Chapter 7
It was early morning when Mia and Maco were picked up by a driver. The silence between them was heavy, neither attempting to break it as they made their way to the main resort.
When they arrived at the cabana, they were led to a beachside breakfast table. Saf and Yana were already seated, chatting while waiting for them. As Mia and Maco approached, Maco’s face betrayed her irritation and lingering anger, while Mia remained composed, her expression unreadable.
Mia walked to the table as if nothing had happened, taking a seat and immediately helping herself to the pancakes and coffee set before her. Maco followed behind, her movements stiff with annoyance.
“Heyyyy…” Yana greeted, her tone upbeat but tinged with nervousness. “Good morning, Gov. Good morning, Mayor.” She flashed them an innocent smile, though her optimism wavered in the tension-filled air.
Saf, seated beside her, observed them closely, noting the unusual dynamic. This wasn’t the reaction she had anticipated after orchestrating the scenario.
“Good morning to you both,” Saf finally said, her tone measured, as though testing the waters.
Neither Mia nor Maco responded. Instead, Mia continued eating, unfazed, while Maco grudgingly began picking at her food.
The uncomfortable silence stretched, prompting Yana to try and dispel the heaviness in the atmosphere. She turned to Saf, her voice a touch too chipper. “Saf, ano nga ulit yung sinasabi mo kanina? You were about to tell me something before they arrived.”
Saf glanced at Mia and Maco, still gauging their unspoken mood. Finally, she addressed the table. “We’re going to make your first public appearance together tomorrow. All three of you.”
“Wait, what? Agad-agad?” Yana’s brows shot up, her baffled expression emphasizing her disbelief. “Tsaka... bakit kasama ako?”
Saf didn’t even glance up from her coffee, her nonchalant demeanor as impenetrable as ever. “We’re not selling a coalition yet,” she replied coolly, taking a slow sip. “We’re selling... connection.”
Yana blinked, still trying to make sense of Saf’s cryptic response. “Connection? Anong connection?”
“Opening bukas ng café ni Alex Lee,” Saf said, finally looking at Yana with a raised brow. “And you two are invited.” She gestured subtly toward Yana and Mia with her coffee cup.
“Hala, tomorrow pala yun?” Yana’s eyes widened as she smacked her forehead lightly. “I completely forgot about that!”
“Good thing I didn’t,” Saf remarked smugly, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Mia, Yana, you’re going and Maco will tag along.”
Mia, who had been uncharacteristically quiet until now, finally spoke, her voice flat. “Why do I feel like I don’t have a choice in this?”
“You don’t,” Saf shot back matter-of-factly, leaning forward and setting her coffee cup down. “This isn’t just a random outing. It’s an opportunity. Alex is a friend, an influencer, and a neutral party. People are going to see this as organic—friends supporting friends. No politics. No pressure.”
“Para-paraan talaga, no?” Yana muttered, shaking her head but unable to hide the amused smirk tugging at her lips.
“ Exactly, ” Saf quipped, a playful glint in her eyes. “Alex being there helps soften the narrative. She posts about you guys casually hanging out? Boom. Instant buzz. People love seeing connection and authenticity. They eat it up like it’s their favorite cake . ”
Mia sighed, crossing her arms. “So anong plano? We just show up and smile for Alex’s camera?”
“Pretty much,” Saf replied with a shrug. “But be natural. Have fun. Order a drink or two. Let Alex do the rest. Trust me, she knows how to work a crowd.”
Yana glanced at Mia, her expression a mix of uncertainty and resignation. “Well, looks like we’re going. Wag mo lang akong iwan, ha?”
“It’s the perfect opportunity for you guys to be seen together. Bilang magkakaibigan. Maco will tag along.” Yana eyeing Maco who was still grumpy while eating her breakfast.
Mia sat quietly at the dining table, picking at her breakfast as if the lively discussion happening around her wasn’t worth her attention. But just as the room’s energy began to shift back to Saf’s planning, Mia finally spoke, her tone casual yet laced with something sharper.
“Diba mag-ex kayo?”
The words landed like a dropped pin, silencing the chatter. All eyes turned to her, but Mia didn’t flinch, still slicing into her food with infuriating calm. Finally, she glanced up, her expression unreadable as she locked eyes with Saf.
“Why don’t you come?”
Saf leaned back in her chair, caught off guard by Mia’s boldness. For a moment, she struggled to keep her composure, her sharp mind trying to catch up with the sudden shift in power.
“What does that have to do with me?” Saf replied coolly, though her voice betrayed a hint of unease. “I shouldn’t be seen with you. Not now. Not yet.”
