Reunited (The Secret Admirer Book 2)

Chapter 4: New Friend

I was excited to get out of work today and head to the gym. At exactly five, I left my office and got on the elevator. My boss, Gabriel was already on it, and he held the door open for me.

Gabriel: “Hey Vanessa. Are you headed home?”

Vanessa: “I’m just going to stop by the gym first.”

Gabriel: “Really? When did you start going?”

Vanessa: “Just this month. I got a membership a few months ago but never went.”

Gabriel: “Oh, okay.”

We stayed silent for a while. Somehow, it felt uncomfortable. When I moved to Manila, I started a s****l relationship with Gabriel before I started working for him. It was just an arrangement meant for me to get over my cheating ex-boyfriend fast. It went well, until I found out he had a fiancé, so I ended things with him right away. He kept wanting to rekindle our relationship and even wanted us to start dating, but I just didn’t have any romantic feelings for him.

It’s ironic because despite having seen each other naked we seem uncomfortable being alone with each other now. I can feel that he wants to say something to me, though.

Gabriel: “Uhm, so, I’m getting married.”

I was surprised and didn’t expect him to say this. I don’t know how to feel, but I was definitely happy for him. Maybe I was a little jealous, not of the girl he was marrying, but because it made me feel sad that I don’t know where my fiancé is right now.

Vanessa: “That’s great! Congratulations!”

Gabriel: “Yeah, thanks. You’re invited, by the way.”

Vanessa: “Thanks. Can I bring anyone?”

Gabriel: “Who are you bringing?”

I looked at him a little shocked as he seemingly pried into my personal affairs. I wasn’t actually sure who I was bringing. I wanted to bring Julian, but he isn’t here. I wanted to take it back, but Gabriel beat me into talking again.

Gabriel: “Never mind, I shouldn’t have asked. Sure. You can bring a date. It’s going to be a beach wedding, by the way.”

Hearing that Gabriel’s bride will get to have a beach wedding made my heart ache. That was my dream wedding. Gabriel must have misinterpreted my reaction.

Gabriel: “Are you okay? You’re okay with me getting married, right?”

Vanessa: “Uhm, of course I am. I am engaged too, you know.”

Gabriel: “Right. Will you be bringing him to the wedding.”

Vanessa: “You know what, he might not make it back in time. He can’t take too many days off from school, you know. I might just bring a friend along. That’s okay, right?”

Gabriel: “Sure.”

I smiled to let him know that I’m happy for him. I really am, and I’m glad he found the woman who has made him an honest man.

Gabriel: “Do you regret what happened between us?”

Vanessa: “As much as possible, I don’t regret anything I’ve done in my life.”

Gabriel: “I regret not telling you about my fiancé at the time. I was starting to fall for you, and I was willing to leave her for you, you know?”

Vanessa: “Uhm, I didn’t feel the same way about you. You knew that.”

Gabriel: “Still, I think things would have turned out differently if we gave it a try. You could have been the one I’m marrying.”

Vanessa: “It’s all in the past, let’s put that behind us. Congratulations, Gabriel. I’m really happy for you.”

The doors opened just in time and I got out right away. I was scared of where that conversation might lead to.

When I got to the gym, I looked for Jake right away. He was in the free weights area where I usually see him. I waved at him and made a signal that I am headed to the locker area to change into gym clothes. I was still in my office attire. When I was ready, I headed straight to the treadmill to do some cardio and warm-up.

I had been running for ten minutes when Jake appeared at my side and gave me the biggest smile.

Jake: “Hey.”

Vanessa: “Hey, yourself.”

Jake: “How was your day?”

Vanessa: “It was so-so.”

Jake: “Uh-uh. What happened?”

Vanessa: “I’ll tell you later over dinner.”

Jake: “Okay. My treat this time, okay?”

Vanessa: “Sure.”

We had some small talk while I finished my 25 minute run. Jake’s presence made it go faster than usual. When I was done, he invited me to the office and did some measurement on my body. He wanted to check my muscle mass and body mass index, as well as my body’s age. This would help him create a workout plan based on my goal.

When he was done, he had me sit in the chair in front of his desk while he entered the data in the computer.

Jake: “You know, you are fairly healthy, and everything is within normal range. Although, you’re close to being underweight. You’re almost 5’8” but you’re only at 56 kilos. I’d like to get you to at least 60 kilos.”

