Natawa naman ako. Alam ko naman kung ano ang nasa isip niya eh. Hahaha. “Why are you laughing?? Hindi kaya nakakatawa? You should stay with me. ALWAYS.”
“Ano ka ba, its okay. You could always go to my room.” I pinched his cheeks tapos nagkunyari siya na kakagatin niya yung fingers ko.
“Its not that. You’re going to live in a house full of boys for almost 2 months and all they know is you’re single and I don’t like that. I don’t like sharing my wife with them. Tapos we have separate rooms pa. Anything could happen in two months.” Before we could talk more, nakita na namin na lumabas na yung mga maleta namin sa conveyor and isa isa na kinuha ni Blake. He piled our luggages in a trolley and pushed it palabas ng airport while I just followed him.
Pagkalabas namin, 5 men and Adrianna were waiting outside for us. They greeted each other like they haven’t seen each other for months and I can see how happy Blake is. Nung napatingin si Blake saakin, sumimangot siya and stopped talking sa mga friends niya.
He touched my forehead with the back of his hand which everyone’s attention to us. I felt my blood rush through my face and I was sure that I was the color of a tomato. “Are you okay? You’re so pale.”
“Blake… They’re looking at us.” I whispered and just like in one snap, he got back to his senses that we needed to pretend. Lumayo siya saakin and pretended that he didn’t do anything like that.
“Uhhhmm… Guys, this is my assistant, Ms. Rein Villafuerte.” Everyone of them exchanged smiles and their names with me. I knew I wouldn’t memorize who they were agad but what really caught my attention was the man who hasn’t given me his name and just stared blankly at me with his stunning jet black eyes.
I gave him an awkward smile and waved but he ignored it and went inside his Ferrari 360 Spider Cabrio that was parked near us. If this man is seeking for attention, he really got mine.
My thoughts about the man disappeared when I saw Adrianna and Blake kissing. I felt a certain stab in my chest but I tried my best to hide what I’m feeling. “I missed you so much, Blakey.” Adrianna said while her hand was caressing Blake’s face.
“Alright, guys! Let’s go! We’re going to break your old records this afternoon. Pagpahingahin na natin si Blake and si Ms. Rein.” And with just those words Brent said, everyone began retreating to their own cars.
Tony, Jake, and David went inside the Aston Martin Rapide. Yung guy na sinungitan ako kanina was already inside his car. I was supposed to go inside Blake’s McLaren pero pinigilan ako ni Brent.
“You should give the Adrianna and Blake some privacy.” I just nodded in return kahit ayaw ko silang iwan. He tapped the car window of the guy na sinungitan ako kanina.
“Rein’s going to go with you.” Brent said tapos biglang lumabas yung guy sa car and opened the door of the passenger’s side for me. He was now wearing his Rayban Aviators which is heavily tinted kaya hindi ko makita yung eyes niya.
The ride was like hell for me because it was like the longest time I couldn’t talk even if I wanted to. We were both stealing glances at each other and sometimes magkakahulihan kami. Songs of Maroon 5 is playing in the background. I followed the song’s tunes in a hum. I find him smiling when I sometimes sing some of the lyrics to myself. This guy is really weird. Does he even talk??
But I must tell that he looks more attractive than Blake. Mas maamo kasi yung mukha niya and he has this deep dimple only on his right cheek when he smiles. I wasn’t sure if he really is a good boy but he’s a gentleman knowing he opened the car door for me.
Our convoy went down an underground parking lot of a hotel-like building in Fontvieille and parked in a private parking hall next to 7 other luxury cars which were namely Volvo, BMW, Hummer, Jaguar, Audi, Bentley, and Lamboghini that made my jaw drop. Our family has luxury cars back in the Philippines and I own one but these are the high-end models of each car brand. These must’ve caused a fortune.
