Buffet Breakfast

"Ah! Did I mention it yesterday?"

Nico just suddenly exclaimed and rubbed his temples as if he wasn't sure if he did mention whatever he was talking about.

Everybody stopped in the middle of breakfast. A bit of meat plopped in front of Zeke, nearly missing the plate. The steak's sauce stuck to the white table cloth and he tutted in annoyance.

We have been dining at the top floor where an outdoor buffet was. There were potted plants and even a fishpond in this level I had to admit I was awestruck when I first step foot in it.

It was really marvelous how a building could incorporate a garden ambiance at such altitude. How were they even able to bring all these plants and trees to provide a natural shade anyway?

Creeping pothos created a wonderful forest-like curtain. A giant monstera deliciousa, some prayer plants and flowering begonias adorned the corners. Lots of philodendrons with different shaped and colored giant leaves were everywhere too.

There was a humongous flower bed at the center and a vast array of colorful flowers were in full bloom. I had to blink twice as I couldn't believe there were even butterflies and a few bees that frolicked.

We had sat a few meters away from the buffet table. There were a few sections of the menu that grabbed my attention - pasta, dessert, and drinks.

I swore I would go back and try a few of those tasty foods after I'm done with what I have in my plate.

It was already nine in the morning but there weren't many guests yet aside from couples and some occasional families here and there. Servers were stationed only at the buffet table and guests were expected to serve themselves.

"Just spill it out Nico." Levi said. "You're killing us with tension."

Everyone was a bit cranky if I might say so.

The only thing that kept me alert was the thought of new food to taste.

The boys were still half drunk while the girls weren't much excited. I myself felt sluggish, feeling drained from that nightmare and waking up earlier than everybody else.

Not to mention there was this child that a mother couldn't get to keep quiet. The baby boy was about the age of four, I guess. He was a blonde and blue-eyed boy, cheeks as plump and pink as a cherub.

If he had been brunette, I would have sworn he looked a lot like Corey.

"Ugh… children. I never did like children. Especially when they cry like that." Ali said, clearly annoyed by the ruckus the child was making.

Nico was still rubbing his temples and groaning a bit, murmuring something about his head feeling a lot like brain slushy.

"Mention what?" Bash said as he was the only one who continued eating after Nico disrupted the peaceful clanks of cutleries.

"Mention that I had all our necessary equipment readied down at Coachella Valley?" Nico smiled devilishly.

By the time he flashed everyone his smirk, I understood that what he had done was merely just an act to get everyone's ire before he dropped the good news.

"Really?"

"Bruv, you are the dude!"

"Nico, if Zeke and I aren't dating, I would have kissed you by now."

"Babe?! How could you?"

There was a chorus of laughter and jokes as the girls and the band began to chatter lively.

Everybody's moods drastically changed when Nico announced he had already taken care of everything. Becky and Suzy high-fived and Ali whooped with her spoon in the air.

Levi was busy with his phone but he was grinning like crazy too. Probably as happy as everyone else that they had a super-rich friend who takes care of everything for them.

"I am so going to rock those outfits I've been saving." Suzy squealed.

"Ohhh!!! Which one you gonna wear?" Becky gushed as she gulped down her last spoonful of breakfast.

"Probably the most flattering for day one. We need to step up Becky, this year's Coachella is different. Lots of big acts and celebrities coming. Perhaps we'll even get discovered!"

"What's that?" I asked.

"Lizzie girl, you are definitely still half asleep." Suzy chided. "It's the biggest event of the summer here in Cali, lots of reporters and talent scouts will come. Of course, you will need to stand out to be seen!"

"Many celebrities and talents were discovered during the previous years of Coachella. Its why the event is so hot with people around the country. Tickets always sold out in less than few days." Becky explained.

Suzy's eyes were on me and her beautiful almond eyes squinted.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I said and laughed nervously. I didn't like the way she had looked at me head to toe as if I was a total abomination.

Suzy then smiled and asked Becky, "Your sister ever this poor with fashion?"

I was taken aback. So, she still wasn't done with my drastic change in fashion sense, huh?

"Lizzie has a wide range of styles she likes. She experiments - lots of mix and match but recently I don't know." Becky said as she crossed her arms in contemplation.

By the time I even noticed, all eyes were on me and even Bash was looking. He had this intense gaze that I eventually challenged with mine.

There was no way I would back down now.

If he wants a staring contest then I will give him a staring contest. For me to succeed with my revenge, I shouldn't allow myself to be intimidated nor be swayed by the likes of this man's stares.

Feelings and longings for what had been are nothing but dangerous traps.

I must douse the old flame and let a new one burn like how I died back in 1692.

I popped into my mouth the last piece of food I had in my plate. The melted butter from the baked scallop spilled a bit and I licked my lips leisurely and wiped with a napkin afterwards.

I could see how Bash had gulped and I felt satisfied to see he was unnerved by my actions.

I stood up and was about to walk my way towards the dessert section someone just crashed at my legs full force. I felt something cold seep into the jeans I had worn and I looked down to see a little girl had splashed me with her orange juice.

"Caroline!" I heard a woman's voice called out. "Oh my gosh! I am so sorry!"