Absinthe novel Chapter 37

Before Robert and Jiwoo's argument got any worse, I volunteered to call it a day and tried to drag Jiwoo and Derrick away. Rob had a different idea, so we ended up going together and leaving my previous companions at Faye's.

"I'll pick you up after work tomorrow," Rob said as he parked the car in the guest parking slot of our building.

"Huh?" I said with a slight frown. "What about my car? If you're picking me up, who's driving my car back home?"

"Right," Robert said, scratching his head. "I did not think about that."

I laughed. "There's nothing to worry about, Rob. Jiwoo's straight."

"Are we talking about the same guy?" Robert chuckled. "There's no way that man's straight."

"He is," I answered back. "Trust me. He's just joking around saying those things. But he really is straight."

"I'm not convinced," Robert said, still eyeing me suspiciously.

"Even if he weren't, are you seriously threatened by him?" My question seemed to catch Robert off guard. And, as expected, he answered by dismissing Jiwoo's threat.

"Not really. Sure, he's handsome, but I'm hotter, right?"

I laughed and gently pinched Rob's cheek. "Yes, attorney. You're way hotter."

The following week was one of the most exhausting ones I'd ever had. Chef Maxwell's classes were slowly turning more and more into technique refining tutorials. We were repeating dishes over and over again, trying to master certain skills or the subtle changes we had to make on account of the subtle differences in the quality of the ingredients.

"Culinary contest season is right around the corner," Chef Maxwell began. It was a Friday, and I could clearly see from everyone's faces that they were ready to hibernate over the weekend. "And of course, what better way to hone your skills than to face off with other up-and-coming chefs in the country?"

I caught Nico and Jiwoo exchanging excited looks. Vivi, on the other hand, looked disinterested.

"But before that, I have a treat for all of you," Chef Maxwell announced. "I want all four of you to visit our one and only supplier farm in Benguet next week."

Um, no, thank you? Did he have any idea how hard it was to live on a farm? I did because Faye and I have one. We tried spending one weekend there, but we ended up staying in a hotel. Don't get us wrong— Faye and I have humble roots—but once we started earning money and experiencing whatever comforts it afforded us, we couldn't be bothered living that way anymore.

"It should be fun," Chef Maxwell continued. "It's an opportunity for you guys to understand how food is grown, get your hands dirty, and be intimate with food."

Nico and Jiwoo both laughed audibly at Chef Maxwell's choice of words.

"Besides, I'm sure you need all the relaxation you can get. It's a farm, yes, but it's also a posh resort."

"Okay. We're sold, Chef," Nico said, smiling. "Should be awesome."

At the parking lot, Nico acted like the leader and tried to make sense of how we were going to spend our week in Benguet. "Maxwell said we're getting two rooms. I say us boys can share one, and Vivi gets the other."

"Or, being the gay guy that I am, maybe I can share the room with Vivi and not crowd you two up."

"Will you be okay with that, Vi?"

"Um, no. I'm not okay with the fact that you're giving me considerations because I'm female. There's an option for two single beds, you know!"

I swear I could feel Nico rolling his eyes, but he remained the ever gentleman. "What do you suggest then?"

"We can draw lots," Vivi answered. "That way, everything's fair."

"Yeah," Jiwoo added. "Let's do that."

Jiwoo tore a piece of paper from his notebook and wrote two As and two Bs. He folded them multiple times before shaking them up in his hands.

"Hey, you first." Jiwoo offered up his hands to me, four folded papers in his palms. Once I'd picked one, he quickly went to Nico and Vivi.

"I got A," Jiwoo said.

I opened mine up, partly scared that I would be sharing a room with Jiwoo. Imagine the kind of torture I'd be subjected to should we become roommates. But fortunately, I got B! I showed mine to everyone and found out that I was paired up with Nico instead.

"Cool," Nico said. "I guess I'm partners with our patissier!"

"Are you going to be okay with this?" I asked Nico, afraid that he might not be happy about being roommates with a gay guy.

"Of course," Nico said. "Why would I pass up the chance to spend a week with a hot guy?"

"Sometimes I wonder if you're really straight," I told Nico, chuckling as I opened my car door.

"Don't we all," Vivi said with a grin. "So what about transportation arrangements?"

"We can bring one car," Nico suggested. "I think we can all fit in that."

"Yeah, and we can take turns driving."

"Let's take my car then." Nico said. "I'll pick you guys up."

"I'll make some snacks for us to eat on the road," I volunteered.

"Great. Is 6 AM tomorrow good?" Nico asked Vivi, who nodded. He told me he was picking me up next before turning to Jiwoo. "What about you, bro?"

Jiwoo was thinking. "Our place is far from yours. I'll go to BJ's place and wait for you there."

"Alright. It's settled then." Nico said.

"Okay! See you guys soon!" Vivi said.

All three of us boarded our cars, with the exception of Jiwoo. Vivi and Nico sped out of the parking lot, and I felt bad about the guy who was always left behind.