“We’re here.” Ow! He talks! I thought to myself. He once again opened my door and inalalayan ako palabas ng car. “Of course I talk, Ms. Rein.” He said while grinning. My cheeks felt warm and I immediately knew that I was speaking my thoughts out loud. “I’ll go ahead. Blake wants to talk to you.” He said tapos nauna na sila umakyat ng stairs kasama si Adrianna. Naiwan kaming dalawa ni Blake.
“Welcome to our home in Monaco, honey.” He said when everyone was already gone. He hugged me from behind and kissed my cheek.
“You own a place here? I thought your crew was renting an apartment?”
“No, its mine. Every year naman kasi kami nandito kaya I decided to buy a place. Some of the cars in this hall are also mine, yung iba kay Rob.” He nuzzled my neck which sent shivers down my spine. “When you meet the whole crew later, wag ka mahihiya ha? We’ll be staying with them ng matagal. Let’s go up?”
I nodded. He guided me to the stairs that lead to the luxurious entrance hall with two elevator lifts which Blake told me leads directly into each unit this building has kaya you need to press the code and not the floor of your unit.
“Bienvenue à nouveau, monsieur Bustamante!” (Welcome back, Mr. Bustamante!) The man dressed in a simple suit greeted us in french in which I completely understood because it was my siblings and I’s third language. My siblings and I are all multilingual and we speak 5 languages namely Tagalog, English, German, French, and Italian for the reason that my mom is half German and Dad is half Italian.
“Merci, Alain. Comment va tout ici?” (Thank you, Alain. How’s everything here?) I found myself dumbstuck when I heard Blake speak in fluent French together with the accent. I didn’t know that he could. I suddenly feel down because this shows how little I know about Blake. I don’t even know his birthday.
“Tout va bien, Monsieur.” (Everything is fine, Sir.) Alain said and shifted his look on me. He smiled widely and bowed his head a little. “Et qui est cette belle dame avec vous, monsieur?” (And who is this lovely lady with you, Sir?)
Before Blake could even speak, inunahan ko na siya and gave Alain a sweet smile. “Merci. Je m'appelle Rein.” (Thank you. My name’s Rein)
“Elle est ma femme” (She’s my wife) Blake said proudly which shocked Alain and shook Blake and I’s hands. At least someone here knows that I’m Blake’s wife.
“Wow! Félicitations, Monsieur, Madame! Désolé de vous interrompre. C'est agréable de vous revoir ici, monsieur.” (Wow! Congratulations, Sir, Ms! Sorry to interrupt. Its nice seeing you back here Sir.) Blake gave him a nod and we went inside one of the lifts.
**
I woke up with the sound of my phone’s alarm. It was already 12 noon and Blake’s practice will be around 1pm. Nakahiga lang ako for I don’t know how long and was just thinking about earlier this morning before I had my nap.
I’ve met everyone in Blake’s and Rob’s crew this morning. Most of them were not pure Filipinos but they know how to speak tagalog naman. Four lang kami na girls na kasama nila; si Ate Tina who cooks and cleans the house for all of us and she’s Kuya Sandro’s wife, Blake’s fitness trainer. Si Rachel, Rob’s younger sister who’s always with him in every race he had. She is same as my age and parang siya lang yung nakakasundo ko. Of course, si Adrianna na kilala nilang lahat as Blake’s “girlfriend”. And ako.
Si Ate Tina na yung nagprepare ng arrangement ng rooms. Blake’s unit has 8 big rooms with own bathrooms each room. 5 of the rooms were occupied by the crew and yung tatlong natitira is for Rob and her sister, Blake and Adrianna’s, and mine.
Yes, magkasama si Blake at si Adrianna sa isang room habang ako, magisa lang. I thought of worst things before I went to have a nap kanina like Blake and Adrianna catching up for the times they weren’t together or having sex. Magakatabi lang rooms niyo, stupid! Maririnig mo naman kung may ginagawa sila. I though to myself and I found myself sticking my ear into the walls seeing kung may maririnig ako. That was how paranoid I am earlier.
Before I could even fall asleep again, tumayo na ako sa bed and took a bath. I decided to wear just simple skinny jeans, a printed shirt, a blazer, and black flats. No one’s going to get all glamed up in a training anyway.
