My Boyfriend's Hot Brother

CHAPTER 1: THE ENCOUNTER

Rica's Point Of View

My brow furrowed as I walked in the scorching heat, carrying my cousin's bag. My cousin was wearing high-heeled shoes as we rushed off the bus when she suddenly lost her balance, and her feet stumbled. As a result, it forced me to bring two bags, one at a time, because it was more inconvenient for Ara to carry her bag when she was in pain.

We're walking through the university where my cousin wants to study. It is the John Sebastian University. Today is the day for us to take the scholarship exam.

It was the most prestigious university in the entire City. I've heard that students here are mostly the children of tycoon entrepreneurs and politicians. So you're lucky if you're one student here, especially if you weren't born with a silver spoon in your mouth.

My cousin's boyfriend was studying here, which is why she wanted to be a part of this prestigious school. But her parents couldn't afford it, so my cousin made way, and the worst part is, she included me in her nonsense, so we could be on the list of those who would take the scholarship exam.

Even though I didn't want to study here, I had no choice but to accept a scholarship so she wouldn't be upset with me. I had heard that the exam here was so damn hard, but because my brain is only average, I knew there was no way I could get in.

My cousin is intelligent, and she used to have a lot of connections with the rich kids because of it. She also had a wealthy boyfriend. As far as I know, her boyfriend's father was a shareholder in this school. That's why it was so simple for us to sign up for the scholarship exam.

As we walked, I noticed that almost all the students entering here had cars, making it easier for them to get to the building, and while we who don't own a car took too long to get to the school because it is too far from the entrance gate. It felt like we were there for an eternity, and the worst part was that not a single car offered us a ride.

Without a doubt, I will never be interested in studying here because it will only add to the burden of my daily life. I'm just a simple person with simple desires. To graduate from college, even if not from a prestigious university, is acceptable to me. The important thing is that when I graduate, I'll find a decent job with a good salary.

Rica Della Torre is my name. I am 19 years old. On our high school campus, they nicknamed me "The Goddess of Fire" because I have hot curves, a gorgeous face, God-like long hair, and porcelain skin. How much more if I will dress up formally? However, I cannot afford to buy those. And besides, I've already stopped fantasizing about those things because of a lack of funds. I'm perfectly content in a t-shirt and jeans.

I only support myself. In the morning, I study, and at night, I work as a server in a posh bar. My father died of a heart attack when I was six years old, and my mother found a replacement after my father's funeral and then went with her man, leaving me with my grandmother, who also died two years ago. That's why I'm all alone.

We're finally close to the building, but I'm out of breath from exhaustion. I came to a halt and looked around, hoping to find a bench where I could rest on my tired feet. I discovered it under a tree near the basketball court. I was considering sitting down there.

"Ara," I called to my cousin, who was walking ahead. She heard my call, paused, and turned to face me.

"What exactly is it?" she asked, her face exhausted.

"Can we please sit there for a moment?" I asked, pointing to the empty bench beneath the tree.

She returned her gaze to me as she turned to it. "May we proceed directly to the building? We're almost there, you know. We're wasting our time if we only sit there. Don't be concerned. If we get there, we'll find a seat," my cousin explained. She didn't even feel sorry for me. When the truth is, I was carrying her bag, which was significantly heavier than mine. But she had a point, so I only followed her although I was exhausted.

Ara Perez is the only child of aunt Anabelle (my mother's sister) and dressed in the style of a fashion icon. Ara had a thing for delicate dresses, bags, and shoes. She was also attractive and, of course, super intelligent. Since we were children, she has been my best friend. Previously, our young neighbors bullied me. They teased me about being unloved by my mother, but she always defended me.

On that day, I promised myself that I would always be there for her in every way. We kept walking, but I couldn't walk anymore because of exhaustion, and I noticed that my cousin's foot was a little swollen, but she was enduring it, so I considered acting up to her so that she would agree. "I couldn't take it any longer. I'm completely exhausted! Why haven't you called your boyfriend and asked him to send us here?" I express my displeasure to her.

She frowned at me once more. "Why not, if only my boyfriend is here in the City? However, his father had to take him on a business trip," she explained, and then she took a deep look at me and asked, "Wait, are you sure it exhausted you, or are you just acting?"

I was expecting her to suspect me. No wonder she's an ace in class, so I nodded and looked at her back with a pity look. She is looking at my face. I had a feeling she would. I didn't let her read my mind and kept looking pitiful. "All right, you win. Let's sit for the time being."

