Femme Fatale

Chapter 16: Rivals Around My Girl

I’m not in a position to get jealous with any guy who gets too close with Nene but I do feel upset whenever I see how Hammond interacts with her. Their best friends, I get that, but I don’t believe with friendship between a man and a woman, it’s either he or she fall in love with the other. If that happens, it’ll be hard for me to compete with Hammond because of the time they spend together and the memories they shared.

I woke up in the evening after relieving my jetlag from the long flight and travel in land just to get on board at the ship. I specifically chose the room beside Nene and I only forced Poseidon to do the same, while Justin had the room across hers. All the female students are in our room cluster, even the couples, whom the girl should be Nene’s roommate but chose her lover instead, she’s the reason Nene had to be Hammond in one room.

Traditionally, during the first night of the trip, there’s a party at night where the captain introduce himself to everyone on board. The party is for the upper deck occupants only, there could be 625 attendees if everyone joins the party but of course not everyone likes to party and socialize with people who only talks about business or politics. Well it’s better to have a conversation with them rather than those people who only knows how to show off their luxurious life and talk nothing else but themselves.

“Captain Gillette.” shaking his hands “It’s nice to meet you again, please take care of me along with everyone on board in this cruise.”

“You’re in safe hands, Seaof you know that.” Capt. Gillette chuckles “You just graduated from high school when I last saw you but now, look at you, you’re a college professor now, so where are these students of yours who got excellent grades, I want to meet them.” looking around

“I’ll introduce you to everyone.” leading him to the tables of my students until we reached Nene’s table who’s currently dining with Hammond

“So, there’s two couples in this table, love at such a young age.” Capt. Gillette sighs “I suddenly miss my wife who’s waiting for me in Scotland.”

“These two are the only couple in here but those two, they’re just friends.” clearing the misunderstanding right away “Everyone, the captain of this cruise ship, Captain Hans Gillette, please remember his face because our lives depend on him while we’re here on ship.”

The 8 females and 2 males, introduced themselves to Capt. Gillette as they shook his hand. After dealing with the students, we went to my colleagues who brought their families on the trip and also with my colleagues who are single just like me.

“Here’s the photograph of my daughter.” Capt. Gillette handed Poseidon a photograph “She’s such a beauty, right? She’ll be 27 at the end of the month but she’s still unmarried until now, I would like to introduce you to her when we arrived in UK.”

“Ah, thank you for your invitation Capt. Gillette, your daughter is indeed beautiful but I don’t think I’m the right man for him.” Poseidon about to give the photograph back to Capt. Gillette but Jonas took it away

“If you’re alright with me, Capt. Gillette, I would like to go and meet your daughter.” Jonas said “I’ll be 27 too on the 13th, I’m from Casa Grande, Arizona, I was a professor for 3 ½ years now but before that I worked at Dominating Navies Company for Engineers for 1 ½ years.”

“Are you applying a job from me, Mr. Jonas?” Capt. Gillette chuckles “But I like your guts young man, you’re welcome to visit my home anytime.”

“Thank you, Captain Gillette, just give me your home address and I’ll definitely knock on your door.” Jonas said confidently

“Of course, do you have a pen and paper?” Capt. Gillette replied and wrote the address on paper immediately after Jonas handed him what he needs “I’m expecting you to come at your best when you knocked on our door, what’s your first name again?”

“I’m Joseph Jonas, sir.” Jonas answered enthusiastically “Don’t worry I’m always at my best, sir!”

“Hahaha, I like you Joseph.” Capt. Gillette completely shifted his interest from Poseidon to Joseph “If you excuse me gentlemen, I have to meet with other guests too, I’ll see you around, specially you Joseph Jonas.” walks off

“Thanks for refusing Don, you gave me an opportunity of a lifetime, I finally see the one I want to marry.” Jonas pats Poseidon’s shoulder

“You don’t have to thank me, I just did what I want to do, now that I think about it the captain’s daughter is really pretty.” Poseidon rubbing his chin

“If you’re joking right now, I’m telling you it’s not funny, you’re a threat in a man’s romantic life, Don.” Jonas glaring at Poseidon “Find your own girl!”

