Sweeter by the Second

“I like seeing you in my bed.”

I frowned at the man who stood by the foot of the bed, a smug look on his face. “You like seeing me bedridden?”

Tony laughed and sat down. “Oh, Rin. I’ve forgotten how literal you are.” Shaking his head, he traced the bedcover’s crochet patterns with a finger. “No, I mean I like seeing you here . . . in my house, in my room. Not bad after what—ten years?”

I smirked. “Talk about delayed wish fulfillment.”

“Well, you’re here now.” Tony looked me straight in the eyes and smiled.

At that moment, I swear I felt weak at the knees.

Er . . . not entirely true. I’ve been feeling rather weak for the past three days—the effect of a bad case of food poisoning (damned roadside shawarma craving).

Ignoring the way my heart hitched in my chest, I rolled my eyes at him. “I knew it. This was all a plot to get me here.”

Tony chuckled. “Nu-uh, this is all on you, Miss Piggy . . . wandering off by yourself . . .”

“I wasn't alone. Mimi was with me.” I was defensive. I’d just wanted a few hours by myself—to cope with Tony’s sudden reappearance in my life.

“Refusing my offer to drive you . . .”

“You had work!” I protested.

“And eating street food when a perfectly good dinner was waiting for you here.”

“I’m paying for my sins now. Happy?” Believe me, visiting the toilet every few minutes was torture.

“Tonying, stop pestering Rina.” Manang Dalma, Tony’s housekeeper came in the room and put a tray of steaming lugaw on the bedside table. “Here hija, see if you can keep this down.” She helped me sit up and handed me the bowl and a spoon. Frowning, she shooed Tony off, “Go and eat or your breakfast will get cold.”

“Opo.” Tony saluted her before he turned to leave. “Take good care of my girl, Manang.”

Laughing, he ducked to escape the balled-up napkin I threw at him.

    Exorcising my Ex

I glanced at my watch just to make sure—my efficient, punctual daughter was officially ten minutes late. Smirking, I thought of all the mileage I’d get from teasing her about it. Pam got riled almost as easily as her mother did.

Just as if I had conjured her from thin air, a tall brunette appeared in the doorway. Her long hair was perfectly styled, and her sleeveless shift fit lovingly over her trim curves. Large eyes, framed by the longest eyelashes I’d ever seen, slowly scanned the room. The moment they met mine, they flared in surprise before narrowing.

I rose to greet her. “Viv. This is a surprise.” I bussed her cheek, lingering a moment longer than necessary.

She drew back, but not before I heard her sharp intake of breath. Glancing around, she asked, “Where’s Pam?”

“On her way, I suppose.” I helped her into a seat. “Didn't know you’d be here today, Viv.”

“I didn't know you’d be here either.”

“Hmm. I wonder if—” I broke off as both our phones vibrated.

Sure enough, it was a lengthy message from Pam:

sPam: Hi, Mom and Dad!

Yes, I’m with Tita Joy and I’ll be sleeping over at their place with her and Kesha tonight.

Yes, this is a setup. Happy anniversary! :-) Yeah, I know you never married, but when you were together, this was your anniversary (it was in mom’s scrapbook). This was also probably the day I was conceived fourteen years ago, so Happy Conception Day to me, too *\(ˆoˆ)⁄*

Anyway, I just thought that now Mom is back in town again it would be nice if you could catch up with each other.

I already paid for dinner. This took quite a chunk out of my med school nest egg, so you guys better sit and enjoy it.

I love you both!

P.S. I really, really don’t want to be grounded forever. I love you!

I shook my head. My girl was devious. Just like her Dad.