Vanessa: “I did lose some weight when I got hospitalized. I got a broken rib and I was in the hospital for almost a month. I even had temporary amnesia.”

Jake: “Did that have something to do with why Julian went to jail?”

Vanessa: “Yeah. Someday I’ll tell you the details. So what do we need to do?”

Jake: “Well, I’ll help you with a nutrition plan aside from the workout plan. Right now, we’ll be in maintenance mode, and as soon as I’ve familiarized myself with what you eat, then we can come up with a plan on how to get you to the right weight.”

Vanessa: “Okay.”

Jake: “Starting tomorrow, I’d like you to start a nutrition diary. Write down what you eat every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Include your snacks and flavored drinks, like coffee and such.”

Vanessa: “Wow, that’s pretty tedious, but okay.”

Jake: “Well, I take fitness seriously.”

Vanessa: “How much do I have to pay for your services?”

Jake: “For you, it’s free. You can treat me to the occasional lunch or dinner.”

Vanessa: “Okay, if you say so.”

Jake: “Let’s go hit the gym.”

We started working out and had fun while doing it. Jake taught me how to use some of the equipment which I never even dared touch before. He was assisting me the entire time, and I was getting conscious about some of the girls giving me looks because he seems too focused on me.

Vanessa: “Uhm, your other clients might not like that you’re only assisting me.”

Jake: “I don’t have other clients. I’m not training anyone else anymore. I don’t have time for that.”

Vanessa: “Oh, why are you training me then?”

Jake: “You’re different. You’re my friend and I like helping you out.”

Vanessa: “Some of the other girls in the gym might not be happy about that.”

Jake: “Uhm. some of those girls might be jealous. I’ve slept with a few of them.”

Vanessa: “Oh.”

Jake: “After Jenna and I broke up, I started exploring other options, meaning women. She was my first and only, you know. It helped me get better. I’ve got it out of my system now.”

Vanessa: “I’m scared. They might think I’m your new fling.”

Jake: “Let them think what they want to think. I was never serious with any of them and they knew that. In fact, most of them initiated the move. Who am I to say no?”

Jake must have sensed the discomfort on my face.

Jake: “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

Vanessa: “No, don’t worry about it. It’s not like I’m a virgin or something.”

I said this so he won’t feel sorry about opening up to me. Who am I to judge him when I used to have a s****l relationship with my boss. He just smiled and we resumed our workout. I was drying my hair when a girl wearing a sleeveless tank top and skimpy shorts stood right next to me and applied her lip gloss while looking at the mirror. I smiled at her out of politeness and resumed drying my hair.

When I was done, I brushed my hair and let it down. I was surprised as the girl started speaking to me.

Skimpy Shirts Girl: “Hi, I’m Hailey. What’s your name?”

Vanessa: “I’m Vanessa. Nice to meet you.”

I reached out my hand so she could shake it, but she just looked down at it and lifted her brows while looking at me contemptuously. I took my hand back and resumed combing my hair.

Hailey: “So, what are you doing with Jake? He’s my boyfriend, you know?”

Vanessa: “Jake’s my friend. He’s helping me train. He never mentioned a girlfriend.”

Hailey: “Well, we don’t flaunt it in the gym because a lot of the other girls get upset when we do. We agreed to keep it a secret.”

Vanessa: “Well, is he in on the secret?”

Hailey: “What do you mean?”

Vanessa: “Does he know you’re together?”

Hailey: “Of course he does. Why wouldn’t he?”

I turned to face her and looked down. He’s a tiny girl, maybe around 5’2” to my almost 5’8”.

Vanessa: “Well, we are having dinner together. If he had a girlfriend, why would he have dinner with me instead of her?”

He wasn’t able to respond. I could already tell Hailey’s type. She reminded me of Tiffany, the girl who claimed to have slept with Julian before when in fact he was drunk and asleep when he took his clothes off and took pictures of them together.

Vanessa: “Listen, Hailey. You’re a pretty girl. I’m sure you have plenty of men after you. Find someone who can realize your worth and love you the same way you love them. Unrequited love is not fun. You deserve better.”