“Don is searching for her thoroughly; he only needs to wait for the girl to show up.” drinking my wine

“Yeah, that’s what I’m supposed to do, wait.” Poseidon sighs “But someone told me that she won’t show up and I never meant to see the girl.”

“Who?? Who told you such harsh words?!” almost choke up with my drink “Was that the reason you’re not in the mood since we boarded the plane??”

“Whoever said those words to you she or he is probably knows something about the girl you’re looking for.” Jonas added “Anyway, I’ll leave you two, I’m going to switch places with Jack, we agreed to take turns in dancing with Jinjoo.” walks off and went to the dancefloor

“I’m going to get some air outside, are you staying here?” Poseidon about to take his leave too

“I’ll have another glass of wine then I’ll join you outside.” gesturing to the waiter to refill my glass with wine “You haven’t answered me yet, Don.”

“I’ll tell you later.” Poseidon making his way out from the party hall

“He’s still not in the mood, who made him upset for the whole day??” watching the wine filling in my glass “Thanks.” having another sip as I look around

I’m specifically looking for Nene but she’s nowhere to find in the hall. Hammond is dancing with other lady at the dancefloor while Justin is having a conversation with Whittle and his family. After I empty my glass, I walked out from the hall and went to find Poseidon outside, but I never expect to see him cornering Nene at a dangerous position.

“What are you doing over there?” I approached them to see what’s happening “Don, aren’t you being too close with Nene right now?”

“We’re not done yet; you have to tell me what you know about her!” Poseidon pulled away and walks off while frowning

“Thanks.” Nene plopped down after she have her own space “I think I got overboard, he’s too mad at me.”

“So, you’re the culprit huh?” stand beside her as I look down to the sea “You’re the one who made him furious all day, what’s happening between you two? I don’t think it’s just a simple misunderstanding this time, Don is obviously angry at you.”

“I just told him what I think about as a girl when we were at the airport, as for tonight he’s asking me what I know about the lady he’s searching for.”

“What exactly did you tell him, for you to end up on that position earlier?” looking down at her who’s still sitting on the floor “He could’ve pushed you if he wanted to with that kind of temper he have, I’ve never seen him so infuriated like that before.”

“I told him that there’s no way that lady would like her, he’s too full of himself to announced on TV that he’s going to marry the girl on his portrait, he didn’t even considerate what would be the effect of his reckless action towards me … I mean if I were that girl I’ll be burden with his feelings.”

“I see.” reaching out my hand to her “Everyone have different opinions and of course you’re free to say yours.” helping her to stand up “It’s him who can’t just accept your negative comment, but I do understand what you’ve just said, someone’s feelings might be a burden to someone else.”

“What I’m trying to say is, he doesn’t even know who that girl is, how could he just have blurted out that he falls in love at first sight with her??!”

“Here.” Put my suit on her when I noticed her rubbing her arms “It’s cold outside and you’re wearing thin clothes.”

“Thanks.” Nene staring at me “Anyway, about this gown, and everyone’s formal dresses and suits, did you just prepare these for all of us?”

“I’m just helping a friend, who’s a fashion designer by the way, to get his designs exposed to the public, he’s new to the industry and he needs a lot of support for his name to be known.” I replied “So, I bought 300 of his designs and stored them in a room then have them delivered to everyone.”

“I see, is he here? I want to thank him personally; I really like this dress it actually fits me perfectly.” Nene looking at her dress

“No, he’s in California, and about the sizes, I got them from our campus clinic, Justin actually helped me with that one because it’s confidential.”

“Justin-samchon, didn’t mention it to me.” Nene crossing her arms “Hmm, anyway, I have seven dresses delivered to my room and so as Hammond he got seven pairs of suits and pants, does it mean 56 designs were allocated to us girls and 210 to boys? But that’s only 266, does it mean that even the other professors and their wives … you also gave them clothes??” looking at me in surprised

“Except for me, Don, and Justin … they have 3 each so that’s 24 and about the remaining 10, their wives have 2 each.” counting with her “It’s 300.”