“Nothing.” Mia shrugged, setting her fork down with deliberate care. Then, a sly smirk curved her lips, her voice tinged with playful mischief. “I just thought na it would be more realistic than staged if you were there. You and Maco are friends. It would make sense in a lot of people’s eyes... diba? ”
The room held its breath. There was a glint in Mia’s eye now, the kind that made it clear she was enjoying this. Saf recognized it immediately—the quiet, calculated retaliation of someone who had been underestimated one too many times.
Saf sighed, running a hand through her hair as she took in Mia’s expression. She could feel the unspoken message hanging in the air: You want to play games? Let’s play.
“You’re not wrong,” Saf admitted finally, though her tone was tinged with reluctant amusement. “It would make sense. People love a good reunion story, especially one with some drama baked into it.”
She paused, letting her words linger before leaning forward, her eyes narrowing as a smirk of her own began to form.
“But let’s be real, Mia. You’re only suggesting this because you’re coming for me after what I pulled last night.”
Mia feigned innocence, her smirk widening as she leaned back in her chair. “Di ko alam anong pinagsasabi mo.”
"Besides, you were originally invited naman, diba?" Maco added casually.
Saf immediately shot her a sharp glare, tilting her head slightly—a silent but clear message: Are you serious right now?
"Fine. You win," Saf sighed in defeat. "The event's at 4 PM, so let's arrive around 5 PM. A late entrance means more attention."
She turned to Maco. "Let's go in separate cars. You and I are going together. Your car."
Then, turning to Yana and Mia, she added, “Kayong dalawa naman. Gamitin niyo kotse ni Yana—don’t take your driver. Magkita tayo sa Pink Paws nang 3:30 PM for a short briefing.”
Saf took a sip of her coffee, setting the cup down on the table before glancing at the group. "Any questions?"
Everyone remained silent, and Yana simply shrugged, taking it as a sign that there were no objections. With no further discussion, they quietly finished their breakfast, though each of them was lost in their own thoughts, contemplating what awaited them tomorrow.
The Burgundy Beanery’s soft opening was in full swing, with the café buzzing with conversation and the occasional clink of cups on saucers. The warm, golden lighting created a cozy atmosphere, highlighting the deep red and earthy tones that gave the place its name. The air smelled rich with freshly brewed coffee, mixed with the sweet scent of pastries displayed behind a shiny glass counter.
Photographers moved through the crowd, snapping pictures of moments—friends laughing over cappuccinos, a barista creating latte art, and guests admiring the café’s mix of rustic and modern vibes. A soft jazz tune played in the background, blending in with the chatter from influencers sharing their experiences and well-dressed patrons engaged in quiet conversations.
At the center of it all was Alex Lee, the proud owner, greeting guests with her signature charm. Dressed casually in a Ferrari cap, black blazer, and loose pants, she moved through the café with ease, chatting with regulars and introducing herself to newcomers. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome.
"Welcome! Have you tried our house blend yet?" she asked, handing a guest a fresh cup with a warm smile.
She posed for a photo with a group of young professionals, then spoke with an older couple reminiscing about the coffeehouses of their past. As she worked the room, she kept an eye on her staff, nodding approvingly as a barista expertly frothed milk for a macchiato.
In one corner, a cozy reading nook with soft chairs and tall bookshelves invited introverts to relax, while the main bar was full of action, baristas moving quickly as they took orders and prepared drinks.
The energy in the room was lively but warm, just as Alex had imagined for The Burgundy Beanery.
Yana and Mia arrived in a sleek black Mercedes-Benz coupe, shortly followed by Maco and Saf, who pulled up in a rugged Jeep Wrangler. The group made their way toward the café, with Yana leading the charge.
The moment they walked through the door, the atmosphere shifted. Heads snapped around, and a low hum of whispers rippled through the room. There was no mistaking their presence—their charisma radiated like a spotlight, commanding attention without a single word. The group’s entrance was nothing short of powerful, the air thick with the weight of their status. It wasn’t just their names—it was the energy they carried with them. They didn't need to announce their arrival.
Their aura did all the talking.
Yana’s eyes landed on Alex, and she made her way toward her with a bright smile. “Hello!” she greeted, her voice warm and friendly.
“Uy, Yana, Mia! So glad you both could make it!” Alex beamed, pulling both of them into a quick hug.
"Congratulations, Lex," Mia added as they pulled away, her voice sincere.
Just as they finished the hug, Alex’s gaze landed on her ex, Sapphire, standing with the group. She froze for a second, her surprise evident. “Uy… Hi,” Alex said, caught off guard. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
Sapphire, doing her best to act casual and pretending like everything was fine, stepped forward and pulled Alex into an unexpected hug. The tension in the air was thick. “I’m still invited, right?” she asked, her teasing grin not quite matching the awkwardness between them.
