In Love with an Assassin

Nicolas Alonso clinked his glass along with his buddies and down his drink. They cheered a few seconds after and looked around the venue as they celebrated the wedding of their friend. He handed out his glass to his good friend, Richard Castro for another serve of whiskey.

“The night’s starting to come alive, eh?” He commented as he looked towards the dance floor where some bridesmaid are dancing to the beat of the music the DJ is playing. He reached for the bowl of chips in front of him. “I still can’t believe that Dex finally settled down after years of choosing the life of a bachelor since college.”

“You could say that,” Richard echoed with a laugh. “Cassie must have done something to make that idiot head over heels in love with her.”

The two gentlemen laugh at the thought and Richard hollered again for another toast.

“To Dex for finally sucking up to married life! Cheers!” He shouted while throwing a sideway smile at his own wife of six years, who is talking with some of her friends at another table. He checked the bottle and stood up. “Hey, I’ll go get another bottle for us.”

Nicolas leaned back on his chair and look around the reception where the after party is picking up, with the guests shredding formalities and starts to party. He knew this is where he belongs. At thirty-six years old, Nicolas remained a bachelor despite the throngs of women that are after him. He dated a few, had some girlfriends but never quite settled down. He could imagine the look on his parents’ faces when his younger brother, Paolo decided to tie the knot with his girlfriend two years ago. Now, they’re expecting their first child in a few months.

“Here we are,” Richard’s voice cut into his thoughts. He placed two bottles of Johnnie Walker whiskey on the table while a waiter behind him placed a bucket of ice for them. “Hey, check it out. Isn’t that Warren James? Did you hear that he’s opening another branch of Tony’s?”

“Yeah?” Nicolas asked. “That’s good to know. Since his mom died, he stopped being a jackass and started to seriously head their restaurant business.”

Richard nodded.

“From what I know, construction of the restaurant is nearly into completion,” he commented as he took a drink from his glass. “He hired this architect who gave his resto a new, distinct and unique look. Instead of the usual yellow and green color, this store exudes a relaxing vibe. Amy and I are planning a visit to his store in a week or two. You want to tag along?”

“Just let me know when,” Nicolas replied as he checked his watch. “Paolo’s planning to build a home for his upcoming family and he’s looking for an architect.”

“Bring him along if he has time,” Richard said.

“Well, this party is definitely for the young ones,” Samantha Reyes said with a grin as she took a drink from her wine glass. “Still hanging there, Ivanna?”

Ivanna Gatchalian gave her a sheepish smile.

“You know my limits,” Ivanna replied as she handed Samantha the wine bottle. She took a drink from her glass and turned to their other friends. “What are your plans tomorrow? There’s this new coffee shop near this restaurant I’m doing.”

“Can’t make it, dear,” Michelle Lee-Morrison answered with an apologetic face. “I promise the kids tomorrow that we’ll watch that animated movie they’ve been begging and have pizza after.”

“Make it 3PM,” Conrad De Guzman chimed as he drank from his beer. He clinked the glass of Michelle before she took a drink. “I can bring John along if he’s free. He misses you, guys.”

“He’s back from Singapore?” Ivanna asked. “That’s good to hear. I definitely miss him.”

Samantha nodded as well. “I’ll catch up in 30 minutes tomorrow,” she said softly. “I just need to do some groceries tomorrow to bring for my parents after.”

Ivanna looked up when she hears joyous shouts from the guests dancing in the middle when the DJ played another fast beat.

“Gone are the days when we used to party like that,” she commented as she reached for her wine glass. “Now, I just prefer to sit here, drink wine and talk.”

“Feeling old, Ivanna?” Samantha teased. “You’re one to talk. You are always like that, may I remind you.”

The group in the table laughed good naturedly. “I remember that it took her several glasses of wine to get her to the dance floor,” Conrad recalled. “But, she was still not dancing that much.”

“Never a dancer,” Michelle commented with a shake of her head. “But, look at you. Making your way to the top with your firm.”

Ivanna smiled. “It’s a difficult climb and I’m still not yet there,” she answered softly. “Maybe in five or ten years, hopefully.”

“You’ll get there,” Samantha encouraged. She refilled their glasses and gave Conrad a new beer. “But, tonight, let’s enjoy the evening and forget that we’re one of the oldies here.”

Ivanna grinned as she raised her glass. As she took a drink, her eye caught a glimpse of the man, who is currently her client and she smiled. Despite his temper and demanding nature, she managed to keep up with him especially with his personality. The project she’s handling for him is nearing into completion and she can’t wait.