“Yeah, it’s 300, and you just bought all of them for us, you’re too generous Seaof, you must spend a lot of fortune for the clothes.” Nene looking at me in awe “You already have us cover with this cruise trip and gave us pocket money, aren’t you being spendthrift??”

“I’m not spending my own money, so I don’t have to live frugally, besides this cruise trip I’m also working for our company by experiencing the services we offered to customers, so I greatly appreciate everyone’s comments whether it’s positive or negative we’ll accept them all.” I explained

“Oh, the crosswise paper on the table in our room, I’ll make sure to write on it every day.” Nene gave my suit back to me “I’m going to my room now.”

“It’s alright, you may continue to use it, we’re neighbors anyway, I’m in room 201, you’re in 202, right?” put my suit back to her as we walk along

“Yes, well if you insist then I’ll use it, wait if you’re in 201, does it mean that Don is just around the corner??” Nene looking worried

“He’s in 203, but don’t worry even he’s that mad at you he’ll never lay a finger on you, I know him well he’s not into physical resolve because he solve problems with peaceful conversations as much as possible, but if he threatens you earlier and it scared you, I apologize on his behalf.”

“Why are you apologizing for him? Are you his spokesperson??” Nene staring ahead “It’s alright, I’m also at fault too because I said too much.”

“It’s not that I’m siding with Don because he’s my best friend but if you only get to know him better, he’s a better mother than my own mother.”

“Mother??!” Nene chuckles “Why are you comparing him to a mother? Isn’t that too much of a praise?? I can’t even imagine him with that traits.”

“That’s why I’m telling you to give him a try, whoever that girl is he’s searching for, she’s lucky to capture Don’s heart, and on top of that being proposed by him that’s the greatest thing she could ever ask for, because Don is the best man in the world.” walking with her towards our rooms

After talking a lot about anything that came up to our minds, we finally reached our rooms. We both said good night to each other and I’m also about to open my door, spend the rest of the night in my room thinking about her.

“Holy s**t!” Nene opened the door and shut it immediately “Really Hammond??!” talking to him behind the door “I’m giving you two minutes to get out!”

“Why??!” also startled from her sudden reaction “What did you see? What’s Hammond doing in the room??” watching her walk to the corner wall

“You’ll see when our door opens.” Nene crossing her arms as she waits for her door room to open “I really need to talk sense to him about room sharing.”

“Hmm … is this somewhat of scandal that should be kept as a secret??” stand beside her to wait for what happens next and after a minute or two

“I’m sorry, I’m going to have a serious conversation with my sister about privacy.” Hammond sending a lady out from the room and done a French kiss

“Alright, brother let’s talk.” Nene walk towards Hammond and pulled his hair as they go inside their room

“Aww … Nene …is this really necessary??!” Hammond getting drag by Nene inside “Aww … aww … wait is that Prof. Godeth?? He saw what happened??!”

“Does it matter now?! Close the door!!” Nene yelling at Hammond and they probably fight inside their room

“How I wish you could care about me that much too.” sighing as I walk into my own room “It’s rude to eavesdrop, Seaof, let’s not do that.” looking at the wall between us as I take my clothes off to change into my pajamas

I lay myself down in my bed and the pictures of tonight still flashing in my mind. I don’t like it when I saw Poseidon standing too close with Nene so I intentionally interrupted them, if not I might misunderstand their situation and get jealous of my friend over nothing. Even the closeness between Hammond and Nene, if I didn’t see how calm Nene is while waiting for Hammond and his girl, and on top of that watched them kiss passionately, Nene never show a bit of jealousy in her eyes, her furious is purely out of irritation from seeing something she shouldn’t have seen.

The next morning, I went to the restaurant to have breakfast and saw Poseidon being the center of attention as always. A lady is probably trying to join him in his table and knowing my friend who doesn’t know how to say no directly to anyone, I have to step forward.

