MAYBE NEVER

CHAPTER FOUR

I woke up at 6 am with a start with yesterday’s problems pushed back into the far corners of my mind.

Today we're going to pretend like nothing happened and that it was all in my head. Just for today! I coach myself for the last time that morning.

It’s Sunday, the day of Gary’s abrupt ‘brunch plans’ and I couldn’t help but feel a bit queasy about it. I take a look at my phone and memorize the pin that I had just received from Gary yesterday evening in my personal DM and on our circle’s Wechat group.

I would be lying if I said that I was pumped to meet the whole gang again, in what, five months? I know, wow, but we have all been busy in one way or another with and without Gary in the picture. That’s just life I guess.

I sigh as I swing my feet off the edge of my bed and pull back the thick curtains of my room.

“I hope I don’t drop,” I murmur to myself, I can’t believe am not sleeping in today just because brunch. But I’ve trained myself to be a diligent girl, I learnt that appearances are everything the hard way. I didn’t get my rich clientele overnight, if there one thing I learnt from them is that the Upper East end is full of shallow and superficial people. It took a couple of passive aggressive taunts to turn a simple tomboy who couldn’t learn her way over a decent bra to a sophisticated woman with a sense for simple class. Well in theory that is.

I still love my indoor sweat pants, jeans or occasional converse sneakers while in the presence of family and friends. I still love staying in obsessing over the latest fantasy/supernatural Manghwa or book, I enjoy the occasional video game or cooking up my favorite comfort foods when I have the time. To say that I changed would be a misdirection, I just I grew up. And I have zero intentions of looking as I have felt for the last few weeks with the way life has been treating me: road kill.

To remedy this, I pull out my emergency self-care box that hasn’t seen the light of day this year, that’s what happens when you avoid dating for two years. I pull out a hair dryer, facial steamer and hair steamer from another box and set up my impromptu salon.

In the next four hours, I manage to lighten the dark circles under my eyes and freshen my skin with a subtle glow and tame my loose curls into causal pony tail. To top that off with a pair of dark slim fitting jeans, a burnt yellow off shoulder top, tan heeled sandals and gold tear drop earrings.

“Well someone knows how to clean up,” gests a familiar voice as the maître d’ to one of New York’s best waterfront brunch spots ensures that I take my seat. And as usual Gary was a late show.

“You look like Hell Eugene, been clubbing the weekend away I see” I smirk as I appraise my longtime friend.

Though less visible from his slouched posture in his seat. Eugene Hamada is a tall man, well-built with the type of South East Asian features any self-respecting woman would die for. I remember the first time I met him eight years ago, the first thought I was ‘f**k boy’, but he turned out to be a hardworking heartthrob that comes off as a bit intense in certain aspects. Eugene and I were architectural majors and Gary a Construction major. Gary and Eugene were: two and three years ahead of me respectively.

Eugene’s almond shaped eyes light up in amusement. Eugene would never be caught dead in a night club, a chill lounge? maybe, night club? Never.

“The firm has been busy for the past few days, and am currently gunning for managing Partner remember.” He grins painfully before taking a sip of his espresso.

Westmont and Key is well established New York Architecture firm that used to have over 10 branches nation side, that all came tumbling down when its founding partner Seth Key died ten years ago. But the Firm has been picking up traction with talents like Eugene in the lead ever since he graduated college and his been raising up the ranks ever since. But in as much as Eugene is a go getter, there are times I forget that his competitive side often makes him forget his limitations.

“Quit the dream of owning your own Firm?” I joke.

“What? In this economy? I would never die on that Hill.”

I stifle a laugh as I look down the table and its sun bathed guests, making sure to greet them one by one. Judging from the sitting arrangement, the table was reserved for: Eugene (that is the guy right next to me), Sam aka Samantha, Rodney and Logan were currently seated and arguing about the recent football game. Because I can’t relate, I ignore the conversation and move my eyes to the remaining chair with a hint of curiosity.

“Well atleast you have your self all sorted out,” I turn back Eugene who seemed to look less tired, “How’s Claire by the way.”

“Claire?” he frowned for a moment as if recollecting a memory. “Oh yeah we broke up.”

“What?” I hiss under my breath, if I could list a power couple on that I looked up to it would be Clair and Eugene. They’re both smart, attractive and successful in their own right. In as much as it was none of my business. I was rooting for them.

“What happened?” I insist, my curiosity getting the better of me as I invade his personal space.

Eugene’s amber eyes widen little for a moment with a weird look on his face, before gently whispering into my ear.

“Nothing”

I give him a look as I back off, Eugene knows how much I hate vague answers. But I respect his privacy, to a certain degree. Eugene isn’t a cheater, his too honest for that. He would rather break a girl’s heart than waste his energy balancing intimate relationships. His words not mine.

“We just had differences that’s all.”

“You sound like a divorcee,” I mumble as I call over a waiter and order cup of cappuccino.

“And sound like a nosey old lady-”

“-and I would be a sexy old lady, in fact I’d be a cougar, I'll get the fake boobs and everything!!” I retort.

Eugene chokes on his coffee before grabbing a napkin to dab his mouth. He has that weird look on his face again, his been doing that lately.

“HEY GUYS!!! Sorry we’re late!!” calls a familiar voice I turn my gaze to the tall man entering their side of the deck. We all show our acknowledgment by showering him with a random chorus of acceptance and insults him at the same time.

“Woah Rodney, language,” he laughs, swatting his friend on the back.

Brown hair, blue eyes and busy tailed is how I would describe Gary Ackerman. Often the clown of our trio, Gary could easily fool people into believing his dumber than he looks with his boyish looks and charms. He wasn’t better looking than Eugene, he still managed to ooze charm in his simple outfit of a Crisp white shirt pulled at the forearm, khaki slacks and tan loafers

Rodney regardless of his apology throws him a finger, prompting the rest of the table to double over with laughter. Count on Rodney to hold everyone accountable in the group. The guy is a stickler for time.

Gary on the otherhand, laughs good naturedly, slightly turning his towards the direction he came from with a slight frown on his face before gesturing for someone to come over. I instantly pick up two things in that moment: (1) the uncharacteristic awkwardness in his posture and (2) the undeniable love and adoration in his eyes as a shy young woman I have never met enters my peripheral vision.

It didn't take much to figure out who she was to him with and without the her finger.

“So, ummm,” he starts as we all stare at the woman. Clearing his throat Gary turns to her, “Lucia, these are my good friends I’ve been talking to you about, " he proceeds to mention all our names, before meeting my eyes. I can see the apology in there. I feel Eugene shift alittle but don't bother to check what his doing.

“Ladies and and Gentlemen this Lucia Bianchi,”

“And we're enagaged.”

The whole table erupts in a chorus of cheers as my world comes to a halt.