Chapter 19: Chapter 19

I watch Ella until she disappears from my sight. The hotel's lobby still looks lively despite the wee hours of the night. And the soft golden light streaming from the inside allows a clearer silhouette of her retreating back, even as she enters the elevator.

People are coming in and out of the entrance; some are in groups, some in pairs. Along the stretch of the glass wall, I can see the rows of couches -- all filled with people hanging out. Perhaps, some are catching up over late-night coffee,  some just dating. Everyone else looks happy, except Ella and me.

I slowly maneuver out of the parking lot, a pang of pain and loneliness enveloping me. This is my choice; I have no one to blame. Not even Yen who is the sole cause of my miseries. Nothing seems good enough to swerve me out of my conviction until this time. And perhaps,  the only person who could free me out from the safe haven of my solitude is yet to be born.

I raise my left arm and look at my watch. It's already past one in the morning. I already feel exhausted, but my welling emotion inside does not want me to sleep. I stare into the distance and realize I drive around with no direction. Then, my eyes unconsciously wander to my right side, and a massive signage of a building catches my attention.

Jakara Hotel and Restaurant.

Back then, I used to appreciate the owner's poetic inclination shown in the caption of an abstract painting. It's enclosed in a  lifesize frame attached to a corner wall. The painting portrays a carefree woman, her hair blowing against the wind. And the caption says, "No distance can ever separate us, for you are in my heart forever."

Aside from the painting, everything the shop offers suggests romance. One can see it in the entire interior design, the placemats, the mugs, the cutlery designs, and the latte arts. But its most catching highlight is the romantic serenading that starts at seven in the evening. As young teens and young adults are the targets of the coffee shops, several branches are erected in less than a year.

Little did I know that the romantic person behind the coffee shop is the rival who dedicates his business to Jakara Blue or Yen,  my ex-wife.

Curious about its new image, I find myself turning to the right, entering the hotel's parking lot. After finding a good place to park, I get out of the car and proceed to the hotel's lounge. An attendant then approaches me, handing me a menu list. I go directly to the beverage column to dismiss him right away, choosing Americano to order.

I lean on the backrest while scanning the interior of the hotel. Romantic vibes are heavy in the air: from the emotion-stirring music to the Cupid-inspired furniture and accessories, then down to the 3D glass wall arts. I feel uncomfortable. All these tokens of love and sweetness are dedicated to Yen. Knowing that she's in good hands, these should make me happy, but I am not. I'm still jealous, miserable, and hopeless.

"Here's your order, sir," says an attendant who springs in front of me unnoticed. He places the tray in front of me, then proceeds to the minibar not far from me.

I lift the cup, wanting to take a sip while it's hot. But then, my hand suspends in the air when I see the microfoam art spreading beautifully on the top surface of the cup. It's a lovers' design; a man and a woman facing each other.

I put the coffee down. I can't seem to swallow the beverage that teases me. Such is the irony of life I have to bear. Damn it!

"This is not what I ordered!" an angry voice from a man not far from me catches my attention. He looks young, judging from his figure from the back. He is wearing a white shirt, his hair groomed into a slicked Eboy haircut.

"But that is an espresso, sir," the attendant replies, nervous glints gloom his expression.

"I know. What I mean is the latte art. I told you I want the lover's design, but you give me triple hearts."

"A heart is a symbol of love, so I thought that's what you mean."

"You, idiot!" the man rises to his feet and pokes a finger at the attendant. "Don't you dare give me lame reasoning."

"I'm sorry, sir, but it's only a latte art. It doesn't change the taste of the dark-roasted espresso beans."

I smile at the man's nonsense argument. Unfortunately, the attendant is right – the latte art doesn't change the taste of the coffee.

"I'll give you three minutes to serve my order," he roars, then sits down, ignoring the attendant. The latter scratches his heart.

"Sir, I'm sorry, but it's impossible."

I watch as the man picks up his phone and places it on his ear. "Mr. Mori, fire this attendant for me. I ordered the lover's design, but he gave me triple hearts."

At the mention of Mr. Mori, my body stiffens. I look at the attendant, who's now trembling visibly. His face pales, and his eyes dart between the man and me. Perhaps, he's considering taking the cup from me.

I spring to my feet and walk to the man's table. I pity the attendant who will be fired over petty things. I then wonder who this man that holds his ego so highly is?

I clear my throat to get his attention. Thankfully, he glances at me.

"Mister," I say, looking at him. I think the attendant serves your coffee to me instead. He gave me the lover's design. If you like, you may have it. I haven't touched it yet.

"No. That's not right," he says, then looks at the attendant. "Send me another attendant, someone who knows how to carry out a client's order."

The attendant immediately disappears. I almost laughed.

"What's the commotion all about? Dennis?" a familiar voice pins my feet to the ground. I never expected she'd be here at this hour. She has children waiting for her at home.

"You hear me, right? I said I ordered the lover's design, but that idiot gave me hearts."

"But what has this mistake got to do with Zed?"

My heart immediately flutters. I sigh then turn around to face her. Behind her stands Kim.

"Mr. Ramos tries to rescue the moron because he got my order instead."

My eyes grow wide. I never expect this man to know me.

"How about making the coffee myself?" says Yen,  a beautiful coaxing smile spreading on her face. Damn, she's so beautiful! Just exactly as how I remember her in my heart.

"That's a hundred times better. So make two; one is a lover's design, and the other one is "inspiration."

Kim suddenly laughs softly, making me look up at him. For a moment, I forgot about his presence.

"The perks of having a beautiful wife," he says, looking back at me. "Zed, I'm glad to see you here."

"I'm Jakara's regular client in the past. Seeing it turn into a hotel, I got curious so I dropped by."

"Mr. Ramos, Mr. Kim, why don't you sit down first?" the young man says, pointing at the seats with her mouth.

I nod and walk over to the one at his right. Kim follows and chooses the one on his left, leaving the one across from the man vacant for Yen. Kim then talks about the status of the hotel and the locations of its branches.

I give him my full attention, surprising myself with this attitude. I should be angry at him, but I can't find it in my heart. Maybe because I would do the same if I were him.

Yen then arrives with a tray of two steaming cups. She places it gently in front of the man she called Dennis ago. "Here's your order, Mister," she chuckles.

Dennis smirks before he peers down at the cups. He picks the one with the lovers' design, then pushes the other with the second design he requested. I still remember what he says -- inspiration.

"For you, Mr. Ramos. From now on, I guess you'll keep coming back here to see your inspiration.

I stare at the white,  foaming latte art.  And I realize it's Yen's beautiful face – the one he calls the inspiration.