Chapter 8
"It's a good story, Storm. If you'd ask me..." Denver said the moment I placed the script on the table after reading.
I leaned back on my chair before lifting my tall glass of strawberry milkshake and taking a sip on it. Malalim ang iniisip ko. My gaze drifted to the woman walking her fashionista poodle outside the cafe. Nang lingunin niya ako ay mabilis kong ibinaling ang tingin palayo at inayos ang suot na malalaking sunglasses.
"Well... I'm still thinking about it."
Umarko ang kilay ni Denver. As soon as we got into Manila, he called me and set a private meeting for the two of us. Apparently, my grumpy manager had chosen an outdoor French cafe, just three blocks away from my condo. He said he needed fresh air and so do I.
"What about it?" he rested both of his hands on the round white table and eyed me suspiciously.
"It's cool, yeah. But..."
The corners of his lips lifted in a knowing smirk. Denver chuckled. "Are you, perhaps, bothered that Philo Treveron will see you kissing a woman on the screen?"
My cheeks burned in embarassment. Hindi kaagad ako nakasagot.
"C'mon, Storm! Philo is an open-minded person. I haven't heard of any negative statements from him pertinent to the LGBTQ community. And besides, he's a performer himself. He understands the nitty-gritty of your work and what appears on the screen is platonically professional."
"I know..." I chewed my bottom lips.
"Or are you still contemplating on playing the role of a lesbian?"
Ngumuso ako. Inayos ni Denver ang mamahaling scarf na nakapalibot sa kaniyang leeg. He looks fresh today, even with the darkening circles under his eyes brought upon by the demands of work I left behind when I went home to La Union.
"Pag-iisipan ko pa, Denver..." ani ko. A girl walked past us. Nahagip ako ng tingin niya at nagtagal ito sa akin. Bumagal ang lakad niya. Then her face lit as recognition dawned on her face. Inayos ko ang nakabalot na head scarf at bahagyang tumungo.
"Well, you better think fast. I can't keep them waiting for nothing. But as you may know, the production company is expecting a positive response from you..."
Sa isang iglap ay bumalik sa dati ang buhay ko. The regular shooting continued, and I was offered some clothing brands to model. I accepted what I can, and went home dead tired every day.
While Philodemus, on the other hand, is busy for his upcoming concert. I tried talking my way out of Denver to get me to free my schedule for even two days but he can't do anything. Masyado na akong maraming pinalampas. Ayaw niyang umalis ulit ako. Albeit I am dying to watch his concert live, I can't do anything about it.
"Don't worry about it..." aniya sa akin, isang gabi habang nakahiga ako sa couch at nakatitig sa kisame. I pressed my phone to my face, imagining about his handsome face again. Tahimik ang buong condo unit maliban sa boses kong mahinang nakikipag-usap sa nobyo. "This is my last tour before I go back to Philippines for the Araneta concert."
"Hmm..." I sighed and miserably hugged my pillow. Sobrang namimiss ko na siya. I missed being kissed and touched by him. Gusto ko siyang makasama ulit.
"Facetime?"
I giggled and said yes. Pinatay ko ang tawag at mabilis na tumayo. Tumakbo ako sa salamin upang suriin ang sarili. I had a few seconds to comb my messy hair and put some gloss on my lips before my phone vibrated.
Clearing my throat, I answered his call and his face appeared on the screen, looking craggily handsome. Mukhang nakahiga siya sa isang recliner, suot ang isang puting oversized na hoodie. I blushed when I realized I'm just wearing my satin sleepwear, and with no bra on. My pearls are surely visible with the thin layer of soft cloth.
BINABASA MO ANG
Deceret Series #1: His Lips On My Neck
General Fictiondeceret (n.) latin word for "body to body" When Philodemus Elton Treveron's parents were slayed, the only thing that brings him closer to finding the killer is the gold crucifix chain around his neck. Fueled with vengeance, Elton swore to himself th...