The Grumpy Guy And I

CHAPTER ONE

IT’S hard to fall for someone who was already in love with someone else. And what makes it harder is that someone happened to be your best friend.

“This is nonsense.” Ally tsked and immediately deleted it from her computer.

She was not supposed to write that. She was about to write about the feedback of the people who went to see her best friend Gino’s band’s latest gig—Tough Love.

It was her job as their publicist. Tough Love started as an indie band and has now begun penetrating the mainstream industry after collaborating with popular bands in the country.

She was the band’s number one fan. Even before Tough Love became a band, she was already a fan of Gino. She was in awe with his talent. He can sing and knew how to play a lot of musical instruments. Not only that. Gino was also a strikingly handsome man. Gino was an IT expert by profession, but his passion for music was where his affection lay.

Dear Gino, after this, I promise I’ll stop loving you.

Ally deleted it again.

“Nonsense, nonsense.”

She already had feelings for Gino way back in high school. They were neighbors and schoolmates. Gino was two years older. She would simply watch and listen to him play his guitar every afternoon outside their house. Gino noticed her. He came to her and asked if she was interested to learn.

It all started from there. But they had been friends for twelve years, yet nothing happened. She was hopelessly in love with him—unrequited. The thing was she was only a younger sister to Gino.

It was safe to say she’d been telling herself to unlove him for twelve years already. Great, just great.

Life was really unfair. She read a lot of stories about best friends turning into lovers, from online to paperbacks, living happily-ever-after. Why can’t they be like that? It’s the only thing Ally could ever ask for. She refused to entertain suitors because she was hoping Gino would finally see her not only as a sister or a best friend. But it seemed like she was destined to wait in vain.

People would tell her she’s pretty. Gino found her beautiful, too. But Ally knew too well it has no malice to Gino. She had been waiting for Gino to look at her with awe, and yeah, with a little desire, too. But the thing was it was even impossible than a crow turning into white.

“Maybe it’s my fate to end up alone,” she said hopelessly.

“Miss Ally, there’s a delivery for you,” Ninny, her assistant, informed her.

She was managing their family-owned printing press. Her father used to write for newspapers and put up this business after his retirement. Her mother, on the other hand, was a famous radio host of a drama anthology. No wonder she took her passion for media after them.

“And what’s that?” she asked with a smile.

“Your favorite, of course. It came from Sir Gino,” Ninny replied with a grin. She must have read the card beforehand.

It was indeed from Gino after seeing his handwriting on the small card. He kept his word on ‘bribing’ her for the article she will write for them.

Ally! Thank you for this huge favor you’ve done for Tough Love and for me! I’ll treat you the next time I see you. Eat all of it. You’re always the best!

Ally did not know whether to smile or frown. Of course, she knew she was only second to his girlfriend. Yes, Gino had a girlfriend. It’s not a mystery why her best friend fell hard for that woman.

Ghia was half-Italian and the daughter of the owner of the biggest telecommunications company in Asia. She was his fan. Ally knew the moment Gino laid his eyes on Ghia; he was captured by her beauty. Ally got insecure. She had been friends with Gino for a long time, but there was never a time he looked at her the way he looked at his girlfriend.

She was beautiful and wealthy. And Ally? Will always be a best friend to the man she secretly loved for almost half of her life. Maybe keeping her feelings to herself all this time was the best thing she ever did to protect their friendship. Perhaps the time will come that heart will get tired of hoping and loving Gino.

Ally opened the delivery, and the familiar aroma of her favorite roasted chicken filled her nostrils. She will share it with her father later.

*** *** *** *** ***

“WHERE are you? I just arrived at the bar,” Ally said as Gino picked up the phone.

Gino was also the owner of the bar, where his band performed regularly. They had agreed to eat there together before it opens tonight. Ally has no tolerance for loud noises, but she endured everything to support Gino and his band.

That’s what people hopeless in love do.

“Ally, I’m afraid it'll take long before I could return to the bar,” Gino said apologetically.

“Huh? Why?” Ally glanced at her watch. “You told me I should not be late. Gino, please don’t do this to me.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. I’m with Ghia, and we’re hiding from her bodyguards right now. You know about our situation, right? I can’t let them keep us apart.”

What could Ally possibly do except feeling sorry for herself? Yes, the two were in a difficult situation since the start of their relationship. Ghia was arranged to marry someone else. That’s why they had to date in secret. Ghia’s parents did not want their daughter to end up with a struggling musician. They were worried that Gino was only after Ghia’s inheritance.

She could not understand why Gino was settling for that kind of set up. He could have let go of Ghia to be with her. Their parents were approved of each other. She and Gino belonged together because they have the same status in life.

“Ally, are you still there?” Gino asked.

“I’m always here,” she said meaningfully and sighed. The guard welcomed her inside the bar and found Gino’s staff busily putting the chairs and tables in order. “But are you still coming? I can wait here. I have nowhere to go anyway.”

“I’m coming. I’m really sorry, Ally. Thank you for being understanding to me.”