“Yeah, of course,” Alex replied quickly, her voice betraying her surprise as she pulled away, trying her best to mask the discomfort she felt. She didn’t expect this, not from Sapphire. The forced ease in Sapphire’s demeanor only made the moment more awkward.
“By the way, sinama ko si Maco,” Saf introduced, motioning to her friend. The two exchanged polite hugs.
“Congrats ah! It’s amazing” Maco said, “Thanks Maxx!” Alex replied.
With a final nod, Alex gestured for them to follow her, leading the group to a cozy table with comfortable couch seats. The atmosphere was relaxed, but the tension in the air was palpable—old connections rekindled and new ones being formed all in one space.
Alex gestured to one of her employees to bring the menu over. “Here, guys, what are you having?” she asked, trying to keep things light.
Yana raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her seat. “How about you decide for us? What’s your signature, ba?”
Before Alex could respond, Saf, skimming through the menu, spoke up absentmindedly, “Vino Roast.”
At the same time, Alex said, “Vino Roast.” They both froze, exchanging a look that only made the tension more apparent.
Alex quickly recovered and turned to Yana. “It’s a wine-infused coffee bean. Cold brew,” she explained.
“Oooh, sige, let’s try that,” Yana said, clearly intrigued. She turned to the others. “How about you guys?”
“I’d like to try that too,” Mia said with a smile.
Alex glanced at Maco, expecting her to weigh in. “I want what they’re having,” Maco said simply.
Alex nodded and relayed the orders to her employees, still feeling the awkwardness lingering between her and Sapphire.
Yana, sensing the tension, decided to break the silence. “Uy, congrats ulit ah. I really like the place!” she said with a warm smile.
Mia chimed in, agreeing. “Yeah, gusto ko yung bookshelves. I like the aesthetic of the place! It’s so… you.”
Alex smiled, her eyes softening. “Thanks, guys…” She looked at Saf for a split second, then quickly turned back to Yana. “I actually had help with the interior des—”
Before she could finish, Saf, ever the interrupter, cut in with a bright, forced enthusiasm. “Yeah, the place is nice! Do you guys wanna take a picture?”
The awkward vibe was palpable, but Yana, Mia, and Maco agreed, eager to shift gears. Saf gestured to the official photographer who had been roaming around the cafe, and everyone quickly arranged themselves for the photo.
Yana and Saf sat across from Mia and Maco, who were strategically positioned to sit beside each other. Alex stood next to the couch, leaning casually but still feeling the weight of the odd tension in the air. The photographer snapped the picture, and everyone smiled, their expressions a mix of politeness and a bit of forced cheer.
After the photo session, Alex excused herself from the group, offering a bright but brief smile before walking toward the barista counter. She was needed elsewhere, leaving the group to chat among themselves.
As soon as Alex stepped away, Saf, always thinking three steps ahead, leaned back in her chair and pulled out her phone. "Okay, let’s get some traction on the socials," she said with a smirk, already tapping away. She took a few candid shots, capturing the group in their best light and the cafe’s atmosphere, making sure to highlight Alex’s hard work. She then uploaded the photos with a caption that screamed fresh starts and unity, tagging Alex and the cafe.
"Yana," Saf said, not taking her eyes off the screen, "Ipost mo to sa account mo. Tag Mia and Maco, and then they can repost it later. We need to create a ripple effect." She looked up, a glint of strategy in her eyes. "It’s all about visibility. You know how this works."
Yana, catching on quickly, nodded and reached for her phone. Meanwhile, Saf continued tapping away, adjusting the caption and looking for the perfect hashtags. "This isn't just a post; it’s a move," she muttered to herself. "This is how we set the stage."
With the social media post taken care of, Saf leaned in slightly, her tone dropping just enough to suggest she was about to share something significant.
“Nga pala,” she said, glancing around at Yana, Mia, and Maco, “there’s another reason why Alex’s involvement works for us”. She lowered her voice, just enough for the three of them to hear her clearly.
The trio looked at her expectantly, waiting for the next bomb to drop. Saf’s eyes flickered with the satisfaction of knowing she had everyone’s attention. “Alex is not just some business owner. She’s an advocate for LGBT rights. Member siya ng isang prominent movement here in Valencia. She has real influence in the progressive circles. Her endorsement could be huge for us.”
Maco leaned forward, intrigued. “Wait, so ang sinasabi mo is gagamitin natin influence ni Alex to support this fake couple agenda? Para naman tayong nang quuerbait niyan”
Saf shooked her head, a grin tugging at the corner of her lips. “Sabihin na lang natin na it’s for the greater good. Which it is. If we can align ourselves with her message, we’ll win the younger, more progressive voters. It’s a solid strategy. If we’re going to present ourselves as agents of change, we might as well go all the way.”
