Make It Without You

Chapter 15: #VillaricaHeirs

A/N: Happy LizQuen Day! I can't believe it's been seven years since we first saw Hope and Quen together on screen.

And yes, stay safe and healthy, guys. ❤️

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The next day, after Billy made her delivery at the party, sinundo siya ni Gabo at saka nila dinaanan ang mga anak sa condo para magkakasama silang mamasyal. Nagpunta ulit sila sa mall at naglaro ang mga bata sa isang trampoline park sa loob ng mall.

Billy didn't bring up the rose to Gabo. Nafigure out na niya kung kailan nailagay yun ni Gabo sa kwarto niya. Nakigamit nga pala siya ng restroom dun nung hinatid nila yung mga bata pauwi, bago sila bumalik sa bakeshop. Gabo was acting normally, too, trying to keep the air between them light kahit nagulat din naman siya sa good night kiss ni Billy. Ayaw niya kasing awkward sila. Lalo na't kasama pa nila ang mga anak.

Dinner time came kaya nagpunta sila sa isang restaurant sa loob ng mall. After a waiter got their order, a middle-aged man approached their table to exchange pleasantries with Gabo. "Gabriel."

Tumayo agad si Gabo at nakipagkamay sa lalaki. "Mr. Reyes, good evening," he said.

"How are you? Your dad? I haven't played golf with him for a while," Mr. Reyes said at nakita na may kasama si Gabo. "Sorry, I guess you have company?"

"I'm good. Dad's doing well, too, I think. Nasa Cebu po siya ngayon," Gabo replied and looked at Billy. "Uh. Sir, this is my family po pala. This is Belinda and our twins, Gavin and Brielle."

The older man's eyes widened when Gabo said the word family. He looked at Billy and the twins curiously. Kahit si Billy, napataas ang kilay sa ginamit na salita ni Gabo pero hindi siya nagcomment.

The twins waved at him. "Good evening Mister," they said.

Billy stood up and shook his hand. "Good evening po," she said before taking her seat again.

"Hello, good evening kids, Ms. Belinda," he said and turned to Gabo again. "I didn't know you got married! Congratulations! Sa ibang bansa ba?" He peered at the twins again. "Your kids look just like you! Must be the Villarica genes!" he said with a booming laugh. Gabo only smiled.

"Sige, I'll leave you to your dinner. Send my regards to your dad," Mr. Reyes said. "Goodbye, Belinda, Brielle, Gavin. Nice meeting you."

Billy nodded politely. "Same here, Sir."

Naupo na ulit si Gabo sa tabi ni Billy. Hindi alam ni Billy kung paano magrereact. Bakit naman kasi family ang pakilala niya sa'min?! Napagkamalan pa tuloy kaming mag-asawa! Sa bagay, parang mahirap namang i-explain ang setup namin? Ano ba yan.

Gabo looked at Billy. "Business partner ng company namin dati," he said. "Sorry. I shouldn't have said that..."

Umiling si Billy. "I understand."

More awkward silence. Buti na lang dumating na ang mga order nila at naging abala na sila sa pagkain.

*****

Sunday was church day for Gabo, Billy and the twins. After ng misa, nagpunta sila sa designer friend ni Gabo to have their measurements taken for the suits and dresses they will wear to Gabo's birthday party.

Manghang tumingin si Brielle sa loob ng atelier ng designer. She touched some of the dresses on the mannequins. "Why are we here?" she asked Gabo and Billy.

"We're going to have clothes made for my birthday party, baby," Gabo said to the little girl and touched her hair.

"Oh, when is your birthday, Tatay?" Brielle asked. "And really? I'll be wearing a dress like this?" She pointed to a nearby wedding gown.