She wasn’t able to talk anymore as I picked up my bag and walked out of the locker room. I chuckled as I saw Jake waiting for me outside the locker area. There’s a girl talking to him trying to get his attention while he seemed distracted. He perked up as he saw me. He walked towards me and didn’t even say goodbye to the girl as he walked towards me. I was surprised as he took my hand as we walked out of the gym. I can feel necks craning to look at. I just smiled and let Jake whisk me out of the gym.

Jake offered to drive as we headed to dinner. I was asking where we’re going but he said it’s secret. I didn’t ask anymore since I trusted him. He’s never done anything to cause me to doubt him. I was curious as we arrived at a condominium building.

Vanessa: “Where are we?”

Jake: “We’re having dinner at my apartment. I am cooking for you tonight.”

Vanessa: ‘You don’t have to. We could just order out.”

Jake: “Nah. I wanted to show you how to eat properly. This would help us with your fitness goal.”

Vanessa: “Oh, so we’re continuing the workout, we’re just moving to your apartment.”

Jake: “Nah. It’s my treat, so I get to choose where we eat, right? Unless you want to go somewhere else. I’m not going to force you into my house.”

Vanessa: “It’s fine. Just make sure you’ll impress me with your cooking.”

Jake: “Of course. I happen to be a very skilled chef.”

Vanessa: “That’s for me to judge.”

Somehow I don’t feel uncomfortable heading into Jake’s apartment. When we got there, I was amazed by the size of his unit. It’s a three bedroom with a large living area, dining area and kitchen, with floor to ceiling windows.

Vanessa: “This is a nice unit. What do you do for work?”

Jake: “That’s a long story, but basically, I’m a businessman.”

Vanessa: “You must be very successful. You’ve got good taste too.”

I walked towards the pieces of artwork hanging behind his couch.

Vanessa: “These are nice. They look familiar, though. I feel like I’ve seen this style before.”

Jake: “Uhm, those are Julian’s. I forgot I had those.”

I looked at him momentarily and walked closer to the artwork. I felt Jake moving behind me and holding on to my shoulders. I put my hand on his and said “Can you hug me please?”

He hugged me from behind  as I asked and I closed my eyes as I imagined Julian hugging me instead. I put my hands on top of his as I felt his hug getting tighter. I felt comforted as I turned around and smiled at Jake. I pulled his hand towards where I presumed the kitchen was.

Vanessa: “Come on, let’s cook.”

When we arrived at the kitchen, I asked how I could help but Jake just had me sit on one of the stools in the counter as he did his magic in the kitchen. I have to admit, he looks like a skilled chef as he chopped and sauteed.

Vanessa: “So, where did you learn to cook like that?”

Jake: “I took classes. I even studied in Le Cordon Bleu, which is a premier culinary school in Paris.”

Vanessa: “Wow. You just brought my expectations up, mister. You better meet those expectations.”

Jake: “Don’t worry, I intend to.”

I let him resume his cooking without interruptions. Every now and then, he will have me taste a few dishes. He looks cute with an apron on, and I can see his muscles flexing with a white shirt and gray joggers on.

When he was done cooking, he had me sit on the dining table and didn’t even let me help setting up the table. He said I was his guest and that I was not to lift a finger the entire night. 

The dinner exceeded my expectations and every bite was exquisite. I felt like I was eating in one of the finest restaurants in the world. I complimented the chef and he seemed pleased that I enjoyed the meal tremendously. When we were done eating, he had me go to the living area and find a movie to watch while he cleaned up. We agreed to have a movie night since I don’t have work the next day.

Before we started movie night, he offered to wash my gym clothes along with his and I agreed. I shrieked as he picked up my sports bra and held it up. I got conscious as he looked at my bre*sts and then looked back at the bra. I put my hands in front of me to cover them.

Vanessa: “What are you doing?”

Jake: “Sorry. They’re pretty big.”

Vanessa: “Yes they are. Stop looking at them.”

He chuckled as he put them in the washer. He was going to pick up my p*nties next when I threw them in the washer myself and pouted as I asked him to stop being a p*****t. We proceeded to the living area as he started the machine.

I picked an action movie and we settled on the sofa to watch the movie. Before the movie started, Jake asked what I was going to talk about. I remembered and decided to just spill it out.

Vanessa: “Do you have any alcohol?”

I need liquid courage if I was going to tell him everything about Gabriel.