Tiffany
“What the hell? What could he possibly be doing in that place where you are also present? It seems unlikely that it’s just a coincidence.”
Jairus almost dropped the cup of hot coffee he was holding after I recounted everything that happened yesterday.
I took a deep breath and looked at the overlooking view of Taal. I couldn’t believe that we had to travel all the way to Tagaytay just to have coffee. But I have to admit, the air here is cool and refreshing. Especially in the spot we’re currently at.
“Why don’t you tell me about your date first? I didn’t get any decent updates from you. Tell me, who is the unlucky girl this time?” I turned my attention back to him before devouring my blueberry-licious cheesecake.
He suddenly frowned. “Don’t change the topic. We’re talking about you and Travis here.”
I rolled my eyes at him. He would really do anything to avoid the subject.
This only deepened my curiosity about the woman Aunt Jen introduced to him this time. He was too evasive to answer, which wasn’t like him before. Until now, he hasn’t even mentioned her name as if I knew her too.
“Whatever. But I won’t let you escape either. I’ve already told you my side of the story. If I have to ask Aunt Jen about it, then I will,” I threatened him.
I smirked. In truth, I hadn’t told him everything either. There’s no way I would tell him about the kiss part.
His eyes widened, and he seemed alarmed, which puzzled me even more.
“No need. It’s just too complicated right now. But I promise to tell you everything when the right time comes, please?” he pleaded.
I raised an eyebrow. He said the word “please,” which rarely escaped his lips. That girl must really be something for him to act this way.
I stared at him intently. Honestly, his behavior only added more questions to my mind. But for now, I chose to let go of those questions. After all, he rarely made requests.
“Fine!”
He seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and took another sip of his coffee before looking at me seriously.
“So, how’s your operation to get back together going?”
I poked at the slice of cake I was eating, feeling frustrated once again.
“As far as I know, he’s totally single right now. So, I don’t have anything to worry about any obstacles in my plan. The only thing I’m thinking about now is how to get close to him at every opportunity.”
He adjusted his posture. “Well, that problem of yours is pretty tough. It’ll be difficult for you to get close to him now, especially since he’s become a public figure.” He suddenly paused and grinned.
“Come to think of it, Christmas is just around the corner, and you were about to celebrate your sixth year of being together if you just—”
“I know that already. You’re not the only one who knows how to count, you know.” I glared at him. He always brings up that topic whenever he teases me.
He was about to say something when my phone suddenly rang. I signaled to him to be quiet before answering the call from an unregistered number.
“Hello?” I said with a furrowed brow.
“Hello, Tiffany? This is Jela!” came the enthusiastic greeting from the other line.
I tightened my grip on my phone. Talking about problems, huh? “What is it?”
“Do you remember the offer I made to you yesterday?”
I was taken aback by her question. It seemed like the heavens suddenly tuned in to the problem I was just dealing with.
“Yeah, what about it?” I tried to sound nonchalant, eager to know more about the matter without appearing too desperate.
“Travis and I will have a photoshoot in Baguio for a fashion magazine this coming weekend. We’ll also be accompanied by a few other celebrities there.” She coughed a little.
“So, I’m just wondering if you’re available for at least two weeks and if you’re accepting my offer. We really need a personal photographer for him to accompany him on his trips and such. Your candid photos of him will also be posted on his social media accounts.”
I pondered for a moment. As far as I could recall, we didn’t have any scheduled appointments until after Christmas.
With that, I finally made my decision.
“Of course. I’m very willing to become Travis Jason Vernon’s personal photographer.”
Jairus gasped, and at that moment, he completely let go of the cup he was holding, causing a few more customers in our vicinity to look in our direction.
I just shrugged as I leaned back in my chair and smiled sweetly the moment the call ended.
I didn’t really know what Jela was up to, but I would make sure to play along with her game and win it.
***
Travis
“So, that woman is this moody guy’s ex-girlfriend, huh? How interesting. Imagine how the media will go wild once they discover about it.”
I gave Miguel a disdainful look. They were currently in the condo unit where I stayed. Jela and Miguel said we would all be heading to Baguio together tomorrow for the photoshoot.
“Shut up, Migz!” I threw a pillow at him, which he caught effortlessly.