The marble hallway of the unit was empty when I walked out of my room. I went to the kitchen which were to the spacious living room, dining room, TV area, library, and fireplace and saw Rob. Only, Rob. And Rob happens to be the masungit guy whom I rode with his car kanina. He was different when we talked through the phone though.
“Hi.” He greeted me while he was in front of the fridge looking for something. “Want something to eat?” He asked while showing me chocolate bar and strawberry yoghurt.
“No, thanks. Where’s everyone?” I decided to settle for a glass of water and walked pass by him.
“My sister went shopping, the rest of the crew went there earlier than planned to check the cars, Blake and Adrianna went somewhere tapos diretso na daw sila doon.” My face automatically turned into a frown knowing that Blake and Adrianna is again together. “And I, was asked to drive you there by Blake. Sabi niya he strictly needs you there and pag may nangyari sayo na masama while we’re together, he’d kill me. Quiet possessive for a boss, don’t you think?”
“Well, thank you but I think I want to drive myself there.” I said bitterly. His forehead creased and stared at me with disbelief. What is this guy’s problem?? He’s really getting into my nerves. “Problem?”
“Driving here is different.” He said.
“I drove through the streets of Paris and Italy, Rob. I believe wala naman iba dito? Besides, I’ve raced with my brothers who does racing for their spare time. Just let me drive.” He opened his mouth and closed it again. Unaware of what he was going to say, he just nodded his head in disbelief.
“Car keys are over there. Choose whatever car you want then we’ll just set the GPS.” Finally! I can’t wait to see Blake’s reaction when he sees me. I chose the key that has the Jaguar symbol embedded in its key chain. “Woops! Not the Jaguar. Its mine.”
I gave him a sharp look but he just smiled at me playfully. “I’m going to use your Ferrari, then?”
Rob’s P.O.V.
In all fairness, Blake’s secretary was really hot as her voice over the phone. But to my surprise, she is Safe and Seth’s older half-sister. Her brothers are my friends and I was the one who taught them how to race. Funny how some people get connected over one sport.
I didn’t expect her to be that snobbish though. I’ve seen her for a few times from a far already because she used to bring some things for the twins while we race. And also, I didn’t expect her to be that beautiful from a closer look. She wasn’t wearing any make-up and even though she was wearing simple clothes, she’s surely a head-turner.
“I’ll be tailing you. Don’t go too fast. And I’ve turned on the connections of our cars so we could talk while driving. ” I said as I set the Ferrari’s GPS system. “What car do you drive in the Philippines?” I asked her, worried that she doesn’t know the twist and turns of the cars that are parked here.
“A Volvo XC60.” She answered while she was connecting her phone’s music player in the car. Wake Up Call by Maroon 5 played through the cars speakers in a loud tune.
“Wow. Impressive for a girl like you.” A few more set-ups and I was done. Excitement is present in her face as she was studying every bits of the car dashboard. “Now, I trust you to bring this car to and from in good condition. Please take good care of it. This is the first car I bought here from my first money.” Sumakay na ako sa loob ng car ko and started it. I hope allowing Rein to drive on her own isn’t a bad idea.
I settled myself into my car and texted Blake that we were on our way. The garage doors of the parking hall always opens slowly kaya I took time in texting Blake and my sister. I ignored the sound of burning tires that showed how eager for a car to storm out of a garage.
“For a race car driver, I think you drive really slow.” Rein’s voice flooded my speakers. Tumingin ako sa kung saan dapat nakapark yung car ni Rein but to my surprise, she was already gone.
“Shit.”
Blake’s P.O.V.
I wonder what’s taking them so long. Baka late nagising si Rein? Or baka ang tagal nanaman maligo?? She always takes a bath or a shower for not less than 30 minutes and hindi ko alam kung bakit siya ganun katagal.
