The Devil's Trap

The Devil's Trap: Special Chapter Part 2

P A R T T W O

I called Elyse that night to celebrate, for a successful meeting, presentation, and for seeing the Monaghans once again.

"Looks like a reunion." She expertly stirred her margarita glass. "Ikaw lang naman itong hindi sila nakikita."

Oh, yes. She mentioned something about meeting them in several events. The bartender slide a glass of rosé in front of me. "Thanks," I smiled.

"Oh, and you're drinking alcohol now?" Said Elyse with a giggled shock. "Is this a celebration or may iba kang iniisip?"

"What?" Inosente kong tanong. "Of course, a celebration."

Tumikhim si Elyse at mas idinikit ang upuan niya sa tabi ko. "First of all, never kang nagyaya makipag inuman sa labas kahit pa ang lapit na ng tirahan natin sa isa't isa."

"We always go with other stuff like cafes. And this is a casual brewery!" I pointed out.

The air inside the bar is a lot chill. Not like young clubs with dance floors and blinking lights, this bar was more like for adulting adults. There's stools, settees, sofas, and the conversation are more on the silent, casual, or business types.

"And there's a reason why I don't drink in public," I said.

I sip my drink and we talk about things about our jobs. She also talked about how annoying her fiancé is, even though there's a silly grin and bright gleam on her eyes whenever she mentions about him. This silly girl is beyond inlove without even noticing it.

"Oh, wait! Speaking of which, here he goes," she said pointing at her buzzing phone on the table. "For sure he's thinking we're waisted or something." Tumayo siya. "Just let me take this call."

I waved my hand with my second glass of rosé. "Sure, sure. He must be worried. You know he can't live a day without you."

Elyse laughed loudly. "I know right!"

Lumabas sandali sa bar si Elyse. I remained on my seat and let some thoughts play inside my head.

Two years. Of course. A lot can happen in two years. I wonder why the twins didn't mention it. Would Landon tell me about it if I ask him? Can I ask him those kind of things? I don't think anyone has the right to probe on his private life. Even interviews don't mention about his life, unless it's related to his business.

"Can I buy you a drink?"

I turned to someone who sat on Elyse's vacant seat. Funny, I was expecting someone for a second before it faded away. Oh, it's just a random guy. I smiled and shake my head gently.

"I'm good."

"Seems like you need another glass, or am just a little hopeful?" He stare with his long lashes. Why does man have to be blessed with lashes they don't need to groom?

My smile turned genuine. "Actually I could use some-"

"Actually, no."

Someone approached us and by the way he stood on my back, he towers over the two of us. Kinuha ng taong bagong dating ang baso mula sa kamay ko na halos pasaid na ang laman. I tried to look up to see who it was but he went to the bartender to give the glass. "No alcohol for this lady, please."

The guy I was talking to earlier noticed the awkward air kaya pinili niyang magpaalam. Nang umalis siya sa silya, pumalit sa harapan ko ang lalakeng bagong dating.

"Didn't I tell you not to get drunk in front of other men, Denise?"

I blinked at Landon. Or is he really here? Is this just the dark bar and the drink taking on me?