SHE FELL LITERALLY

FORD'S POV

Lola Igna's Book Café

I woke up early to start the outline of the book I was going to make. I did some research on how to win a girl's heart. This is my last option to get an idea of how to start the outline.

According to my research, one of the most difficult to court is the no boyfriend since birth lady. They say they are high maintenance so before you get their attention, you need to work hard. But that is not the case for all women.

"Hey, you're too early!" Shaine greets me. She should be the one to notice you first so you won't look like you're the one pursuing to get close because you've only known each other recently.

"I'm just finishing something. It looks like your store is busy decorating. What's up?" I asked. Before I entered the door, I saw their poster. Today is their anniversary. So that's why…

"Woah. Can't you read? It's already posted on the door. We'll close the store early so you might have a last order?"

"Nothing. I'm done with what I'm doing. I can help you decorate." When in fact, my work will only begin now. I need to be close with her all the time.

"Hey, we can't pay you though. We can only offer coffee here." I just nodded at her as I helped her put up the decorations.

"So, what's up with your event today?"

"Just a little party with family, friends and loyal customers. There are special numbers and of course drinks!" she said cheerfully.

"Am I invited?"

"Nahhh but since you're already here in front of me, even if I want to kick you out now, I can't do that." she replied as she turned on the lights.

Outside the door her family was waiting.

"Can you continue with what I'm doing aghhhh-" she was surprised when she saw her family. Shaine lost her balance on the stairs and fell on ... me ... I did that on purpose because I kicked the stairs at the bottom. Purely evil! Nice!

"Oh my God!" she shouted while covering her eyes. I now carry her like a bride.

"Oh no Ma'am!"

"My daughter!" her mother, I guess, has a high-pitch voice.

"Cousin!" her family member shouted.

"You can come down now." I said to her because she was so heavy.

"You're so heavy."

"Tsk."

"Why won't you introduce us to this young man, Shaine?" asked her mom who looked exactly like her.

"Mom, he's a customer. Apologize to him!"

"Son! Be patient with my wife, she's really like that. Why don't you sit down first?" He took the chair and handed it to me. If I'm not mistaken, he is Shaine's Dad.

"It's okay, uncle." Shaine looked at me, she was surprised that I called her dad uncle. The couple looked at each other.

"Come on, let go of that, we'll continue the decoration."

"Papa you can't carry well what are you saying?"

"Just let your dad be clingy once in a while." I sat next to Shaine's mom because she called me. Her Dad is now helping Shaine.

"You're not familiar, is Shaine your friend?" she asked with a happy vibe on her face.

"I'm just on a vacation here and then I went to this coffee shop so lately I've been hanging out here," I explained.

"Ah, is that so. What are you doing in life, son? You're from Manila, are you? You're very handsome." I can tell she's sincere in saying that. You can see it through her eyes.

"You are right ma'am; I live in Manila. I'm just resting here so I can relax from work."

"I'll guess your job." She looked up and placed her fingertips under her chin.

"Hmmm."

"Are you a model?" I laughed a little at what Shaine's mom said.

"Do you think so?"

"Yes, you're tall, handsome, and your skin is smooth. You probably have lots of girls in Manila!" while pushing me.

"But kidding aside, I'm just an office worker in Manila." I used to lie every time I make a book. If I'm talking to kind people, telling lies is hard for me.

"It's good then. My daughter studied architecture but since there was no one to manage our business, she volunteered herself and gave up her big salary as an architect." Her voice suddenly changed into a caring voice. She's really a mother for Shaine.

"Really? Shaine didn't tell me about that."

"My daughter doesn't just trust anyone, she's still Papa's boy until now. Shaine was spoiled by her dad so much. That's why until now she has no boyfriend."

"It looks like that. Your daughter is beautiful, she doesn't have a suitor?" I asked.

"Many tried, she just closed the door. She doesn't give her suitors a chance to introduce themselves, they are immediately rejected by her. Did you know that until now she is still addicted to reading books? This girl!" with Shaine's mom being so talkative, I immediately learned a lot about her life.

"It's okay to read. But don't tell me she's just like today's millennials who seriously idolize idols or any influencer."

"That's true. She's always been to book signing events, her room is full of books in our house. I heard her last time in her room; she really loves this author even though she had never seen that author."

"What is the name of the author?"

"Write, Write med? Eh I'm old." It's not medicine, isn't it?

"I think it's Write Her-"

"Mom, did you tell him about my life? again?"

"Is that how you look down on your mom? Isn't it?" I just nodded to her mom.

"I doubt mom, we're about to start."

"Come to our house when you're free," Shaine's mom whispered to me.

The program started. The staff had a dance number with Shaine. She is not good at dancing; her body is stiff. But something good about her is that she always smiles.

"My daughter is good at dancing!" her proud mother shouted.

The dance ended until Shaine's parents followed. His father had a guitar, and his mother sang. I just think these two look like former musicians, so does that mean Shaine knows how to sing too?

The guitar began to play and was accompanied by Shaine's mom's soothing voice.

I wanna make you smile whenever you're sad

Carry you around when your arthritis is bad

All I wanna do is grow old with you

They look perfect as a couple and as a musician, they really look and perform like total performers. Shaine was beside me and I finally heard her voice.

I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches

Build you a fire if the furnace breaks

It could be so nice, growing old with you

Shaine's voice was husky. Her voice hurts my ears! I thought it was soothing! Damn! I frowned at her, but she continued to tease me with her voice.

"Stop it, my ears can't take it anymore please."

"You're so killjoy! By the way, where is your friend? Invite him later for a drink. I'll introduce him to my friends, including you."

"Sus. You're the only one looking for James, are you?" I looked away like a jealous man.

"Huh, what are you saying? James is not my type. I'll only marry Write Her." If you only knew who he was, you might regret it.

"I'm not looking for a girlfriend."

"You mean you're not looking for me?" she joked, I patted her forehead.

"Your brain is so big, but it's empty."

"Oh why? I haven't even said anything yet. And besides, you don't like me. Why are you angry?"

"Whatever Miss Shaine."

"Hey! Your arrogance! Call James now because my friends are on their way."

"And you even made me a matchmaker for your ugly friends." I dialed a number and called James. Wait, did I just do what she told me? First time I listened to someone!

"When you see them, you might regret it," she said while frowning.

"Tsk. I don't care."

"You don't care? Why? Are you gay?" when she said that I began to blush. I'm not gay but why are my feelings weird lately. Everything she says, it's okay with me.

A few moments later, her friends arrived. I don't know if I regret coming here today or what. But why is Jamie here? And Shaine is her friend of all the people. Shaine was right. I might be regretting it. I shouldn't go instead.