CHAPTER 3

I arrived at the gateway mall in Cubao and waited for Ryan to arrive. I went to one of the restaurants near Kia Theater.

Soon after, Ryan arrived clad in a white shirt and denim pants. At first I was a bit off because I was on my long sleeves and fitted slacks.

"Are you Christopher?"

"Yes. Ryan?"

"I'm Ryan. Have you been waiting for too long?"

"Not exactly. I've been here at least 15 minutes ago. Here's you're phone"

"Are you going somewhere?"

"No not really. Why did you asked?"

"Because it seems that you're in a hurry"

"Oh sorry. I just want to give your phone right away"

"Have you ordered anything yet?"

"No."

"I'll order for us then. Don't worry it's on me"

"Okay. Are you sure?"

"Let's say It's a token of gratitude for returning my phone to me. I have important contacts in here"

"You're girlfriend's number is in there?"

"I don't have a girlfriend"

"Ahh... you're into boys?"

He didn't replied and instead gave me a sharp look. So I took it as a signal that he might have been offended.

"Did I offended you? Sorry I was just kidding"

"No I wasn't offended. You're right, I'm into boys. How about you?"

"Same here"

"Really? So are you in a relationship?"

"No. I'm not. How about you?"

"I'm single also"

"Are you into straight guys, straight looking or you like bisexual men?"

"It depends. I'm not that picky Christopher"

We spent more than three hours talking to each other. I learned that Ryan was a teacher in Thailand. I also told him that I am a chef and I'm putting up my own restaurant here in Manila or in Baguio.

We later decided to part ways but when I rode my car I found myself in trouble.

"Christopher, is everything all right?"

"Actually not. My car won't start"

"Oh, if you want I'll call a mechanic to have it fix"

"Thank you. So I guess, I'll take a cab going back to home"

"Where do you love? I can give you a ride"

"No thank you Ryan"

"I insist"

I did not argue anymore. I know I need to go home by now as it is getting late. I rode his red car.