Chapter 3: Wasted Bar

Different in view, different in feeling, and strange atmosphere. That was my first expression the moment I stepped inside this establishment. People call it "Paradise" and have nothing else to do but have fun.

I have never been to this place because it was only home and school when I was still studying. And when I graduate, it's just also home and work. But it changed three years ago when I met, Andrei.

So at my age now, it is too late to experience this. But as other people said 'it was better late than never'.

I felt a little bit nervous. I was scared because of the darkness of the environment and the ferocity of the melody. My knees were shaking, my hands were sweating, and my skin felt cold. But despite that, I still managed to stay cool.

A lot of people are having fun. Liquor here, liquor there. A dance that there is no tomorrow with full of rudeness and flirting. Wasted Bar, that’s the name of the bar I went to. Wasted, exactly to the customers who were here because they also looked wasted. And I was here to overcome, to forget, and also to get wasted.

I can’t blame other men for how they stare at me. Why? Because I was wearing my most seductive black fitted backless dress that was above the knee. The neckline of the dress perfectly suited my bosom, and it was emphasizing my softened exposed shoulders and back. My hair was sexily swaying while I'm moving inside the bar. I chose to apply dark makeup that I knew would suit my alluring outfit.

This is what others usually do when they get hurt, right? They eventually are beautiful without even realizing it, right?

I remember earlier when Martha told me. She almost didn't know me and she was very stunned by my new appearance. I was even asked by her why I was like that. E, I just smiled and I didn’t respond.

I immediately stood in front of the bartender. I didn’t entertain the lustful stares from the other guys.

“One shot of martini, please,” Iseductively asked the hot bartender.

He smirked. "Sure, Ma'am."

*****

Bradley Hernandez,

The CEO of the Hernandez Group of Companies.

The young businessman.

admired by many for being a young achiever, besides that also admired by women. Earning money at a young age is very spectacular. He was very hot, handsome, intimidating, and many more. It seems that all the good qualities that God has spread in the man, he was one of the lucky men who received it. Except in the goodness of habit. He is a serious man living in his way, he doesn't show his smiles, and he is a kind of a snob and stubborn billionaire.

Most people said that his future girlfriend was very lucky to have him. and especially who became his future wife. But he didn’t use it, he doesn’t want to belong to those married men like others. For him, women are just a pain in the head, and business should be taken care of.

He is unkind sometimes. Strict boss to their company. but of a good provider and also a leader. He's not a bad person, he just wants everything to be in order.

He never goes out to have some fun, because he justifies that his happy-go-lucky life was over at the time when he only cared about himself.

(BRAD)

"Cheers and chill." My colleagues happily shouted.

“Hey, Brad. What a surprise that you joined our group today. ” Vincent couldn’t believe my presence.

"Yes, Brad," Troy, Albert, and Greg are also surprised. They were my best buddies, from then until now.

I smirked and then drank my liquor. "If you don't want me here, guys, then I'll go," I said as I dropped the wineglass on the table.

“Gago. We just can’t believe it,” Troy said.

“Yeah. Agree, ”Albert also mumbled.

“Tsk! Apologies. You know I'm really busy. handling and running our family business alone is really hard. You know that,” I explained.

Ever since Dad retired, I am the one who needs to take care of our company. But I just thought, I also need to unwind once to get rid of my stress in the office.

“Hey, dude. You are not the only one who is busy. we all are. But why would you prefer to be confined to your boring and private office? Have fun sometimes,” Greg said as he poured the wine into my glass. “Drink up. You've been always absent in our group." And he put a lot of wine in my glass.

“Dude, Vincent will be happily married soon. But look at him, he is always present in our group, ” Troy said.

“Okay, guys. To shut you up, I will be here in Wasted more often,” I said just to keep them quiet.

“We heard you loud and clear. So, we will always expect you here,” Albert smirked. “Cheers! for our friend who is always busy.” The three shouted and I just laughed.

“Dude. Seems like we are very lucky now. Look, a lot of girls are here, ”Greg pointed out to a group of women who were dancing on the dance floor.

Of them all, Greg is the most playboy and chick boy. A lot of women desire him, and he also makes girls cry over him. Everywhere he goes, there is always a woman. It's just like a dress to change women for him.

“Very well said. Let’s go and join them, Greg. Let's warm up their night.” Albert grinned.

On the other hand, Albert is mischievous but sticks to one. Sometimes he fooling around but often fooled by anyone. He is different when it comes to love. He is generous. But unlike the others, it was easy for him to move on.

“Yeah, dude. Let’s join them. Come on,” Troy said who stood up earlier.

Troy is delicate but also a certified playboy. She may be choosy. He always wanted a perfect woman who would pleasure and please him. But so far, he hasn’t lost a woman in his life.

