One More Chance by Jaycelle Rodriguez

Chapter 30: And they meet again

~~~I'd be a fool if I couldn't see how things have changed between you and me. Maybe we try just a little too hard and we are strangers again. I still remember we used to hold. On those cold and lonely nights, we make love and we are strangers again. Oh, lady, it's hard to believe that there in your eyes, a stranger I see. And that the only song we got left to play are the memories of yesterday~~~

-Cinema-

Walking towards Caleb's table with a large tray in my hands, I couldn't help but notice his friend whose back was facing me. I don't know why I suddenly felt something that I couldn't explain as I glanced at his broad shoulders.

My heartbeats have become erratic as the image of someone popped up in my head, but I immediately shrugged it off as it's so impossible to happen. Los Angeles is way too far from the Philippines, so it can't be.

"Hi, Sam," I smiled at Caleb when he greeted me the moment I reached their table. "Where is Dana?"

"Well, she went into the girls' room so she asked me to bring your orders," I replied without bothering to look at the face of the man sitting across his seat. "Here are your orders, 1 cappuccino---" I hadn't even finished speaking when Caleb interrupted me. "Oh, that's mine even the croissant and chocolate doughnut."

I couldn't help but smile as I remembered Dana told me how Caleb loved croissants and doughnuts.

"Here is your croissant and chocolate doughnut, Sir."

"Thanks, Sam."

I chuckled at him still oblivious of the intense stares of the man sitting across Caleb's seat.

"And here is your black coffee and a slice of blueberry cheesecake---" I was suddenly stopped in mid-air the moment I recognized who that man was. 'Luke...' I muttered under my breath. It seemed like the world stopped when our eyes met. And it took me a few seconds to contemplate whether to greet him or act as if I didn't recognize him and let him call my name first.

I was just pulled back from staring into his mesmerising eyes that I haven't done for so long when Caleb called my attention.

"Sam, are you okay?"

"H-Huh?" I turned to him not knowing what to say.

"You looked like you have seen a ghost."

more than a ghost I've seen. Seeing your ex-husband, the man you first loved and left a special place in your heart unexpectedly in an unexpected

said taking a deep breath. God knew how

and saw the same expression swirl in his eyes. "By the way, this is Luke Marcuz Williams, my friend and soon to be business partner." He then turned to him and

let him finish his introduction as I greeted Luke and quickly changed

else I can bring you?" I asked avoiding Luke's gaze and turned to Caleb,

of still

deep breath upon hearing his voice. -'What the hell

it two, please,"

it to you shortly." I smiled at Caleb and did my

the tray in my hands, but I was just taking a few steps away from their

"Sam,"

mind whether to turn around or not, but in the

no longer in his seat when I turned and looked at him. And he had already taken a few steps near me before I could open my mouth.

It's been a

staring at him and noticing the things that seemed to have changed in him... his hairstyle and his shoulders that seemed to have gotten wider than what he had before. Maybe he's now working out in a gym or involved in any

And looking closely into his mesmerizing eyes that seemed to pull me into another world, there's one thing I have realized... I was staring at the same man I used to hate and loved at the same time before. And to my surprise, I can no longer find the guilt, anger, and hurt

asking myself from within didn't give me the answer. I couldn't exactly explain the

to realize that I had already uttered those words and that I

lead and asked her the most unexpected question she would ever be heard from

here?" He asked and

I mentally slapped myself for letting

by Caleb who I didn't notice stood up and asked us both. His eyes were

I chose to answer with a smile, ignoring Caleb's question. And since

"You're working here?"

as I clearly heard the question

partners." Caleb was the one who answered his 'question'. "Wait, how do you know

us could answer, Dana came to our

know him, Sam?" She turned to me, waiting for my answer but my eyes were focused only on

"Sam?"