Found Again

“Alli!”

It was Alexa. She texted me last night asking if I could spare her time because she wanted to talk to me. Even though my schedule is loaded, I still made time to meet her. I know that the reason why she wanted to talk to me is because of Noah.

“Alexa!” I greeted her back and kiss her on the cheek.

We are in one of Thomas’ restaurants. Most of Noah’s family are in the food industry. Some of them open a restaurant and bars. Some chose to be in food distribution like wine. Thomas’ restaurants are also known here in America but not as famous as Noah’s restaurant, simply because Noah’s restaurant is their family’s legacy. Yes, Noah was chosen as the heir of their family business.

Noah and Thomas are competing with successorship. There is a silent competition between them. When I heard their story, I feel sorry for Thomas. Since they were kids, Thomas always dreamed to be chosen as Elordi’s successor. He was more passionate about their family business. It was the complete opposite with Noah.

Noah has no interest in their family business. He always wanted to be in the fashion industry. He already gave up the successorship but something happened. Their family business almost got bankrupt because of an accident. It was Noah who save their business from bankruptcy.

Noah’s effortless way of handling business is acknowledged by their family as the reason why he was chosen to be their successor.

I remember Noah telling me before that he would rather have Alexa than their restaurant. Noah envies Thomas because Alexa is head over heels in love with him. While Thomas envies Noah for being Elordi’s successor.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“I know that you are busy right now. Thank you for accepting my invitation.” Alexa said.

I could feel the awkwardness in her. Maybe because she knew how much I care about Noah and she knew that Noah is hurting right now.

I smiled at her to make her more at ease. “Of course, Alexa! You are a friend. I will make time for you. Especially now that I decided to be in the Philippines for good.”

“Are you not coming back here?” She asked curiously.

“I will still visit here for work since I have Stellar here in the US. And other business commitments.” I explained to her.

Minutes have passed, the waiter went inside our private room to serve our food. Alexa and I agree to eat our lunch first before we continue our chat.

“The food is good. It has the signature taste of Elordi’s food.” I can’t help but give comments on the food.

“Thomas still has the right of their family recipes. So some of the menus are the same as Elordi’s signature dish. But of course, Thomas includes some of his original recipes.” Alexa explained.

I nodded. Alexa was right, Thomas as a member of the Elordi family has a right to use the family recipe. Unlike Noah, Thomas is a chef. That’s why I am not surprised that Thomas was able to make his own dish.

“I’m sure Noah wouldn’t mind.” I just said.

“Thomas asks Noah’s permission before he includes the dish on the menu.” She said sounded awkward.

I guess it’s about time to discuss whatever she wants to say.

“Is Andrew really your boyfriend?” Alexa asked quietly.

I smiled at her. “Yes, but we are keeping a relationship a secret in public because both of us are in the entertainment industry.”

“Did Noah know about it?” She asked.

My forehead creased. “Yes. Noah always knew about Andrew. Why did you ask?”

Alexa averted from my gaze. She cleared her throat before she look at me again.

“I just thought that you are perfect for Noah.” She said in a whisper.

I did not like what I am hearing from her, though I know that she doesn’t have a bad intention when she said that. I already noticed it before, she always push me to Noah. I even thought that she was starting to get jealous and maybe she is slowly realizing that she is falling already for Noah. But I guess I was wrong. Based on her tone, she really means when she was pushing me to Noah. She wanted Noah to end up with me so that she will not feel that bad when she finally be with Thomas.

“Noah and I are just friends. What we feel for each other is plain platonic. We never romantically see each other. It was always you who he loves. And it was always Andrew who owns my heart. And I will be very honest with you, Andrew and I only reconcile when I went back to the Philippines. We never had a proper breakup because I left him without asking for an explanation, which is completely my fault. And I was thankful that after all these years, he still loves me and wants to be with me.” I explained to her.

She bow her head and bit her lower lips. I know she was feeling embarrassed about what she said a while ago.

I hold her hand and squeeze it. “Noah and I knew about your feelings for Thomas. But Noah is just head over heels in love with you that is why even though he knew that he will get hurt in the end, he still chooses to take a risk to win your heart.”

“No one will blame you for choosing your heart’s desire. I am happy for you and I completely understand. And I also want to ask you to respect Noah’s choice of loving you. Don’t push him to anyone just to lessen your guilt. You are just hurting him more. Just let Noah heal by himself. Noah is a strong person. He can overcome his heartache.” I added.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered guiltily.

I smiled at her. “And I also have a request from you for Noah’s sake.”

Alexa looks at me. “Sure. What is it?”

“Can you please avoid Noah? Leave him alone. Let him heal first. Don’t come to him to apologize or explain yourself or ask to be just friends with him, because I am telling you now that the two of you couldn’t be friends if Noah still has feelings for you. He already got the message loud and clear. I told him to forget about you and move on. So whatever he will do, please don’t get involved. Let him heal on his own way.” I said with a bit of warning.

“But I care for Noah and I love him as a friend,” Alexa disagrees.

I look at her intently. “If you really care about him, then do what I ask you to do.”

I could see that she still want to protest but when she saw how serious I am, she just sighed and nodded.

“Fine. If that will be the best for him. But I am still your friend right?” She said hesitantly.

I smiled genuinely at her. “Of course. I am really happy for you. I am sad and hurt for Noah but I’m happy for you because I know that you always wanted to be with him. I wish you both to be happy and in love.”

Tears fell from Alexa’s eyes. She went to me and hug me.

I hug her back. “Be happy okay? Just leave Noah to me. I will help him to move on.”

Alexa nodded and hug me more tightly.