My Erotic Writer (English)

Chapter 4

"Lamb casserole," Jake and I said in unison. The waiter was there to get our order.

"At last, you two has a common denominator." Brent let out a loud laughter. Good thing there isn't much people inside that restaurant. "Anyway, you should let the waiter get the lady's order first, Jake." Brent grab a glass of water and drink.

"I am starving, Brent," Jake murmured and glanced at the waiter. "I want my food to be served in less than five minutes, okay?"

"Yes, sir."

Ana was right. Jake is really an odd person. I don't know why he became like this. Perhaps I was really the one to blame. If I could just turn back the hands of time...

"Anyway, is it okay if I just call you by your first name, Jasmine?" Brent ask. "We can skip formalities here. You can call me Brent."

"She go by name Jas, Brent," Ana blurted out.

"So it's Jas. Nice name." He creased his forehead. "You know, your name sounds familiar. Seems like I heard it before. I just don't know where or when."

"There are so many woman here in the Philippines named Jasmine," I replied but at the back of my mind there is this feeling that Jake might've told him about me.

"Perhaps."

Food has been served and because I haven't eaten since lunch, I focus my attention on my plate. I don't care if Jake were having a side glanced at me. I am starving to death. What's important is that I should get my stomach full while there is a free food.

"Anyway, Jas, what are you doing in life aside from acting?" Brent asked while chewing his food. "You said you are currently studying. Do you have a boyfriend or partner or maybe... husband?" He glanced at Jake.

"What a question, dude," Jake muttered all of a sudden. He grab a glass of water and continue, "it shouldn't be asked in the first place. It's too private." He drink a glass of water.

"Nah, Jake. It should be. We should get to know the actors before we start filming, right? What if Jas already has a husband and he doesn't approve of the intimate scenes that we are going to shoot? Those scenes should be known to her husband beforehand."

"I don't have a husband, Brent," I finally said so they would stop arguing. I noticed Brent winked his eyes while he is staring at Jake.

"Boyfriend or partner?"

"I don't have one either."

"Really, Jas? At your age you should have a boyfriend."

Ana glanced at Brent. "She has a five-year-old kid."

To my surprise Brent smiled widely. I don't know but I find it strange. I was expecting he would feel frustrated like what I saw in Jake's face. The latter clenched his hand as if I have betrayed him.

"What a coincidence, Ana! Indeed, Jas is the one I have been looking for. She's really perfect for the main role." Using a k*ife he continue to cut the steak on his plate.

"Again, she's not, Brent," Jake commented. "What we are exactly looking for is an actor with at least a million followers on social media. An actor who is well-known and not a trying hard starlet."

"I beg to disagree, buddy. Maybe Jas is just a newbie in the industry but we should give her a chance. Let me put it this way, okay?" He continue to convince Jake while Ana and I acted as if we were not there.

"We had an agreement, Brent." Jake really has a firm stand. "If you set aside my opinion on this matter... well, it's better for us to go on our separate ways. I could pull out my investments in your company anytime if you continue with those sh*ts! Let me remind you, dude, I am the backbone of your company. Without me, you and your company are nothing." He let go of the fork and k*ife out of his grip then looked at me as if I am the worst person in world he had ever met. "As for you, lady, better luck next time. But I doubt if there could be next time." He whispered the last sentence and smile as if nothing has happened. "I must go. Enjoy your meal." He didn't give Brent a chance to reply, he immediately stand up and made his way through the open door of the restaurant.

"What a rude person!" Ana exclaimed. "I told you, Brent, he is such a bad influence. You should let go of that man!"

Brent sighed. "I can't give up on him, Ana. I am his bestfriend." He hold his wine glass and twirl it. "He needs me more than I needed him."

"He is so arrogant, Brent. He doesn't deserve you to be his bestfriend."

"I pity him, Ana." After drinking his wine he continue, "He doesn't have any friend except me. He's totally wrecked inside that's why I need to help him."

"He has a family, right? Let them help him."

"They aren't on good terms especially his mom."

I was startled by what I had heard. He is closed with his mom way back then. In fact he chose to believe what his mom said instead of mine. I wonder what happened.

"You know, Ana," I heard Brent said after a few minutes. "Jake has an issue with his mom. It's something that concerned his girlfriend six years ago. I think his mom doesn't approve of his girlfriend that's why she did everything so this certain girl would leave Jake. From then on he was so devastated he even tried to end his life. That's the time when I met him."

My heart couldn't handle what I had heard. That certain girl Brent had just mentioned is none other than me. I never thought Jake would try to end his life because of what I did to him.

I excused myself and go to the ladies room. There I was sitting on one of the cubicles and let go of the tears I was suppressing when I was with Ana and Brent. Now I fully understand why Jake hates me to the core. Indeed, I am responsible for his odd behavior.

"Jas?" I heard Ana's voice. "You okay there? Seems like you are crying again."

"I'm okay, Ana."

"We have to talked, Jas."

Judging from her voice I know there is something wrong.