“To think that she’s a photographer, I think I already know the reason why you’re so dense in front of the camera,” he continued to tease.
Jela giggled on the other side. “Of course. TJ used to be Tiffany’s model for her portfolios way back in college.”
Migz nodded. “I bet she’s the one you were referring to as this guy’s personal photographer.”
Jela’s eyes seemed to sparkle. “Yes! She is! What do you think?”
I suddenly stood up from my seat. It looked like I wouldn’t like where their conversation was heading.
“Don’t you dare come to that point. I don’t even need one.”
But it seemed like they didn’t hear my objection.
“Well, I want to know how Tiffany can handle TJ’s attitude and how professional she can be in doing this work. It’s like witnessing a real-life drama, you know.” Migz shrugged.
I slapped my forehead. “Why do the two of you keep intruding into my personal life? Can't you mind your own business?”
Jela smiled. “Trust me. It’s for your own good.”
Migz reached for a bottle of beer from the table. He said that it’s better to start drinking early this day since we’ll be leaving early in the morning.
“I have been cleaning up your mess when it comes to your attitude towards the photographers. So, I’m just practically doing my job as your manager for the betterment of your career.”
I angrily reached for a bottle of beer and took a sip.
“Whatever. But don’t expect me to cooperate.”
Migz smirked. “Why do you always avoid getting close to your ex? You still love her, don’t you?”
I almost dropped the bottle of beer I was holding because of what he said.
“You idiot! I never said anything like that.”
“But you’re not denying it either.” Jela stuck her tongue out at me.
I stood up in frustration. “Do whatever you want!”
I left them in the living room and headed straight to the balcony. I was immediately greeted by the cool breeze.
I sat on the swing here and took out my cellphone from my pocket. I was busy scrolling through my social media account when I suddenly heard a familiar song by Taylor Swift. If I’m not mistaken, it’s titled “Back to December.”
I involuntarily touched my face when I heard Migz singing along. I’m sure he’s the one who played it. Even without him saying it, I know what he wants to convey through that song. Especially since Jela mentioned to him that it was on Christmas Day when Tiffany and I got together and when she also broke up with me.
I didn’t bother to stop what he was doing. There’s no use anyway.
Instead, I just continued browsing on my phone. But the scene of what happened inside my car last night keeps replaying in my mind.
Damn! This is the reason why I hate being so close to her. Because I might end up losing control, and she will forever hate me for that.
She might end up leaving me again, just like she did that night.
I took a deep sigh. Until I realized that I had unconsciously switched accounts.
I hate to admit it, but I actually have a second account. Because no matter how much I deny it to myself, I always end up wanting to know more about her whereabouts.
I was about to go to her profile when suddenly, a new post with her picture appeared at the top of my news feed.
I tightly shut my mouth when I saw that she was with her close friend Jairus again. Just a few days ago, I also saw her My Day with him at her favorite fast food chain, the same day our cars almost collided.
Based on their background, I can tell that they are in Tagaytay now.
“Do they really need to go there just for a cup of coffee?” I muttered unwillingly.
“Why not? Do you want us to have coffee in Tagaytay as friends as well?” Jela suddenly appeared next to me, causing me to almost fall from my seat.
“What the fuck? Why do you keep popping up out of nowhere like a mushroom?” I exclaimed, but it seemed like she didn’t hear me. Her forehead was furrowed as she stared at my phone.
She quickly snatched it from my grip, and my eyes widened as she started digging into my account.
“Oh, my gosh! The ever-famous TJ Vernon has a second account just to stalk and like the posts of his first love! This news will definitely shake the showbiz industry!”
Before I could take my phone away, she dashed towards Migz. I closed my eyes tightly and gripped the back of my neck. I’m sure these two won’t leave me alone now.
I was doomed. It seemed like a bad decision to let them stay here.
“Man, you are really whipped! I can talk to the management so that the two of you can become a love team in your future projects. Just let me know!” he shouted loudly.
I didn’t answer and simply raised my middle finger at him.
There’s no way I’m going to put Tiffany in the spotlight and let other men be awestruck by her beauty. I want her to remain as she is right now while she continues to pursue her long-time dream.
Even if I’m no longer a part of it.