I approached her and hugged her because it overjoyed me that she agreed with me. "Thank you, Ara; you are the best," I said, complimenting her.

She gave me a friendly smile. We went straight to the empty bench. We were about to leave when I noticed someone playing basketball on the court. They're probably university students or seniors.

I enjoy watching basketball, so I paused briefly to look at them when the ball suddenly came my way. The ball came dangerously close to hitting me. It's a good thing I caught it before it happened. The players signaled I should throw it back at them, but it irritated me. It almost hit me, so I stood my ground and didn't give them the ball.

I waited for one of them to approach me and apologize. I was right. A man in a basketball uniform was walking straight toward me. I'm pretty sure he wanted to reclaim the ball. He was slim and tall. The way he walked smote me. He has intrigued me and has been staring at him even more. I didn't seem to care about the background noise any longer; all I wanted to see was his mysterious face. His charm enchanted me as he got closer and closer.

"My God, he was so hot!" I mumbled.

I'm astounded! My saliva was almost dripping! My heart was pounding so hard that I couldn't move. I'd nearly forgotten I had a boyfriend.

"Rica, get a grip on yourself. Remember when you had a boyfriend?" I reprimanded myself as I pressed down on the ball in my hand.

"You don't intend to throw that ball, do you?" he asked me arrogantly.

My fascination with him abruptly ended and was replaced by annoyance. My right brow furrowed. His character irritated me. True, he is attractive. But he has an attitude, so no thanks to me. I was about to say something when my cousin took the ball from me and said, "Here is the ball, mister. We're very sorry," my cousin apologized as she bowed her head and handed the ball to the uniformed man. That appeared in front of me and immediately dragged me onto the bench.

"Wait, I'm not finished with him yet!" I exclaimed.

My cousin never stops dragging me around and pinching me around the waist. "You're too much, Ara!" I yelled angrily at her. We've already positioned ourselves in front of the bench.

"What are you up to?" she inquired, pissed.

I just wanted to teach that guy a lesson. He is extremely arrogant! Who does he believe he is?" I told my cousin.

"Oh, Rica, could you please restrain yourself? We are no longer in high school, and even less so in a public school. We do not know who that man is or whose son he is. What if he is the son of a politician or a business owner, and you end up fighting him? What will become of us, Rica? We're doomed, so it's far better to be humble and patient," she explained.

She was right, so I didn't argue with Ara anymore and sat on the bench.

Chapter 2: A Favor

Rica's Point of View

Finally, we arrived at the building where they would hold the exam. We walked through the rooms where they posted the exam taker's name. It took us some time to locate our name on the list.

We went through about ten more rooms before we found it. Many students will take the exam. This school is massive.

We went into our respective rooms. It was on the building's second floor.

Fortunately, my cousin and I are not sitting next to each other. I am sure I will fail the exam because no one will give me a correct answer. She was in the front, and I was on the other side of our room's door. The room's fiberglass wall impressed me as I looked around. Individuals who walk by can see us. It was breathtaking.

The exam has officially started. Each subject had only fifteen minutes allotted. It was so damn hard, and the clock was ticking. Even the questions are multiple-choice, and you only encircle the correct answer. Still, I doubt I can answer. I do not know the questions. My score will almost certainly be zero.

"Oh my God, it's so embarrassing! I hope there are at least ten correct answers, not just zero," I mumbled.

I was almost out of time, but I had nothing to answer. I randomly encircled my responses to each question. "Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and get a perfect score," I jokingly murmured.

*****

At last, the exam is over. Ara, my cousin, and I went to our respective houses. When I arrived at my rented apartment, I was exhausted.

My shoulders sagged as I walked into my apartment. I want to unwind, but I can't.

I'm currently working extra hours to cover for an absent colleague. My shift is the night shift. But when our manager asked, I agreed because the overtime fee is high, and it's still my school vacation. I entered my bedroom and immediately placed my bag on the small brown table beside my bed.

I grabbed my towel from the silver hook on the side of my cabinet. Then I rushed inside to my small bathroom to take a bath.

After a few minutes, I emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my body and my wet hair hanging loose.

I approached my colored brown cabinet made of wood and opened it, took another white towel, rubbed it against my wet hair, and then grabbed some undies and a brassiere and put them on. I quickly put on my white blouse and black pencil skirt with a cut above the knee.

