I Have Questions

The Meeting at Kintsugi's

Anton

It was a long day at work. The clients were extra demanding, my boss scolded me, it’s 7 PM already but I still haven’t had lunch. I’m just… extremely tired. I’ve been craving iced coffee the whole day, and maybe a slice of cheesecake wouldn’t hurt. I’m in the mood for pasta, too. I just realized that I do have a gift cheque from that interview 3 months ago. I always wondered why I never had the chance to use this. Maybe this is the universe patting me on the back for such a crazy day.

I was driving on the way to the coffee shop when Andy called me. “Yo, bro! Where are you? Don’t tell me you forgot!” Forgot what? OH WAIT.

“Not…exactly. Okay fine, I’m sorry. Good thing I’m planning to go to Kintsugi, too. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” I can hear Andy making those disappointed tongue-clucking noises. “Tsk tsk tsk. You love birds are always late…sorry. EX love birds. Hurry up!”

I don’t know why but I got excited when Andy mentioned love birds. “Love birds? Will Gail come, too?”

“Wow, look who’s excited! Just come here already!” What a typical Andy thing to do. I hung up the phone and I arrived at the coffee shop after 15 minutes.

“Hey, bro!” Andy greeted me with a fist bump. I glanced around the table. There’s Caroline, Andy’s fiancée. Our friend, Rhyss, was also there. No Gail in sight. After an exchange of pleasantries, I went to the counter to order. Rhyss joined to order again. We were just talking about what kind of pasta should I order when I heard Andy’s voice say “Finally! The late Abigail Lopez!”

I turned around to look at her. Her hair was tied in a bun, and a few of her curls fell on her face. She always had this radiant smile, even when she was tired. I waved and said hi. She waved back and fell in line to order, too. From the moment she walked into the coffee shop until now, I was just observing her. She’s still the same old Gail I used to know, especially when it comes to food. She stared at the glass counter where the cakes were, lost in deep thought. She looked at her gift cheque and counted using her fingers.

“Hey, Gail! Do you want a cheesecake?” I offered. She, in turn, had this flustered look on her face; waving her hands to match. “What? No! No, no, no. I’m good. I’m okay.” Her eyes tell me otherwise. Her eyes were screaming, “I do want something from that counter!” I get that it would take her a while to warm up to me again.

“I insist. Which flavor do you want? Strawberry? Blueberry cheesecake?” She waved her hands even more. “No, not cheesecake. I don’t want cheesecake. Thank you for the offer, but I’m good.” She then called Rhyss to come near her and whispered something, then gave him money. Rhyss then came back to me, and in a loud voice, said “Gail said she wants that strawberries and cream cake.” Good thing, Rhyss was on my side. Gail flushed with embarrassment. I gave her back the money.

“Your strawberry cake is on me, ma’am.” I smiled proudly. She, on the other hand, bowed her head low, with her eyes looking at me. “Thank you. You shouldn’t have. What do you want, do you want a donut?” If there’s one thing about Gail, it’s that when you give her something, she won’t be at peace until she gives you something back. I shook my head and went back to my spot.

“Okay, so I gathered everyone tonight because I would like to ask for help for the wedding.” Andy started the conversation. “Rhyss, you’ll be the flower boy.” Rhyss got choked on his cold brew coffee. “Wait, what? I don’t have to be the best man. But really, flower boy? Not even part of the groomsmen?” We burst into laughter because of Rhyss’ childish protest. “Okay then, you don’t want to be the flower guy? Don’t come to our wedding then!“

This exchange of friendly banter is a staple in this chaotic group. “Caroline, there’s still time to run okay? Are you sure you want to marry this wicked man?” In between laughing, I could see Gail enjoying her cake. She’s been doing this happy shoulder dance again. Rhyss saw it too. “If I would have to be your flower boy, then I nominate Gail to dance at your reception!” Gail then gave Rhyss a deathly stare. “Leave me and my cake alone!” then she shifted her look to me “What about you, what’s gonna be your role?” I shrugged my shoulders. “I can apply as their family dog, I guess?” Andy has been facepalming for the last 5 minutes. Caroline was dying with laughter. When she could compose herself, Caroline said “Our wedding is surely gonna be fun, as long as you guys are there. You’re a chaotic bunch!” Gail replied, “Well, Caroline. Welcome to the club!” Andy waved his hands and said, “Okay, okay. Let’s be serious now. Rhyss, Anton, and Gail, will you guys be our secondary sponsors for the wedding?” to which we replied, “With pleasure!”

After discussing some details, Andy then mentioned that the wedding will be held at a church in Cervantes, a province that can be traveled by land for 6 hours. The place was known for its pristine beaches and fine, white sand. “Of course, there will be rooms for the guests at the hotel where we’ll also have the reception. Speaking of which, Gail, is it okay with you if we’ll get another supplier for the cake, one that’s based in Cervantes? Sorry, you know we love your cakes but it might be a hassle for you to deliver them there.” Gail nodded and said she understood. “Also, Anton, can you be our photographer for the save the date photoshoot? Just for the photoshoot. We don’t want to stress you out on the day of the wedding, doing the same-day edit or whatnot.” I replied, “Sure thing!”

It’s good news for me. I could finally attend a wedding where I could fully enjoy being a guest and not think about work. A few moments later, Rhyss excused himself. He had to leave earlier to fix an error at work. “Well, it’s getting late too. I guess we should call it a night?” Caroline declared.

“Yeah, I still have to catch the last bus,” Gail answered. “I’ll take you home. Let’s go home together.” I blurted out. Gail looked at me as if I said something in Swahili. Andy and Caroline smiled and nodded in unison. “No, I mean…sorry for the wrong choice of words. What I meant was, since we’re going home to the same neighborhood, and since I have my car with me, I think it’s best if I drive you home. You know, if that’s okay with you.”

There she goes again with the waving of hands. “Oh no, no, no. It’s okay, I still have to buy cinnamon rolls. I promised mama I’ll bring home a box.” Her face was turning red. “But it’s 10:30 PM already. Could you still catch the last bus?”

Andy chimed in, “Gail, let Anton bring you home. It’s late.” Gail was about to say something, but Andy interrupted “And no, you can’t join us. I’m taking Caroline home. Go with Anton.” Gail cussed under her breath and whispered “Andy! I really can’t trust you, can I?” I bit my lower lip to stop myself from evidently smiling.