“Thanks for saving the table, are the others not here yet?” turn to the lady “I’m sorry, this table is already reserved for the rest of our friends.”

“Oh my, another Asian hot guy!” lady shifted her interest on me “Hello, I’m Tamara Scrum, our family owns a record company in L.A.” reaching out her hand and as a courtesy I shake hands with her and pulled away immediately “So, you two are friends, huh?”

“We’re actually more than just friends.” trying to turn her off from us “We’re best of friends.” chuckles with her surprised reaction when she probably thought we’re gays “Anyway, if you excuse us, Ms. Scrum, I would like to talk with him alone.”

“Oh, of course.” Tamara walk away from our table and went to her circle of friends whose waiting for her on another table

“Though it’s effective let’s not use that kind of method again.” Poseidon feeling disgusted “I already told her and that I’m waiting for someone but she doesn’t even back off, I rather be surrounded by my female students than the kind of her, who only knows how to brag about her social status.”

“I exactly know what you mean, my friend.” raising my hand to order my breakfast “One espresso and Chicken Almond Pilaf, please, thank you.”

“You want to try this Salmon Blini; I don’t know what’s missing but I’m pretty sure there’s more to this blini.” Poseidon pushing his plate towards me

“What do I know about ingredients? We both don’t know how to cook; we only know how to eat good food.” wiping my fork with the napkin before I used it “You’re giving me a taste of seafood before I have my own breakfast meal.” taking a bite of his salmon blini “Hmm, you’re right there’s missing.”

“I told you, I just can’t figure out what’s missing with this dish, the taste is alright but I there’s this after taste I’m looking for a blini.” Poseidon said

“Morning, what are you two up to?” Justin joins our table “That’s Salmon Blini, right? Seafood, first thing in the morning, Don??”

“I would like to offer you a taste but I suddenly remember you’re allergic to all kinds of seafood.” Poseidon said to Justin

“Why, what’s wrong??” Justin looking at us while raising his hand to order his breakfast “One Pea Pesto Crostini and green smoothie please.”

“We both have the same opinion about this blini but we can’t figure it out how to say it with exact words, there’s a taste we’re looking for.” I replied

“Morning, Justin-samchon.” Nene taps Justin shoulder “I hope there’s Shu Mai Dumplings in the menu, I suddenly craved for Chinese food.” about to leave after she greeted Justin and slightly bowed to me and Poseidon as her greeting

“Nene, why don’t you join our table?” stand up to pull a chair for her to sit “Also we would like your opinion about Don’s ordered breakfast.”

“Oh, I have the same allergy with Justin-samchon, but to enhance the taste of seafood it’s better if you have a sauce to dip on.” Nene sits with us as she browses the menu list “There’s no dumplings, well I guess I just have Bagel Sandwich.” raising her hand to order her breakfast “One Bagel Sandwich and milk, yeah … I’ll take milk … uhm, and also can you give as a sauce for the blini please, soy sauce with kalamansi extract and sliced chili will do.”

“I’ll relay your request with the chef.” waiter walk off after taking Nene’s order and request

“How do you know that sauce will do if you never tried any seafood dish??” Poseidon raising his eyebrows at Nene

“I don’t know about your dish but that sauce never fails.” Nene replied to him “What did you ordered Justin-samchon?”

“Pea Pesto Crostini and this green smoothie.” Justin answered “I just like pasta for breakfast and vegetable smoothie.”

“Chicken Almond Pilaf and espresso.” waiter served my order “I already told the chef about your request ma’am and he’s preparing it at the moment.”

“Oh, thanks, once done please give it to this man.” Nene pointing at Poseidon “He likes seafood but he still didn’t know how to eat it best.”

“Yes, ma’am.” waiter move away immediately before he get caught in the middle of an impending argument

“Were you born to annoy me, Nene?” Poseidon clenching his fist “Why do you always pick a fight with me whenever you see me??!”

