Remembering Lily

Dinner and Plans

"Have you ever been here?" I asked Adam as we were about to go inside Casa Lilia. He was looking around and he really looks like a tourist. One of these days, I should ask him for the reason why he is in this place but of course, in a manner that I wouldn't sound suspicious of him. I'm not really but I don't believe he just happens to think this place is a nice place to live. Adam looks out of place if I would be honest. The way he dresses, the way he talks, and everything about him just scream like he is comfortable here but he is not here originally. That just piqued my curiosity. I think I'm allowed to feel this way because he obviously feels the same way about me.

Does he like me? I doubt so. I know there's more to his story.

I won't deny it to me that I'm only using him to stir up Stephanie and Yohan's relationship which I shouldn't be doing to what seems like a bystander. He has nothing to do with all of us and that's the truth I have to keep in mind.

"No, actually."

It won't make things right but for what it is worth, I am offering a genuine friendship. Adam is a nice guy and I can easily talk to him. He is always the first one who approaches me and he has this nice smile that makes me want to be friendly too. I always expect the worst in people and for others, I simply didn't care.

And all I could give is friendship. I can have that on the side while enjoying the effect he has on this whole revenge plot. But that's it. That's all I could give. If he expects more, then that would be a problem.

Most tables were occupied when we went inside which was a surprise. I know the restaurant is a go-to but having these many customers is not something that happens every day.

It's too early for dinner so most of the orders are either coffee, dessert, or both for snacks. It smells so good that I took a long breath and enjoyed that aroma of newly-brewed coffee and the sight of freshly baked bread. The silent chatter of the people ironically sounds peaceful. From this moment, I am so proud that this place is named after me.

"Is it too early for dinner?" He asked looking at the menu.

"Yeah, I think so too." It's still five in the afternoon. There's even that hint of the sun almost finished setting. The sky is still orange and everyone around us is either eating snacks or drinking coffee.

"I'm hungry though," he barely whispered but I managed to hear.

My dear. How can he be so funny? I can't help but laugh again.

"I don't think people would mind if we order steak or something."

"Huh?"

"What I mean is," I said looking at the menu. "No one's stopping us from ordering dinner."

"Oh," he chuckled. "I thought I was just thinking."

"You were thinking out loud."

"I do that sometimes."

After ordering from our seat, Adam was tapping the table. His eyes explored the interior. I noticed he's really observant. His eyes have been exploring the place since we were outside but he didn't leave a comment since that. "This place is nice."

"It's the most decent restaurant in this place." I tried to sound casual but it's hard to hide the pride in my tone. "They serve delicious food."

"I haven't tasted it but with the smell, I think I agree already."

I chuckled at his answer. There's something about Adam that seems so optimistic. It felt so selfish to keep him around but he balances the seriousness in my life at the moment. It's not like I'm expecting him to make me smile or laugh. He's just someone who has this intense positive energy around him without even trying. I guess that is why as much as he is hanging around me, I also cling to his presence.

"This is also…" I was contemplating whether I should tell him this but I figured he would know sooner or later. "This restaurant is owned by Stephanie's husband."

"Really?" His reaction was anticlimactic. He wasn't as shocked as I expected him to be. "What's the deal with that woman anyway? I always see her around you ready to bite you or something like it. I hope I'm just mistaken but the intensity in her eyes just… It's too much. There you go."

Ah, there you go. He finally asked.

"That woman? Wow, we're calling her that?" I was trying not to laugh at how he just referred to Stephanie like some antagonist of a story.

"She did not leave the best impression on me. It's not that big of a secret for you, right?"

It took him long enough. I knew he would ask me this question and to be honest, I've been thinking of ways on how I should answer him or if I should. Should I tell the truth, a lie, or a version of the truth mixed with a lie?

"I think she just hates my guts." I tried to answer simply but he didn't look convinced. He wasn't acting like one either. Suddenly, from my peripheral vision, I saw Yohan help serve food. I tried not to smirk at the sight of him. For sure, he would see me. I wonder what type of reaction I can get from him. It seems like I always get unexpected reactions from him and Stephanie all the time.

"She looks like she does but I think there's more story to it. If you don't want to share the story, it's fine." He wasn't being sarcastic. It really sounds like he's fine with it.

"There's my version of the story and there's also hers. One is short and the other is long. In her perspective, I'm trying to get something from her. Let me just make this clear. I'm not trying to get anything from Stephanie."

I've said this many times already. I am not the girl who steals from someone. I'm simply getting what is mine and Stephanie can claim otherwise but that wouldn't change my truth.

"Is that why we're here?" Suddenly, he sounded less jolly and more serious. I was taken aback by how serious he looked. "I'm assuming Stephanie's husband is in the vicinity."

I just realized that Adam is not the type of person I can simply lie to. It was a momentary wake up call that I guess I kind of needed.

"Partly… yes," I answered honestly. I'm wondering what could be in his mind right now. If his opinion about me changed or could he be thinking that Stephanie's hate was reasonable.

I was too focused on trying to get into Adam's head that I didn't notice our food being served.

"You don't need to worry about a thing, Lily. Do what you have to do." He said and he was back to normal.

I knew Yohan was the one who was serving the food and I can only guess that the reason why he froze midway while serving the food was that he heard Adam call my name… his wife's name.

But I couldn't care less about my husband's reaction at the moment. I was left focused on Adam who was back to his jolly self. "Thank you," he tells Yohan.

What could this guy be possibly up to?