I am ready to serve. But before I left, I looked in the mirror and said these words to myself. "You are so beautiful, Rica; even if you're effortless to yourself, your beauty still dominates." I smile as I look in the mirror.

After checking my reflection, I approached my small table, took my cute black leather sling bag from the table, and slung it over my shoulder. Then I walked out of my apartment. I hurriedly walked to the road, and when I arrived, I waited for a ride.

Fortunately, a cab passed by, so I immediately stopped it and boarded.

I arrived at my workplace after a few minutes. It was the M City's well-known Resto Bar (it means restaurant and a bar). The bar's name is "The Flashy Resto Bar."

Almost everyone who visits the Resto Bar is an heir or a well-known artist. That's why it overjoyed me when I got hired at this upscale Resto Bar because I've been able to save a little money and pay my rent on time. I always make a lot of money from the tips of those who come here to drink. Our manager and coworkers are also good to me, so I had nothing else to ask.

I've been here for three months now. Thank you to my boyfriend for introducing me to this bar. I smiled as I looked at the Resto Bar signage. I then go inside.

"Hi, Rica," one of my coworkers said. Amanda Roxas is her name.

"Hello, Amanda," I said as I smiled at her. Then I kept walking until I arrived at the counter.

I noticed our manager standing next to the counter.

"Hello, ma'am," I greeted. She was in her mid-fifties. She dressed in a black long-sleeved coat and a black pencil skirt that fell to her knees. Mrs. Theresa was my boyfriend's aunt, besides being our manager. That's why I felt so pressed. Nonetheless, I enjoy working here because she is very kind and understanding to us.

Mrs. Ramos smiled and said, "Hello, Rica. Good thing you're early today."

"Why, ma'am? Is there something you want me to do?" I inquired.

"Yes, there is; I know that you are the favorite of most of the customers here because you are good at entertaining them, so I decided you will be one of the servers in our V.I.P tonight; is that okay with you?" Mrs. Ramos inquired.

"Of course, ma'am," I replied, still smiling.

"I have one more request for you," Mrs. Ramos said.

My brow furrowed. "What is it, ma'am?" I inquired, puzzled.

"I want to be honest with you. These V. I. P.'S tonight are the sons of a Tycoon business owner and politicians, and one of them is the son of the owner of this bar. This kid is slightly rude. I know you, Rica, that every time you spot a rude customer, you don't care what their status is. You never got afraid to start a fight. That is why I wanted to request that you please, even just for tonight. Will you extend your patience for the sake of my reputation?" Mrs. Ramos begged.

I just smiled at our manager. I didn't think my manager had mastered my behavior after three months of working at the Resto Bar, so I did nothing but nod.

Mrs. Ramos replied, "Thank you."

Chapter 3: Preparation

Rica's Point of View

-In the Resto Bar's Break Room-

When two of my colleagues arrived, I was busy arranging things in the break room. They were laughing as they talked. "Oh my God, he's so handsome! Saw those eyes? It was so irresistible!" one of my coworkers uttered.

I just kept working as if I hadn't overheard their conversation. "Oh, Rica, you're here? It's a shame you didn't see the owner's son arrive earlier; you could have witnessed how handsome he was," my coworker proudly said. Liza Perez is her name.

Still, I ignored what she said and went about my business.

"Hmm, Liza, she's not interested in handsome dude anymore; you know she had a boyfriend already, and her boyfriend was also yummy, right, Rica?" Amanda teased as she giggled.

I paused what I was doing and grinned at them. "You got it right, Amanda; my boyfriend is so yummy that I'm not interested in another guy," I sarcastically replied.

"Humph, but not an heir," Liza replied, glaring at me with contempt for my boyfriend.

She belittles my boyfriend, which irritates me. Still, I resisted the urge to pull her hair and smack her face on the floor. I don't want to fight with her. After all, she is my coworker.

I approached her calmly. "But my boyfriend is still so attractive that most women envied me, right?" I tease Liza, grinning.

Liza became irritated when I bragged about my boyfriend.

"Whatever," she said as she walked away from me.

Amanda and I just exchanged glances before laughing.

It's already dark. Customers flocked to the Resto Bar. There are just as many people out at night, particularly adults, to go bar hopping. Preparing the food and drinks for the VIP room made us focused. I was one of those tasked with serving there.

The food and beverages are ready. We went to the V. I. P.S. to bring some food and drinks. Our manager put the four of us in charge of the V. I. P room.

