The Beauty of Florence ✔

Chapter Four

"What are you doing here? We just saw each other earlier! And you bought food? You're a lifesaver!" I babbled on and locked the door behind us.

I led him to the dining room and helped him unload the food. As soon as we got the food out of the paper bags, I was about to get us plates when he stopped me.

"That will be too much. We'll have to wash those plates later on. I brought us paper plates as well as plastic spoons and forks." Patrick shook his head and smiled snidely at me while he pulled out the said utensils.

I laughed at him and sighed. "What is this? Are we in a party? What's with all these plates and stuff?" I asked in surprise.

"I was so bored at home. Both my parents are out for their anniversary dinner while my brother is on a camp-out with his friends. Your dude's got no social life so I thought of bringing the party to you." Patrick said and pouted.

"You looked like a kid. Stop pouting." I chuckled. "Come on, let's eat! Looking at these foods made my mouth water even more. You really are a life-saver! Me got no food, too. Both parentals are at work."

"Aww... Poor little babies." Patrick cooed and patted my hair and I shrugged him off.

"Dig in before I get your share." I warned him and it was his turn to chuckle.

Soon, we were savoring our serving of chicken barbecue, spicy chicken wings and a platter of mojos. Patrick was thoughtful enough to buy desserts: Chocolate Fudge and Brownies.

If there are things me and Patrick have in common are our love for sweets and chocolates. It's like our inner sweet tooth automatically activates at the sight of seeing anything chocolatey and moist.

"Oh my goodness! These are heaven!" I gushed and bit on the chewy brownie in my hand.

Patrick, too, was at loss for words. He was silent as he ate his brownie. The only sound that you can hear from him was his satisfied sighs as he savoured on the chocolatey goodness.

"Man! This is sinfully good! Next time, tell me to buy as two more of these!" Patrick shook his head and licked on his thumb after he was finished with the brownie.

"Euw! Do you really have to be that gross?" I remarked and rolled my eyes. I stood up after I watched him drank his water and started clearing our trash.

As soon as I have gathered them up. I went to the sink and opened our garbage bin under the sink to get rid of the leftover crumbs and all before throwing all the paper plates and sporks.

I started to wash my hands under the faucet and dried them up using the hand towel at the handle of the refrigerator.

I was about to turn around to head to the couch when I came face to face with Patrick.

His thoughtful eyes met mine and casually, he smiled and passed by my right to wash his hands at the sink.

I was so stunned that I almost felt like I was holding my breath for a moment there.

I have known him for quite a long time and never did he has this effect on me.

Is it my vulnerable state talking because I will be facing the future alone as I leave for Italy or was it because of this crazy feeling I am starting to have for him?

Am I really seeing Patrick in a whole new light? Like, more than a friend? As in, a boyfriend?

"Hey!" Speaking of the devil. He snapped his fingers in front of me to catch my attention. I blinked and looked at him again. "You coming or not?"

"Yeah. I- I'm coming. " I stuttered and he smiled again and went to the couch.

Since both mom and dad trusted him and has become an honorary member of our family, he became so comfortable around our house.

Just like today. He was sitting in front of our television and had our android television connected to our wifi. He was switching channels between Netflix and the NBA.

I sat beside him and snatched the remote away from him. I searched for a good movie in Netflix and came across this movie of Chris Evans and Jason Statham called The Cellular.

And oh, boy! Chris Evans is Chris Evans! Those amazing piercing blue eyes! Oh, you get the picture!

My eyes sparkled at the sight of my ultimate crush.

"Geez. I am much more handsome than that guy." Patrick snarled and crossed his arms over his chest as he was forced to watch this movie with me.

He knew that this time he's screwed because for tonight, I am in charge of the remote. It has become an agreement to let each other choose the movie on our movie nights. You know, to be fair so that the other doesn't get to complain for hogging the remote.

"I am not hearing anything!" I teased him in a singsongingly manner and rested my back on the back of our couch.

The only noise that can be heard were my occasional screams for every scene that got me on my toes. Patrick has to cover his ears every time.

Needless to say, he too could not help to join me as we watched the rest of the movie.

"Honestly, that guy is a good actor." Patrick commented after we finished the movie for a good one hour and forty five minutes.

"And admit it, he has good body too. And eyes. And smile. And -" I said in a dreamy expression when he cut me off.

"Alright, alright! I get your picture! Now, shush!" Patrick rolled his eyes and scoffed.

I was about to shot back at him when we heard the door open.

"Hello kids." Dad said as he locked our main door and stopped by the couch to kiss me on the forehead.

"Hey dad. Have you eaten already?" I asked and kissed him back on the cheeks

"Hello pop." Patrick greeted him and dad nodded in acknowledgment and bumped fists.

"Hey! What's pop? I ain't gonna share my dad with you!" I complained and both of them chuckled. "Are you guys ganging up on me?" I asked in disbelief as I looked at them.

"Yes kiddo, I had my dinner at the station." Dad answered and turned to face Patrick. "How's baby sitting the lady?"

"Manageable. The baby wasn't a brat." Patrick answered and both of them laughed as if it was an inside joke.

"It's getting late. You're sleeping here?" Dad remarked.

"May I? I don't think I can walk anymore. Too sleepy and stomach's too full already." Patrick asked sheepishly as he scratched his head.

"No problemo. The guest room is practically yours." Dad nodded and giggled as if his friend has told a joke. "I'll be off to bed, then. Goodnight, kiddos." He said before he left us alone.

Once when he was out of earshot, I turned to face Patrick.

"What was that all about?" I asked and placed my hands on my waist.

Patrick yawned and stood up. He got the remote and turned the tv off.

"Like pop said, it's late. So goodnight, Flo. Double check the house before you sleep upstairs. I'll be at the guest room if you need me." Patrick winked and placed a light kiss on my cheek leaving me dumbfounded.