“THIS is unexpected,” Carmina said as she put the cheesecake down on the table.
“What do you mean?”
Her best friend remained standing beside her seat.
“I didn’t expect you to come here just a few days after your last visit. I thought you’d be locked up in your room, finishing whatever novel you’re writing.”
“Ah.” She sliced the cheesecake. “I—”
Carmina put a finger above her lips, cutting her words.
“Nah! Don’t tell me that you missed me because I won’t buy that.”
She shoved her best friend’s hand away and scowled at her.
“I came here because I needed some advice, okay?”
“Oh. Advice on what?” Carmina sat on the head seat and clasped her hands above the table. Now she looked like a guidance counselor at school.
Yvonne took a bite first of the cheesecake that she personally baked and brought to her best friend’s house.
“I had coffee with Rohan’s mother yesterday,” she said afterward.
“What now? If you can’t date Rohan, date his mom.”
“It’s not like we see each other often. We met at an event the other day, and she invited me for coffee.”
“And here you are still thinking that this isn’t a coincidence.”
“What if… it’s fate working its way to the two of us?” She popped another bite of cheesecake inside her mouth.
“Well, if this fate you’re talking about is God’s will for the two of you, then let it be.”
She wagged her hand.
“Oh, please… let’s not use the Lord’s name right now. I’m a bit scared about the outcome of this one, honestly.”
“What do you mean by that?” Carmina’s brows creased.
She took a series of deep breaths.
“Rohan’s mother asked me a favor.”
Her best friend’s eyes narrowed.
“And what kind of favor is that?”
“Madam Edwina wants me to date his son… I was really surprised when he told me that before we parted ways yesterday.”
Yvonne didn’t expect her best friend’s reaction. Carmina cupped her mouth and squealed exaggeratedly.
“Does she know that you and Rohan have a history?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so. I didn’t tell her about it, and I think Rohan didn’t say anything to his mother either. And I don’t even know if Rohan knew that I met his mother.”
“Ah… I see. So, it’s possible that his mother’s acting on her own accord.”
“Possibly.”
“What did you say to his mom?”  Carmina propped a hand on her chin and stared at her with dreamy eyes.
“I said I’ll think about it first. As you can see, I’m trying to move on.”
“Abort mission!”
Yvonne flinched when her best friend suddenly slammed her hands on the table.
“You mean I should stop with this moving on agenda?” Her eyes widened.
“Hm.” Carmina nodded consecutively. “Date him.”
“Are you really my best friend?” She exhaled sharply.
“I am, of course. But come to think of it… maybe this is the chance you’ve been waiting for. You got his mother on your back, Yvonne.”
She was silent for a moment, contemplating what her best friend had told her. What if Carmina was right that the universe was giving her a chance to make Rohan fall for him?
“What if he rejected me again?”
It was hard to bear her first heartbreak. If Rohan were to break her heart for the second time, she didn’t know if she could bear all the pain it would cause her.
“Well… if that happens, then I guess you must really accept the reality and move on.” Carmina patted her shoulder. “You wouldn’t know the result if you don’t give it a try, you know.”
Yvonne rubbed her palm against her face and groaned.
“I’m torn.”
“I thought you were thrilled.” Carmina laughed.
“Stop teasing me, will you?” She buried her face in her palms. “I’m about to go crazy.”
“Don’t worry. I know a nice mental facility nearby.”
“Carmina!”
“Relax, Yvonne. This isn’t a matter of life and death yet.”
“Maybe not for you, but it is for me!” she countered. “I’m about to cry, shit!”
“Oh, Lord… why is my best friend’s love life my problem as well?”
“That’s what you get for sticking with someone like me.”
Carmina left the table the moment she heard her son crying.
“Oh, he’s awake. Wait here, and I’ll go get him.”
Yvonne took advantage of being left alone and called Rohan’s mother. She just hoped she wasn’t interrupting a meeting or something at that moment. The other line kept ringing for a few moments, and it made her nervous. Maybe it wasn’t the right time to call, but just when she was about to end it, Madam Edwina answered.
“Yes, Yvonne?” Rohan’s mother sounded as if she was expecting her call. “Have you made up your mind, dear?”
“I have a question if you don’t mind.”
“Go on and ask, Yvonne. I don’t mind.”
“Does Rohan knows that we met?”
“No. I haven’t told him yet. What I want is to set you up without him knowing it’s you.”
“Like a blind date.”
“Uh-huh. You got it.”
If that was the case, then there was really a chance for her. Now she had made up her mind… she’d grab that chance.
“Can I negotiate with you?” She closed her eyes and prayed Rohan’s mother would say yes.
“Sure.”
“If I agree to date your son, can we do this my way?”
“If that’s how I can make you say yes, then okay. Let’s do it your way, Yvonne.”
A triumphant smile curved on her lips.
“Then it’s a yes, Madam Edwina. I’m going to date your son.”
“Now, all I need to do is make Rohan say yes.”
Her hopes suddenly went low.
“Wait, what?”
“He hasn’t said yes. But there’s no need to worry about it, Yvonne. I’ll make sure this will work.”
“Oh… okay.” She heaved a sigh.
“Tell me what you have in mind so we can plan it out.”
She started telling her plans, and Rohan’s mother approved of them all. All she was left to do was to tell her parents that she was going on a vacation, and of course, she must inform her editor as well.
Right after the call, her best friend came back with her son.
“Whoa, it looks like something happened while I was gone,” Carmina said the moment she sat down and saw her grinning from ear to ear.
“I just finished talking with Rohan’s mom.” Yvonne wagged her phone. “I told her that I’m going to date Rohan.”
They held hands and squealed.
“Remember to keep me posted, okay?” Carmina said afterward.
“Of course, I’ll let you know. Though I’m not sure if I can keep you up to date.”
“Why?” Her best friend raised a brow.
She leaned closer to Carmina and giggled.
“I’m going to spend days on an island with Rohan.”
“What?” Carmina’s mouth formed an O. “Whoa, wait a minute… It sounds like one of your plots.”
She snapped her fingers. “Bingo!”
“Well, I hope you two would have fun and… you know.”
Yvonne leaned against her seat and smiled. The thought that she and Rohan would spend some alone time on an island together really made her super excited.
“I bet someone won’t be able to sleep tonight out of excitement,” Carmina teased her.
She slapped her best friend’s arm.
“Stop!”
“What will you tell your parents, by the way? What if they don’t approve of you going somewhere? You know, they’re still scared because of what happened between you and Anthony.”
“That’s why I need your help, best friend.”
“What?”
“Tell my parents you and I are going on a vacation.”
“Uh-oh…” Carmina wagged a finger. “You know I’m not good at lying. And besides, how can I pretend you and I are going on a vacation when you’re going to leave me here?”
“Fine. I’ll just ask my editor a favor.”
“That’s even better. At least, there’s only a thin chance that your parents would see her.”
“Right.” She rose from her seat afterward.
“Are you leaving already?” Carmina asked as she followed her to the door.
“Hm. I have to pack my bags, you know.” She kissed her godson’s cheek and waved goodbye to her friend. “See you soon.”
“Make it not that soon. Enjoy!”
Grinning, Yvonne got in her car and drove home.