Yana, always thoughtful, raised an eyebrow. “Sa tingin mo Alex will be on board with this?”
Saf shrugged, her expression cool and confident. “She’ll want to help. Trust me.”
Before Saf could go any further, Mia, unable to resist her teasing nature, leaned back in her chair with a mischievous smirk. “So, let me get this straight,” Mia started, her voice dripping with mock suspicion. “You’re telling me na this has nothing to do with the fact mag ex kayo?”
The table went silent for a moment, everyone waiting for Saf’s response. She looked at Mia, unfazed, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Are you implying I’d jeopardize our entire campaign strategy just because I’m still emotionally invested in my ex?” Saf raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Please. Sa tingin mo gagawin ko yun? I’m way too professional for that.”
Mia leaned forward, her voice a mix of challenge and humor. “Di ko sinasabi na gagawin mo yun, but I mean… the personal connection’s there, right?”
Saf didn’t miss a beat. “Look, Mia. I’m not trying to get back together with her. That ship sailed a long time ago, trust me,” she said with a wink. “Pero if I’m being completely honest, her influence is invaluable. Hindi to tungkol sa personal life ko—it’s about getting the edge we need to win. So, unless you want to start questioning the strategy in front of me, maybe let’s just focus on the bigger picture.”
Mia let out a laugh, clearly entertained but still poking fun. “Alright, alright. Gets ko. No need to get so defensive.”
Saf smirked, “I’m not defensive. I’m just stating facts.”
Yana, sensing the shift, decided to throw in a comment to break the growing tension. “Well, as long as we’re all on the same page. Let’s make sure to use every advantage we can get—whether it’s Alex or the fact that we have each other.”
As the conversation wound down, Saf allowed herself a moment of quiet satisfaction. After a bit more socializing and finishing their cold brews, it was time to leave. The girls thanked Alex, exchanging polite hugs and the customary cheek kisses.
Just as they made their way through the still-bustling café, heads turned, murmurs filled the air, and cameras discreetly—or not-so-discreetly—pointed in their direction. Their presence demanded attention, whether they liked it or not.
Maco led the group toward the exit, walking with her usual confident stride—until Mia’s hand, soft and deliberate, brushed against hers. And then, for the briefest moment, Mia’s pinky finger hooked around Maco’s before she walked past, leaving only the ghost of her touch behind.
It was subtle. Almost nothing. And yet, the entire café noticed.
Outside, as they reached their cars, Maco was about to climb into the driver’s seat when Saf stopped her with a firm hand on her wrist. Without looking up, Saf murmured under her breath, just loud enough for Maco to hear, “Wait for Mia to get into Yana’s car first.”
A simple yet calculated move.
Through the café’s glass windows, the spectators remained glued to the unfolding scene, capturing every second on their phones. The image of Mia and Maco leaving separately, yet lingering just long enough to feed speculation, would only add fuel to the fire.
Inside the car, the hum of the engine barely registered in Maco’s ears as she gripped the steering wheel. Her mind was elsewhere—specifically on that fleeting touch. It shouldn’t mean anything. It didn’t mean anything. And yet, it did. It was the closest they had been in years.
Since yesterday, Mia hadn’t spoken a single word to her. So why?
Maco was pulled from her thoughts when Saf scoffed in amusement, eyes glued to her phone. “Looks like lumalayag na ang barko niyo.”
Maco blinked, her brows knitting together. “Ano?” she muttered, pressing down on the brake as the traffic light turned red.
Saf turned the screen toward her, showing multiple clips already circulating online. The café moment—Mia’s pinky intertwining with hers, the glances, the tension—was spreading like wildfire.
Maco exhaled sharply, shifting in her seat. “Walang hiya… ang bilis.”
“I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty impressed with Mia,” Saf mused, scrolling through the comments. “Di ko alam na she had it in her.”
Maco glanced at her, still confused. “What do you mean?”
Saf looked up, equally baffled. “Ano pa nga ba? Mia did that on purpose, obviously.”
Maco’s stomach twisted. “Of course.”
“Phones were out. She knew people were filming. That ‘innocent’ little moment?” Saf chuckled, shaking her head. “That was calculated. She’s playing the game.”
Maco remained silent, gripping the wheel tighter.
Saf leaned back, smirking. “Honestly? Parang di na natin kailangan ng retreat, ah. She’s killing it with the whole play pretend thing. And she does it so naturally.”
Maco swallowed hard, her jaw tightening.
Of course.
Of course, it was for show.
Of course, Mia was playing her role perfectly.
So why did it feel like Maco had just lost something?
She had to snap out of it. She had to remember: This was all part of the game.
And she sure as hell wasn’t about to lose to Mia.