“Good luck, dude. Just think one of those is for you,” Vincent said shaking his head.

Vincent Madrigal, 'the most secretive' among us. We just learned that he was going to marry his childhood sweetheart. But way back, he has also a lot of women in his life.

“Oh, come on, Vince. There still no one has been born for us. Right, Brad?” Greg said after swallowing all the contents of his wine.

“Oh, Greg you always play as the mastermind,” I said. He just smiled. "But yeah, you're right."

“As always, Brad. Come on, let’s mingle,” He said, standing up and following Troy and Albert.

"I'm not in the mood," I said but I think he didn't hear because he had already left.

Vincent and I left at our table. We just kept talking and talking about things and the business world. He was also handling their business— The Ruby’s, a five-star hotel and restaurant located in Quezon City. He was also a busy man, especially in the next few days because he was going to have his own family. I wonder, what kind of excuse he said to his bride-to-be and allowed her to hangout today?

"You? Don't you want to follow them?”

“No. I came here to relax, not to look for a woman.”

“But a woman is relaxing,” he playfully said.

"Not all the time."

“Whoa! You changed a lot, Brad. You seem to have matured now, very different from then. I still remember, you are more than those three,” he pointed out to our three friends who already had their partners that time.

"That's life. It's not like forever we'll just act as happy-go-lucky. We also need to be serious. Like you."

He nodded. “Yeah. You have a point, dude.”

"Anyway, when did you and Evane get married?" I asked out of curiosity.

“Soon, Brad. We haven't decided on the month and date yet, we don't want to rush. You know, my bride-to-be wants a perfect time always. And of course, I want to give the best wedding for her,” Vincent replied still smiling.

“Tsk! Tsk! It turns out that we will fewer singles. Is there is no possibility to change your decision?”

“That's really how life is, we will all have a family one day. Change my decision? Never, because this is what I want. I know that soon one of you four will be next to me,” he proudly said.

“Nah. Not my dream. You love her?”

“Very much. I love her and I dreamed of this a long time ago.” It was very obvious that Vincent loves her.

Our conversation lasted longer while the three were still having fun. Our conversation was cut short when someone called Vincent. He stood up and went out to answer the call.

When Vincent left for a while, I had a chance to look all around. Wasted Bar. this bar was our paradise. During our college life, after class, we immediately went here. We met our flings here. We were happy-go-lucky bastards way back. But of the five of us, those three got worse over the years.

I frowned when I saw a woman sitting alone in a corner. she looked familiar, but I didn’t know when and where did I first saw her.

My eyes focused on her. She was beautiful so it grabbed my attention. She had perfect curves that were hard to resist. She did not look like a whore. I had this urge to join her. but I stayed still because maybe her partner was just in CR. But I think she was alone... and lonely? Impossible! As charming as her is has no companion?

My attention to the woman was interrupted when someone spoke in front of me.

“Dude, can I leave and go home now? There is an emergency. Please tell the three that I already went away.” Vincent said worriedly.

“Sure, Vince. I'll take care of it,” I replied immediately.

“Okay, Brad. Thanks. I’ll go now.” And then he left. There was haste in his action.

My eyes went back to that woman again. He is still unaccompanied.

What If I approach her?

******

(CHARMANE)

Hmp! The crowd was looking at me, but no one was approaching. Am I that ugly? I asked myself.

As I looked around I saw a man. He was looking in my direction like I was a small object and he needed a microscope to see me. I frowned when I saw that he seemed familiar to me. But I couldn’t remember when or how.

I gulped when I see him blink. Suddenly both my cheeks blushed. I ignored his presence and enjoyed the moment alone. But when I turned my eyes on him again, I saw he was still staring at me.

What’s wrong with him?

I avoided his gaze because I couldn't hold back. I drank my wine. I winced when I felt the bitter liquid in my throat again. It's like the bitterness of my wasted relationship with Andrei.

I was now a little bit tipsy because I had my fifth shot of a martini. But I was grateful because I had a high tolerance for alcohol. So I dared to drink a lot and alone. I don't have any friends to join me here, because Kathy was my only friend who turned out to be my enemy.

I looked again in the direction of the man I've noticed. I swallowed because he was still staring at me. and this time, he was already smiling slightly which made my heart beat faster.

He is cute. I mean handsome, and I think, he is great among the other guys out there.

What if I invite him here or offer him wine? Hmm, I suddenly thought.

I saw him lift the wineglass and cheers me up. So he was the first to offer. Hmm, why not?

I let out a mischievous smile, then raised my goblet as well. There he stood slightly. And — and—

Oh, God! I think he’s coming in my direction!