“As if I have a choice, you jerk. Anyway, take care. I’ll be okay here.” Because my only choice is to remain okay. Ghia owns your heart now.

“I’m so lucky to have you as a best friend. You’re always the best, Ally.” She could only imagine Gino smiling on the other line.

“Well, likewise.”

She sat on an empty table after the call and propped her chin on her hand.

“Miss Ally, is there anything I can offer you?” Ador, the manager, asked.

“Nothing. I’m fine. I’ll just wait for Gino,” she replied politely.

The truth was she already lost her appetite after finding out that Gino was with Ghia. Ally sighed once more and rested her head on the table, and closed her eyes.

*** *** *** *** ***

GAEL’S forehead wrinkled when the guard finally let him inside the bar. The man was hesitant at first, but eventually submitted when he told him that he was the brother of the owner’s girlfriend.

He did not know where the hell Ghia was again, and their parents were already furious. He made a move to search for his sister himself, and the first place he went to was the bar owned by the man she was smitten with.

He studied the place. He was not sure he’d gain something from going there. He had wasted a lot of time already.

“Sir, how may I help you?” a man asked him politely. He looked like he was working there.

“Where is Gino Torres? I need to talk to him,” he said in an authoritative voice.

“Sir Gino is not here yet. He had an important appointment this afternoon. May I know your name, Sir?”

“I am Ghia’s brother. Where can I find him then?”

“I had no idea. He did not mention anything.” The man scratched his head.

“Are you telling the truth, or are you just covering up for your boss?”

He won’t stop until he got the truth from him. He needed to find his sister or Ghia will be sorrier if someone else found her.

“I-I am telling the truth, Sir. Sir Gino only knew where he’s up to, and my job is to look after the bar,” the man replied with a stutter.

“Is there anyone else I could ask about Gino and my sister’s whereabouts?” His eyes accidentally reverted to a woman resting her head on the table, who was obviously asleep.

He found himself walking towards her. His eyebrows knotted when he saw the woman’s slightly parted lips. There was weary in her innocent, beautiful face, but he liked watching her sleep nevertheless.

He had seen a lot of women prettier than this lady in front of him. His ex-girlfriend for once, but there was something with this woman that made him want to caress her face and brush a few strands of hair that’s slightly blocking the beautiful view.

“That’s Miss Ally, Sir.”

Gael turned to the man. Was the ‘Miss Ally’ he’s referring to the same woman in front of him?

“She’s Sir Gino’s best friend, and they agreed to meet here, but my boss isn’t around yet. She’s been waiting here for a while already.”

Gael isn’t the sympathetic type of person, but this time, he felt sorry for the woman. He did not like waiting, and his time getting wasted.

“Wake her up,” he told the man.

The latter was startled.

“W-what?” He was about to say something but changed his mind and approached the woman instead, after receiving a warning look from him.

*** *** *** *** ***

“MISS ALLY? Miss Ally...”

A light shake on her shoulder awoken Ally. She groaned and was forced to sit up straight.

“What?” she asked absent-mindedly and covered her mouth to yawn. Then she scratched her eyes.

She saw Ador and a handsome guy, but it was not Gino. He was wearing a three-piece suit and a crease on his forehead. He looked far from her best friend, who dressed like a rock star and who was always smiling.

“S-someone’s looking for Sir Gino. You’re the only person I know who could help.”

Ally wondered what’s making Ador tense. She looked at her watched, and her eyes widened in shock to realize she had fallen asleep waiting for Gino. It had been more than an hour.

She glanced at the man who was obviously waiting for her answer.

“And who are you?” she asked.

“Gael Guidicelli, Ghia’s brother. Where is Gino? He needs to return my sister,” he said with full of authority.

Ally could not help raising an eyebrow—what a demanding jerk. But wait a minute… did he just say that he was Ghia’s brother?

She froze. Now Ghia’s brother was on the search for them. She should not forget she came from an influential family. She wouldn’t be surprised if the Guidicellis were members of a black organization, and worse, they could be the head of it!

Ally was seized with great fear for her best friend. They could hurt Gino if they got caught!

“Do I look like I know where the hell Gino is?” she said bluntly. Before Gael could catch that guy, he’ll have to answer her first. He made her wait for long. Then she checked her phone. He did not call her again nor sent her even a short message!

“You’re his best friend, right? You’re supposed to know where he is, and he’s supposed to tell you his exact location.”

“You know what, I don’t care whether you believe me or not. I’m just his best friend, not his girlfriend.” She did not hide the bitterness in her voice. She fixed herself and stood up. “I’m leaving now. I don’t expect him to show up anymore.”

But Gael had no plans of letting her get away that easily. He quickly blocked her way. Ally halted in surprise, and her face bumped into his hard, broad chest.

She clutched his coat to regain her balance. His masculine scent invaded her senses, and her heart pounded inside her chest. Ally straightened up as she stroked her nose. It hurt a little.

“Goodness,” she said breathlessly.