I laughed so hard at his reaction. Is it really that difficult to answer that question? He tapped my forehead as I burst into laughter, causing me to step on the brakes unexpectedly. As a result, I bumped into the car in front. Brent is really a troublemaker, hmph!
“I think you need to take a taxi to the bus terminal. You know how things can take a while to resolve here.”
I lowered the windshield to see the driver of the car I hit. I wanted to show the man, whose face was not exactly pleasant with anger, that I was not running away and willing to talk calmly.
“Hello,” I greeted him in my kindest tone.
“Step out of the car!”
Uh-oh, trouble. The man seemed difficult to talk to, just his voice was already intimidating. But I really didn’t mean for this to happen.
“Boss, let’s wait for the traffic enforcer if you want. Or we can settle this matter by ourselves.” The man’s car was not tinted, so I could see that he was alone and didn’t seem to have any injuries.
“Get out and let’s talk!”
I was about to open the door when Brent stopped me from getting out of the car.
“I’ll handle it,” he said to me, and I didn’t argue further.
The man took Brent to his car and pointed at the scratched part. Brent looked at it and nodded in response to whatever the man said. After a few moments, they shook hands. Both of them got back into their respective cars.
“What did he say?” I asked.
“Don’t worry about it, it’s just a minor scratch on his car. I also gave him some money for it. Next time, be careful when driving. What if I wasn’t with you now?”
“Do you think I would do the same thing if you weren’t with me?”
“Maybe. But not everyone can be settled through negotiation, Jamie. Some people really have a hot temper. What if he suddenly pulled out a gun?”
Brent’s words made sense, and I felt a little scared.
“I really drive carefully; I was just taken by surprise earlier when you slapped my forehead.”
“So, I’m the one at fault now? Anyway, maybe we shouldn’t go to the bus terminal anymore. It might just be a warning.”
“You mean, like a bad omen?”
There are indeed some events like that. Of course, I don’t want to die unexpectedly because I still want to fall in love again. Just kidding!
“What about your daughter and Michelle?” I reminded him that there are a mother and daughter waiting for him in Stonewick.
“There are people at home, and they won’t leave my daughter unattended. I’ll call them later to let them know I’m coming home tomorrow.”
“I see. So where are you going to stay tonight?”
“Of course, at your house. Are you going to deny me that when your house is so big? It can fit a lot of people.”
“I can’t do that. I’ll just book a hotel for you, okay?”
Because… I don’t trust myself. I’m afraid I might give in too easily. I’m fragile, you know. We almost had a moment earlier! I feel like my body is still tuned into Brent’s presence and charisma. It’s difficult; we might get drunk or something, then there might be a spark, and something that shouldn’t happen will happen.
“You’re so complicated.”
“Well, I’m jealous of that man!”
“Well, stop being jealous now because you have no right to be jealous. And don’t argue back because I don’t want this issue to escalate further. For now, let’s just be friends. No more, no less! If you don’t want to be just friends with me, then you can also add ‘fellow countryman’. What do you say?”
“I don’t know about you; you’re confusing to talk to.” Brent said, avoiding eye contact with me.
“Whatever. Oh, we’re here.”
I said to him as we arrived at a restobar. I’ve only been here once, but I immediately liked the ambiance. It’s not too mainstream, but not too high-end either. There are karaoke rooms where we can sing our hearts out without worrying about embarrassing ourselves if someone faints upon hearing our voices.
I didn’t know about Brent, but I honestly admit that my voice is more of a Miss Saigon type, just kidding. Most of all, there’s dancing near the stage where there’s a live band. It also has a disco house for party people. Most of all, it has a game room where people can freely play poker or billiards, or smoke while playing.
“Is this place nice?”
“I’m not sure if you’ll like it, but I feel comfortable here. Come on, let’s go,” I said to Brent after parking my car.
I approached the front desk to get an available karaoke room.
“Ma’am, our rates are consumable for three hours,” the staff reminded me.
After signing the guest slip, Brent and I went upstairs to the room reserved for us.
“What else do they have here?”
“Oh, there’s a lot. Why, don’t they have this in the States?” He seemed amazed by the place I brought him to.
“They have plenty, but I like it better here. It’s more inviting, and the excitement of the people is contagious.”
“Wait, I’ll give you a tour of the entire place, okay? Or would you prefer to wander around now or later?” I was in tour guide mode.
“Later so your payment won’t be wasted!”
“Touche!”
How can it be wasted when it’s consumable? I opened the door, and a large room with a karaoke system, an L-shaped sofa, and a billiard table greeted us. The smaller rooms suitable for small groups were fully booked, so I had no choice but to take the billiard room that could accommodate thirty people.
“Do you know how to play billiards?” Maybe he wanted to play, that’s why he asked.
“Hmmm, a little,” I replied. I do know how to play billiards to some extent, but my skills are not exactly professional.
“Wanna play?” He asked again.
“Sure,” I said and approached the billiard table. I arranged the balls, and Brent handed me the cue. “Go ahead and show me your skills.”
He positioned himself and was ready to take a shot. Just from his form, he looked like a pro player. He seemed so used to playing. I waited for him to make the shot, and when he did, my jaw dropped in surprise. His skill was amazing!
“What happened?” I asked why one of the balls didn’t hit anything. Apparently, he’s all talk with no skills.
“Oh, let’s just do karaoke instead. Don’t tell me you have a frog-like voice too.” Oh well, expectations versus reality, maybe even in singing.
“Watch out!” He warned.
“Oh, you’re threatening me now?”
He took the remote and chose a song.
When the tune of my favorite song filled the room, I held my breath because I wanted to hear his voice clearly.
“Oh my…” I said when he began to sing.
Honestly, the original singer would be embarrassed if he were to duet with Brent on stage.
And… I can’t describe the feeling I had when he sang that song in front of me as if it was meant for me. I’ve heard that song on the radio several times, but it didn’t make me giddy like this before. What happened? It felt like I was possessed by the spirit of being thrilled!