We began our walk to the VIP room, carrying the food and drinks we'd been serving. The tension on my colleagues' faces is palpable, especially if the guests are VIPs. We ensure that there are no mistakes. To avoid upsetting the guest, we analyze every move we make. Even our breathing is under our control. We expect it will be challenging because we know that most of our VIP guests will be very demanding.

Amanda was the first to enter, the rest of the crew, and finally me. It seemed to be a grand entrance as we entered. Except for me, my colleagues walked like ramp models. I only walked in the hallway plainly, trying not to attract the guests' attention. Tonight's VIP guests were all men, and they were all staring at us. Except for one man who was busy looking at his cellphone and didn't seem to know how to appreciate a woman's beauty, everyone was drooling at us.

I couldn't see much of his face because I was standing so far back, and I wasn't interested in seeing his entire face either. I believe he was the person mentioned by our manager earlier. He is a rude man and the son of the bar's owner. I knew who I was going to avoid now.

Amanda set the food on the table, smiling at the male guests, followed by the other crew and me, who barely spoke because of my devotion to my manager.

"You know, bro, this place is paradise!" remarked one guest.

A man who never looked at us smirked at the complimenting guest.

Amanda smiled broadly at the guest, who expressed appreciation for the bar, and said, "Thank you for the appreciation, sir."

The guest returned her smile, but the way he looked at Amanda suggested he had a hidden agenda. I noticed that almost all of them were so focused on Amanda that I took advantage of the opportunity to approach the table unnoticed.

I bent my body slightly when I was already in front of the table. Then I put the drinks I was holding down, trying not to make any noises and even barely breathing not to attract their attention. I barely looked at the guests as they continued to converse. I finally finished putting the drinks I brought. I rushed out of the room while my colleagues were still busy entertaining the guests, particularly Amanda, who had appeared as the night's undisputed star.

"Phew, I'm finally done with my part," I mumbled. I kept walking toward the kitchen. When I heard my name called. "Rica,"

I came to a halt as I heard my manager's voice and turned to face the person who had called me. I was right; it was she! She noticed me! As I looked at her, my eyes widened. "Yes, ma'am," I stumbled.

Her brow furrowed as she stared at me. She appeared perplexed why I was outside when I was supposed to be in the V. I. P lounge. "Shouldn't you be in the VIP room? Why are you here?" she inquired.

My manager's question made me feel guilty, so I pretended to smile at her. To avoid reprimand, I devised a perfect alibi. "Hmm, ma'am, I just finished serving the drinks, and it seems they love Amanda so much, so I thought I'd leave there to avoid making any mistakes," I explained, scratching my chin.

Before she spoke, my manager examined my face. "Is that so?" she wondered.

I quickly responded to her stuttering, nodding my head to her. "Yes, ma'am,"

"Oh, okay, I guess they don't need you anymore if that's the case; just go to the kitchen and help serve the customers here," she said.

"Okay, ma'am, thank you," I replied, bowing my head.

My boss nodded to me. Then she turns and walks away from me.

My assignment had changed, so I finally breathed a sigh of relief. Because of my happiness, I continue walking toward the kitchen while singing my favorite Taylor Swift song, "You Belong with Me." Our chef overheard me singing. "Oh, you seem in a good mood, Rica; what makes you sing?" he chuckled.

I gave him a friendly smile. "Hmm, sir, I'm just inspired," I explained.

"Oh, I see," he says.

Then I responded by smiling. I continued working by serving food to our regular customers. The good news is that everything is going well tonight, and my shift was about to end, so I dashed back to the break room to get my bag to go home.

I opened the locker room as soon as I arrived at the break room. As I was about to pick up my bag, I heard my phone ring inside my bag, so I quickly retrieved it to see who had called.

I smiled with delight when I saw who had called. Aaron, my best boyfriend, had called. I answered the phone quickly and sweetly. "Hello, babe,"

"Hi babe, I'm already outside; are you done with your shift?" he asked softly.

"Yeah, babe, I'm done, and I'm about to come out; wait for me there, okay, I'll go out," I told him excitedly.

"Alright, babe, I'll be here waiting for you. Love you," he said.

I giggled at what he said. "I love you, too, babe," I responded as I hung up the phone. I immediately removed the name tag from my chest and placed it in the bag. Then I removed the clip tied to my hair and let it down. I even fixed my hair, which was already loose, and rushed excitedly to see my boyfriend.