Adrian returned to Manila.
Mia was waiting at the airport.
He hugged her.
“I missed you.”
“I missed you too.”
“I’m still scared.”
“Me too.”
“Can we try again?”
Mia smiled.
“Yes.”
This time, they agreed to do things differently.
No secrets.
No assumptions.
No sacrificing themselves for the relationship.
They would grow together.
Not around each other.
—THE SECOND FIRST DATE
They went on their first date again.
No work.
No business.
No cameras.
Just them.
They went bowling.
Adrian lost terribly.
Mia celebrated.
“You’re awful.”
“You cheated.”
“Bowling isn’t chess.”
“I demand a rematch.”
She kissed him.
“Maybe later.”
He smiled.
“Best date ever.”
—LITTLE THINGS CAFÉ
Mia signed the lease.
She named the café:
Little Things.
Adrian helped paint.
He was terrible at it.
“You missed a spot.”
“I know.”
“You missed half the wall.”
“Artistic choice.”
“You’re banned from painting.”
“Fine.”
He put down the brush.
“Can I still kiss the owner?”
Mia smiled.
“Depends.”
“On what?”
“Whether you can paint a straight line.”
He sighed.
“Cruel.”
