Chapter 266 - Gael's Playbook
The Su women sat at a rectangular table. Including Angela, there were eight of them, and she sat at the far end, away from the other's scrutiny. Thankful that Lyra stopped talking to her, she minded her own business and ate in peace while writing in her small notebook. Several ideas and new plots came to mind, and she had to write them all down or she'd forget everything.
Scanning the pages of her notebook, she was excited to start writing them. But of course, the planning would take time, and she didn't want to rush it. Furthermore, she had to do a lot of research and visit some places to gain first-hand experiences.
Angela subconsciously bit her lip as she began planning how next year would look like. January was her birth month, and she'd meant to travel on her birthday for a change. She hadn't really decided where to go yet, but she had a few places in mind.
At first, she thought about Europe. But she'd been there several times already, so she wanted a different scenery. A friend from Kenya came to mind, and she remembered that her friend told her they should go to Seychelles if she ever decided to visit. A smile ghosted her face as she wrote that in her notebook.
Angela also wanted to travel to Asia. She'd only been to Hongkong, and her desire to visit Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines suddenly woke the fire in her heart. Or maybe she could see one of her college professors—Mrs. Kaur—who went back home to India. There were so many places to visit. It made her suddenly excited.
With a smile on her face, she put her pen down and lifted her chin, noticing that her cousin, Lyra, was reading something. Her brows knitted upon laying her eyes on the familiar book cover in the other's hands. It had a woman wearing a yellow dress facing the beach.
How could Angela not recognize her book? Just one glance at it, and she'd recognize it anywhere. It had her pen name written in bold too. She initially broadened her smile but then realized who was next to her. Her face relaxed, and she kept a neutral expression.
"Chasing Summer… What's that book about?" she casually asked.
Lyra lowered the book, revealing misty eyes that looked too pitiful. Angela happened to glance at a paragraph of the opened page, and she knew exactly what she was teary-eyed about. The grin on Angela's face threatened to show, but she held it in so hard. She didn't know Lyra liked reading books—much less her book. Boy, if she's already teary-eyed now… Wait 'til she reaches the climax. Angela would love to see her bawl her eyes out. She cleared her throat to mask her smile.
As if remembering she didn't like Angela so much, Lyra composed herself and shifted in her seat. "It's a brilliant story, which you'd know nothing about, of course."
Angela pursed her lips into a thin line. "Mm. I haven't read that. Not sure I've heard of the author. She must be new." At least, the last part was true. She still had a lot to learn.
Lyra's brows knitted together, looking almost as if she was offended by her answer. "That's because you always hide in your cavern. She's everywhere. You'd actually notice if you go to a bookstore even once in your life."
Though that sounded offensive, Angela was dying of laughter inside. 'I obviously have to hide in my "cavern" to write my books, so you have something to read,' she thought.
"I should. She must be good then. You're a fan?" she probed.
Lyra's expression softened as though she was ready to gush. Then she turned her back, indicating she wanted to finish the conversation. "So-so."
Way to downplay it. Angela didn't believe that. Her book's first release was only limited as the timeframe they had for printing it was short. So for Lyra to already have it, she must have pre-ordered the book.
Who would have thought that the person she always had a rough relationship with reads her book? Despite their differences, Angela genuinely hoped her cousin would like it.
She whipped out her phone and skimmed some of the reviews. So far, it was mostly positive feedback. There were a few not-so-nice comments, but she didn't take it to heart. After all, everyone had different tastes.
"Let's go, girls. It's time to support our men out in the field," Aunt Linda announced at the table as she smoothed out her outfit and got up from her seat. The rest followed.
Before leaving the clubhouse, they dropped by the restroom first. It had been nearly two hours since the men left to play golf. There should be about an hour and a half left until they finish the course.
***
Angela and Lyra shared a golf cart as the other older women took two. They didn't really have anything to talk about, and she certainly didn't mind not talking to Lyra, so she quietly enjoyed the ride, watching the greenery around them.
She then rummaged through her bag, searching for her sunscreen as it was time to reapply. As she spread the cream on her face, she thought about Gael. One should still be wearing some sun protection even during winter. Angela wondered if he had at least put on SPF on his skin. She didn't want him to burn.
Tossing the sunscreen bottle back in her bag, she held the black jacket that he gave her earlier. The two-inch blot of stain on her sweater caught her eye, and it made her frown. She tried removing it in the restroom, but she only managed to lighten it. Gael's jacket was oversized for her, and if she'd changed, then she would only have her bra under it. That would be breezy with the wind going through the bottom hem, so she decided not to. Good thing it was a softshell jacket. Angela tied the sleeves around her neck and shoulders and let the rest of the jacket drape over her back, ensuring that the knot covered the stain.
Not long after, they caught up with the men who were just about to head over to their 12th hole in their golf carts. Her eyes immediately searched for the one person she wanted to see. Just as she saw him, her male cousin sitting next to Gael called her, "Hey, Angie! Your boyfriend's a scratch golfer!"
'He is?' She didn't know what to do except look at Gael, who just shook his head in resignation, a small smile hinting on his lips. Being called that was a huge compliment. Was she supposed to say, 'Of course' or 'really?'?
Gael met her gaze, and when he smiled at her, she smiled back. Because of her cousin's comment regarding Gael, her father, Uncle Wilfred, and the others also said compliments about him. It looked like he won over that side of the family. They were pretty much shouting and laughing from their golf carts.
"Then it's settled!" Aunt Collete sang from the other cart. "After Lyra's wedding, we can start planning for Angie's!"
Angela swallowed, unsure of how to respond to that one. The others seemed to be excited about the idea, but her stomach was twisting into knots. 'Can we stop talking about weddings and marriages, please?' She sighed, briefly glancing at Gael, whose gaze turned intense that she had to look away.
Beside her, Lyra snorted, rolling her eyes as she bit out under gritted teeth, "They only like him because he has money." She nonchalantly checked her pretty nails.
Seriously. This cousin of hers was the bane of her existence. Angela wanted to talk back, but she reminded herself that it wasn't worth it.
As they reached their destination, Gael got off the cart and walked towards her. Lyra left as soon as he arrived.
"Hey," he greeted. He's wearing a grey cap that she hadn't seen before.
Not wanting to show her sullen mood, she pulled the corners of her lips into a smile. "They seem to like you."
"What's not to like?" he responded confidently with a smirk.
Angela's shoulders shook as she laughed, scratching her forehead and shaking her head. She leaned against the armrest, her arm grazing his, causing goosebumps to pepper on her skin. But she didn't move away. "I forgot. You're Mr. Perfect who is good at everything. What can't you do?"
His lips parted, but no words came out. And then one of her uncles called him over. He nodded to them and turned to her again. "Let's talk later."
"Oh… You should put this on your face." She gave him the sunscreen.
"Thanks."
"Good luck."
"Now that you're here, I won't need it." Gael's lips quirked into a grin as he walked backwards. "All my swings are for you, Angel."
Angela started to believe that Gael probably memorized all the lines there were in his playboy's playbook. Heck—he probably invented it, seeing how smooth of a talker he was.
"Hot damn, Angie." Aunt Colette joined her in the cart. "No wonder you are so in love with that hottie. He has a mouth that could melt anyone's panties."
Hearing the other's comments, Angela could only cover her face and wish the ground would swallow her. She couldn't even argue with her aunt's statement.
However, Gael being a good talker also meant he's a good liar. Doesn't it?