"Who is with you, Godfather?" I asked, thinking he might have a woman with him like the last time he came home. But I only saw the woman for a day because she left immediately.
"It's just me, Angel," he replied, looking at my face again. That's why my heart started pounding even more. My godfather really has a unique presence.
"Oh, well, why don't you go home first and grab some of your clothes. It's Saturday tomorrow anyway. It's just right since it's vacation time," my dad said.
"I have clothes in the quarters, dad," I told him. I always bring clothes, so I have something to change when I clean and water the garden.
"Well, if that's the case, would you mind cooking our dinner, Angel? Godfather is hungry," he said with a sweet smile. Why is he being so sweet to me now? "You should also have dinner here, Bro, Janus, so we can have a drink. It's been a while, hasn't it? Why don't you move here? There's always no one here at the Villa," Nick said.
"Our house is just nearby, Nick," Dad replied, and I proceeded to the main house to prepare the dinner that my godfather requested.
And just as he said, the fridge was already full, and there were a few grocery bags on the table. I started thinking about what to cook. I remembered that Nick likes tamarind soup, so I decided to make that. I'm used to doing house chores, so I moved quickly into the kitchen.
While waiting for the soup to cook, I started organizing the groceries that hadn't been put away yet. I was pleased to see the cabinets almost full as I arranged the expensive canned goods there.
I just stepped on the chair to reach the cabinet and organize everything.
"I'm getting even hungrier!"
I was startled by that voice and almost lost my balance, but Godfather Nick quickly approached and caught me.
"Careful, baby," he softly said, meeting my gaze.
Suddenly, it felt like horses were galloping in my chest because I could feel his warm hand on my thigh. Then he lifted me and set me down on the chair. I ended up holding onto his strong shoulder.
If only I could squeeze Nick's muscles, they're so firm. With that thought, my face immediately heated up.
"Amber Gel, your mind is in the gutter," I secretly scolded myself.
His fragrant scent filled my nose. Nick really smells delicious. It's mouthwatering.
"T—Thank you," I stammered.
"You're being too formal now, Angel. You used to be so noisy here at home," he said with a grin.
"W-well, I was just a kid back then, Godfather." I replied shyly, which made him grin. I can't even remember those times. What stuck with me the most was the past three years. When I started seeing my godfather as more than just my godfather.
Anyway, I've had a crush on Nick for a long time. Or maybe it's not just a crush. I don't know. It's hard to explain. All I know is that it feels like butterflies are playing in my stomach whenever I look into his eyes.
"It seems so. You were quite careless back then," he said with a smile. My pulse started pounding again at that moment. He was so close to me that I had to look up. "You should sleep in the extension room upstairs, Angel. The one next to my room. So I can easily reach you if I need you," he suggested, and I felt him adjust my shorts that had ridden up.
I nodded. Then I turned back to what I was cooking.
"Is it done?" he asked, and I nodded again.
Then I turned off the stove. My knees were still a bit shaky because of the unusual effect Godfather Nick had on me.
"Let me handle that, you look tired," he offered, taking the pot off the stove. "It's just the two of us eating this, Baby. Your dad said he's going home first and will bring some bar snacks," he explained. "Join me for dinner," he instructed, and I didn't refuse. I was hungry too.
"Do you have a boyfriend, Baby Angel?" he asked once we were seated.
"Oh no, Godfather," I replied, my face heating up.
"Really?" he said, frowning but then smiling. "That's good. Keep me company while I'm here so I won't get bored, okay?" he added.
"Sure," I replied as I took a bite.
After eating, I cleaned up our dishes, and Nick said he would take a shower first.
A little later, dad arrived with some bar snacks, which he transferred to a plate. Then he took out some drinks from the cabinet.
"Dad, don't get too drunk, and make sure to eat first," I reminded him.
"This kid, I know that already. I'll take this to the veranda. Bring these glasses, dear," he instructed, which I immediately followed.
I wiped the table first before placing the glasses I was carrying, and dad did the same with the drinks and bar snacks he brought. A little later, Godfather Nick arrived looking fresh and even more fragrant.
"This is nice, Bro. Baby, do you drink?" he asked me before sitting down.
"No," I denied, but the truth is, I've tried drinking because of Mimi. And if I said yes, I'd be in trouble with dad.
"My princess is still too young to drink," dad said as he settled into a metal chair. They were positioned on the veranda by the garden where I could see the plants I took care of.
"The plants here are beautiful, bro," I heard Godfather Nick praise, so I turned to him, but I was surprised to see his dark eyes looking at me.
It made me swallow hard. It was like I was being hypnotized by Godfather Nick's gaze.
"Your godchild is good with plants, she's the one taking care of them," my father proudly said.
"I'm sure Amber's future husband will be lucky. Besides being beautiful, my daughter is hardworking and a great cook," he added proudly.
"Oh, dad," I softly complained, making Godfather Nick laugh. And gosh, even his laughter was so music to my ears that it tickled me.
"My godchild is indeed a great cook. I'm looking forward to tasting more of her dishes," Nick said meaningfully, making my heart race. I didn't know why Godfather Nick's words seemed to have a double meaning to me.
It was like he wanted to taste something else from my cooking.
I secretly scolded myself. "Your mind is in the gutter, Amber Gel!" I felt silly for being giddy over Godfather Nick again. Just like three years ago.
I went inside the house but stayed in the living room so I could easily see Nick—oops, I mean, assist them if they needed anything.
"Don't you have any plans to get married, Nick? You're turning 35," I heard dad ask godfather a little later.
"I'm only turning 35, Janus," he corrected. "I don't think I'm going to get married." He said without enthusiasm, making me glance at the window. Godfather Nick was sitting facing my direction, so I could see his sad expression.
"Not all women are like her, you know. Forget the past and move on; it's been years,"
"What's going on?" I asked myself.
"Let's just drink, brother," he changed the subject.
I wondered what they were talking about. At Godfather's age, he should have a family by now. My dad got married young. But part of me is actually happy.
Because if Nick were married, what chance would I have with him, right? I just hope he stays here in St. Michael for a long time.
"Cheers," dad said, raising his glass. "So you can find a woman you'll love. And stop womanizing."
"Alright..." Godfather Nick said with a laugh. He glanced in my direction. I saw him smile before taking a drink.
Even his smile is so charming. Everything about him. You're overflowing with blessings, Nick.
Then, an idea popped into my head, making me bit my lip and grin. But when I looked back, Nick was looking at me again, and he returned with a smile as if he knew exactly what I was thinking.