May The Best Man Win?

After the brief and sudden confession, the next thing Calderon knew is, they already arrived at Macey's apartment complex wight the girl's directions on where he should drive.

Calderon was smiling while Macey tells him a funny story when she first got into the place, but his smile faded almost instantly upon seeing a sight of one man waiting in front of Macey's door.

The stranger was holding a bouquet in his right hand and a bag of groceries on the left.

“Who are you?” The man asked when they have come face to face.

Macey remained silent and looked away in awkwardness. She didn't imagine she would be stuck in the middle of two towering men.

She wasn't aware that Jace would pay her a visit that night, nor did the man tell her beforehand.

“No, who are you?” Calderon asked back, biting his inner cheeks to contain himself.

“Jace. Macey's suitor,” Jace replied with a challenging look on his face. “And you?”

“Calderon.”

“Calderon?”

“Just Calderon.”

“Well, then, Calderon or whoever you are. May the best man win?” Jace smirked and raised his hand for a friendly handshake, which Calderon immediately accepted with a stern stare at the conceited stranger named Jace.

How and where did Macey even get this guy? He looked untrustworthy, someone troublesome and carefree.

Calderon felt an urge to just punch the man right in the face, tell him he should leave Macey alone, and shoo him away, but he maintained his composure.

He can't be immature. This man may look annoying, but he has to play fair if he wanted to win Macey.

“May the most deserving person win, then, Jace.”

“I'll leave you this chance tonight, man. If one would know how tough Macey is, it would be me for I've been doing this for months now.”

Jace, still grinning, took a step forward and placed a kiss on Macey's forehead. He then handed the bouquet to the girl who stood there, frozen on the spot because of the sudden bold move.

“Good luck to you, though, Calderon.”

Calderon gritted his teeth in irritation when the man-made his way out.

“Jace is just a friend,” Macey said nonchalantly a minute later after she has processed what happened.

Macey then proceeded to unlock the door and lead Calderon in. She was, obviously, trying to lift the mood and get away from the awkward atmosphere that was starting to build up.

“Let me use your kitchen, Macey—”

“No, Cal. You are my guest and it would be rude to let you cook, so I'll do it instead,” Macey insisted before she leads Calderon towards the living room. “You can turn the TV on and choose a movie, I'll be back in a while.”

“Sure...” Calderon gulped and did as he was told.

Now, this idea was so dumb.

As much as he wanted to make Macey's efforts count and make the girl feel appreciated, how the hell will he eat the food Macey will cook when he can't even swallow any of it without throwing up in disgust of the foreign taste...

He could only hope for the best.

It didn't take Macey too long before she comes back with a large bowl of truffle pasta and two separate plates and pairs of utensils.

Macey sat across the couch where Calderon currently sits. She out the bowl above the small round table and handed the other plate to Calderon, asking him to eat and start digging in.

“I'll be happy to just watch you eat,” he whispered, trying to smile sweetly as if trying to flutter Macey when in reality, he just wanted to avoid eating.

“No, you should eat, too.”

“I don't eat pasta.”

“Yeah? Then, why did you buy ingredients for pasta?” Macey frowned.

Calderon giggled awkwardly and scratched her not-so-itchy head, they replied, “Because I know you'd like pasta?”

“Are you someone affiliated with magic or whatnot?” Macey let out a surprised sound, “First, you've guessed name. Now, you know my favorite food?”

“It's just a wild guess, maybe?”

“I'm starting to think you've known me for life.”

“What if I actually do?” Calderon smirked.

And yes, he does. If only he could tell Macey that he did meet her in the past life, and they were even lovers, it would have been better.

But in this set-up and modernity, he knew Macey would freak out and just think he was being weird— even if he was saying the truth.

“Are you sure you won't be eating? Perhaps do you want me to cook something else for you?”

“No, I'm fine with watching the movie... and you,” Calderon answered in a matter-of-fact.

Luckily for him, Calderon survived the dinner with Macey by distracting the girl with constant interesting stories so she wouldn't have the chance to force him to eat.

When the movie playing in their front finally came to an end, Calderon stretched his limbs and stood up.

“Uh, Macey, I think I have to go now?”

“Calderon, I think it's too late at night,” Macey looked over her shoulder to see a sight of the wall clock in the back. “Yeah, it's already twelve. So, maybe you want to stay for the night? I've got a spare room.”

Calderon halted his movements.

A stay?

He has to go. He has to have his drink.

But a stay at Macey's place? With the girl's scent hanging in the air? Calderon couldn't deny the fact that he would love it.

He hesitated for a while. He can't stay longer and risk getting thirsty and getting seen, however, he also wanted to, in fear of someone breaking out into the apartment.

He doesn't trust Jace and anyone outside their place. After knowing how Macey easily trusts people, he was afraid Jace might have his way anytime.

But what would be the odds of staying that night? Why was Macey being this nice to him, when he's basically a stranger she just met? Was she always this good to anyone she meets?

Calderon started to question the girl's decisions in life, but he kept the queries to himself.

If Macey was like this to everyone, she might get into trouble if she comes across a bad guy.

Calderon gritted his teeth just at the thought of someone taking advantage of Macey's kindness. If that happens, he wanted to be sure to protect Macey.

Although hesitating, Calderon still agreed, later on, saying, “Sure,” with a sweet smile.

“Great. I'll prepare pillows and comforters to keep you warm!” Macey said, almost yelling before she runs off excitedly.

“You're still so domestic,” Calderon watched as Macey hops happily. He smiled to himself upon remembering how the girl used to take care of him in the past. “Even in this lifetime, I bet you will still be a great wife.”