“Babe, sino ba hinihintay mo? Si Rob ba?” Adrianna was starting to piss me off. Kanina pa siya clingy saakin. She kept on hugging me or kissing my cheek. Although she always does that before. Parang hindi na kasi ako sanay ngayon eh.
“Uhhh, yeah.” I answered shortly before dialing Rein’s number. We are all waiting for Rob and Rein for this training/practice to start. I’ve been looking over the patio for about an hour now just waiting for them.
A few minutes after, we heard the sound of burning tires and we immediately knew it was them. Rob’s stone grey Ferrari drifted around at a high speed and left a drift mark that looked like a donut before parking the car. We were all impressed at Rob’s entrance when his red Jaguar drove in with a high speed as well.
“Sino may gamit nung isa??!” Tony yelled from the other side of the patio. All us went near to get a clearer look on who were driving both of Rob’s cars at the same time.
A well-dressed Rob stepped out of his red Jaguar and went to his Ferrari to open the driver’s door. All of us couldn’t say a word when Rein stepped out of the Ferrari while the two laughed at their private jokes from a far.
Nung naglalakad na sila palapit saamin, I couldn’t help but to notice how Rob and Rein acted. They talk like they’ve known each other for how long. What the hell happened in the unit when I wasn’t there?? And ngayon lang pumayag si Rob na ipahiram yung car niya to someone whom he barely knows.
“That is one secretary you have there, Blake.” Tony tapped my shoulder and all of them got back to what they were doing.
Rein just gave me a sweet smile and a then went pass through me. Pumunta sila ni Rob sa table and to what I heard, they were going to eat their lunch. Nilagpasan ako?? Wala man lang ‘Hi, Blake??’
“Babe, don’t be too obvious. Halata ka eh. Baka bigla nalang umapoy si Rob sa sama ng tingin mo sakanya.” Adrianna gave me a peck on my lips. I didn’t realize na I was looking that way at Rob.
Nakita ko si Rob na binigyan si Rein ng plate na may food na. They were seating a few steps away from us and I could hear Rein’s laughter as Rob was giving away his corny and ‘gasgas’ na jokes. My eyes widened when I saw Rob place a spoonful of rice and steamed chicken in Rein’s mouth.
I wanted to charge at Rob and give him a strong punch on his face for taking away my attention from MY GIRL. Wala pa sila isang araw magkakilala pumuporma agad si Rob?!! Tapos si Rein naman tuwang-tuwa?! They even act as if I’m not here!!!
“Babe…” Adrianna called me. I felt her breath in my ear while she held my hand making the tight grip on my phone loosen. Hindi ko napansin na my hands fisted in jealousy while watching them I can’t be actually jealous. Baka inis lang.
I watched Rein wipe excess sauce on the side of her lip with her left hand and I noticed that she wasn’t wearing our wedding ring. Kahit yung engagement ring niya, hindi niya suot. And with that, I felt my blood rush through my head and walked to where Rob and Rein were seating.
“Excuse me, Rob. I’d like to have a word with Ms. Villafuerte here.” I held her by her wrist and dragged her out of everyone’s earshot. “Why aren’t you wearing your wedding ring?? Or kahit yung engagement ring mo?” I asked her in the lowest tone possible. “Tapos what was that thing with Rob? Why do you look so close???”
“Because you I’m pretending that I’m single and not married!” She asked me while she pulled her hand out of my grip and looked at me sharply. “At least Rob’s being nice and I didn’t hear him having sex with Adrianna ealier! Stop pretending to be jealous!”
“We didn’t do anything!”
“Joke’s on you Bustamante! You are such an ass! I heard Adrianna moan and shout in pleasure before I sleep and now you tell me you didn’t do anything?! DAMN YOU FOR LYING!” She punched me in my shoulder hard enough to make me curse in pain. “I swear if I heard things like that for the next two months, I’m going to go back to the Philippines and you’ll never see me again!” She walked out on me and went to Rob and pretended like nothing happened.
First day in Monaco and we had a fight. I was thinking of this to be more like our honeymoon. Nice move, Bustamante.