CHAPTER TWELVE
“ARE YOU going somewhere?”
Clara was heading toward the main door when she heard Aunt Carlota’s voice.
She turned around in surprise.
“Auntie…” She forced a smile. “I’m going to have dinner with Josef and his grandparents tonight.”
“Really?” Aunt Carlota smiled in delight. “A dinner date with Josef and his grandparents?”
“It’s nothing romantic. I’m just returning the favor he did for me.” Clara walked up to her aunt and kissed her cheek. “Don’t you have a date tonight?”
“What?” Aunt Carlota laughed. “What are you talking about, dear? I’m too old to date!”
“But…” I saw you kissing a younger guy.
“What is it?”
“I don’t see anything wrong with that. Your beauty remains the same, Auntie.”
“I know that.” Aunt Carlota cupped her cheeks. “Go. We don’t want to keep Josef waiting. Promise me you’ll make a great first impression toward his grandparents.”
“Of course. See you later, Auntie.”
When Clara’s car exited the gate, she saw the man kissing her aunt the other day. He was standing outside his car again.
Clara could not help her curiosity. She went out of her car and approached the man. He stood straight at once. Clara knew he was no ordinary man.
“Excuse me. Are you waiting for my aunt again?”
“I am. It looks like you have seen me before. Should I introduce myself?”
“I’d appreciate it,” she said in a formal tone.
“I’m Baron. I have known Carlota for years. Don’t worry. I’m not a bad guy.”
“Are you dating my aunt?”
“What? Dating?” Baron chuckled. “Your aunt does not date. But let me tell you a secret. We’re both single. An affair could not be avoided.”
“I hope you have clean intentions toward her,” Clara said firmly.
“You have nothing to worry about. I know what I’m doing.”
Clara sighed. Somehow, she felt relieved. She could not sense anything dangerous with him. Her aunt should be safe.
“That’s all I need to hear. Good night.”
“Good night, Clara.”
CLARA’S car pulled over in front of a restaurant that was still under renovation. The exterior was made of bricks. It was one and a half story tall.
She entered the glass door right away, the wind chimes tinkling in a sweet tone. She saw Josef upstairs with an elderly couple.
He turned to her direction and stood up at once. He was smiling as he climbed down the concrete steps.
“Hi, you made it.”
“Am I late?” she asked anxiously.
“Nope. You’re just in time. Let’s go.” Josef put a hand behind her back as he guided her upstairs.
“Guys, she’s here!” Josef announced happily as they reached their table. “Clara, I’d like you to meet my grandparents. This is Granny Felicia, and this is Grandpa Jose. This is Clara, a very good friend.”
Clara swallowed the imaginary lump in her throat as her heart could not help racing. She had only imagined meeting this couple with Fuego. But things happened, and she was here with Josef, instead.
Felicia del Mar was still in her early fifties while Jose del Mar was already in his seventies. Fuego was right. She wished she could tell them how she adored their love story.
Felicia and Jose glanced at each other before they stood up.
“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. del Mar. It’s an honor to meet you.” She extended her trembling hand.
“You look so lovely, Clara. I am glad to finally meet you,” Felicia said as she squeezed her hand. “Don’t be nervous. It’s just us.”
“I’m glad to meet you, Clara. My grandson has good taste. He definitely took it after me,” Jose remarked when it was her time to shake his hand.
For a man who built a successful business empire, he was gentle and soft-spoken.
“And also his looks, Sir,” Clara said as she glanced at Josef.
Josef smiled.
“Should we begin this dinner?” he asked.
“Oh, someone is joining us tonight, I forgot to mention,” Felicia said.
The glass door opened, and they all turned. Clara’s heart stopped beating for a moment seeing Fuego in his dark leather jacket. He ran a hand through his hair. Their eyes met, but it only lasted for a short moment. He looked away and smiled at Felicia.
Clara felt a piercing sensation in her heart. She looked down as Fuego joined them at the table.
“I’m glad you made it, son,” Jose said.
“I miss you, guys. I really do,” Fuego said.
“I don’t think so,” Felicia said, sounding upset. “Look at you. You’re getting tanner every time we see each other. You’d rather spend your time under the sun than come home.”
“Ma, I thought you understand?”
“Uncle, you remember Clara, right?”
Clara flinched in surprise. She lifted her gaze reluctantly and met Fuego’s cold eyes once again.
“She’s that girl at the party, right? How can I forget her? The news about dating are all over the internet.”
Clara drew a deep breath as she fought back the tears in the corner of her eyes.
“Since we are all here, let’s have dinner,” Felicia announced.
“SON, didn’t you promise to introduce your girlfriend when we see each other?” Jose asked.
“You’re dating?” Josef asked in amusement.
Clara gripped her utensils as she glanced at Fuego, who was sitting across her.
“Did I?” he said as he gazed at her. “She’s not available at the moment, I’m afraid.”
Clara looked away and focused on her food. Felicia was a great cook. She would have enjoyed the food more if only Fuego was not around.
“I heard Clara makes the best coffee. How about you make one for us after dinner?” Felicia said.
Clara stared at Felicia and then at Josef.
“D-did you tell her?” she asked in amusement.
“What?” Josef was confused for a moment.
“Josef mentioned that he dropped by at your coffee shop. I presumed Clara makes great coffee. Isn’t that true?” Felicia laughed as she glanced at Fuego’s direction.
“Of course, Granny. Do you mind, Clara?” Josef asked.
Clara shook her head.
“It would be an honor.”
“Then, I’ll accompany Clara to the kitchen.” Felicia stood up. “Excuse us, gentlemen.”