“I was born because of parents love each other; it has nothing to do with you.” Nene answered “I’m not picking a fight, it’s just that you can’t stand losing on me, besides I’m just telling the truth … if you’re offended then should I tell a lie instead?” provoking Poseidon to get more agitated

“Can’t you just say the truth a little nicer?” Poseidon trying to hold back his anger “Good for you, I’m not in the mood to fight with you.”

“Pea Pesto Crostini and green smoothie.” waiter served Justin’s order “And here’s the sauce you’ve requested ma’am for sir.” placing the sauce at the table “The chef commended the sauce you’ve requested ma’am.” walks off after he relayed the chef’s message

“Try it now, if it doesn’t suit your palate then I’ll apologize for being rude.” Nene looking at Poseidon “You should tell the truth.”

“You’re sorry but you’re not, so what’s the point?” Poseidon dipping the salmon blini on the sauce “Now, I can finish this dish, thanks.” eating his dish

“You’re welcome, it’s the basic sauce I know for seafood, so it’ll make do.” Nene proud of herself “Finally my bagel sandwich and milk!” waiting for her order to place on our table “What’s this note?” reading a note given to her by the waiter “Oh, the chef wants to talk to me.” turn her head to the kitchen “What do you think, Justin-samchon, should I meet him for an afternoon tea?”

“Who that blonde-haired man with curly eyebrows? He seems to be hitting with every lady in the cruise, so you’re in his range too, huh??” Justin turn his head to where Nene is looking “He’s a gentleman … but he could be a peeping tom if an opportunity arises.”

“Whoa, Justin, is that how a psychologist assesses a person?” I reacted “Or is this the way you tell Nene not to go on a date with someone?”

“Both, but even if I tell Nene no she still goes when she wanted to, as you can see no one can control this kiddo.” Justin eating his pesto with gusto

“Based from your reading, I don’t think I want to have an afternoon tea with him.” Nene holding her sandwich to eat “I can eat this with my hands.”

“Of course, that’s how you eat a sandwich.” smiling at her who doesn’t care about the people who’s talking about the way she eats

One of the reasons I like this girl, she never pretends to be someone else she’s not, she’s not afraid to show her true self to everyone even if they criticize her. She just does what she wants to do without restricting herself, and I’m pretty sure I can be with my own self too when I’m with her.

Afternoon came and Nene didn’t meet the chef as she said before, she’s spending time with other girls and taking pictures at the view. They got their own world while I’m stuck with Poseidon and dealing with the ladies who’s trying to get our attention specially his.

When the evening comes, another night of party with everyone and another night to survive from hypocrites. I saw Nene wearing her indigo dress, and making her way to the crowd with the other girls, I’m about to walk towards her but the chef has his own way to her.

“Can’t he get it, Nene already stood him up on their afternoon meet, why is he still hitting on her??!” whining at Poseidon

“Because he can, he’s not someone with a restricted relationship with her, unlike someone I know.” Poseidon said sarcastically

“Are you really my friend?” glaring at Poseidon “Shouldn’t you be comforting me instead of hurting my feelings more??!”

“I’m just telling the truth; do you want me to lie with you instead?” Poseidon realizes that he said what Nene told him before “Oh s**t! I just talk like her, she’s really no good to me I should keep distance from her before I lose myself.”

“You’re considerate with everyone even if you’re annoyed with them but you’re only harsh at me.” pouting at Poseidon

“Not only at you, I do argue with her, remember?” Poseidon pointing at Nene “You two wake my demon up.”

“Why us two??!” looking at him in surprise “Hey, where are you going?” watching him walk away from me “You’re leaving me here alone after I accompany you and play defense all the time?? Where’s you’re camaraderie??!”

“I’m going to help you with the chef, handle the other things on your own.” Poseidon making his way to approach the chef

“I really want to marry this guy if only I were a girl.” feeling grateful to have a friend like him “Oh, hello, how are you doing?” greeting other people on my way to where Nene’s standing “Nene, uhm …” thinking of what to say instead of standing like an i***t “Wanna dance with me?”