Some Bali to Love

By Carla de Guzman

Ava Bonifacio’s plan was simple—attend her friends’ engagement party, look good, toast the happy couple and get out. What she hadn’t planned on was kissing Scott Sabio in front of the entire party to ward off the jerk her friend was trying to set her up with. Scott, who she hasn’t seen or spoken to in nine years. Scott, who used to know absolutely everything about Ava.

The kiss makes it a little hard to execute the ‘get out’ part of her plan. Especially when her bride-to-be friend announces her brilliant idea—a five day, all expenses paid trip for their little barkada to Bali to shoot content for her vlog—and Ava’s pride and pettiness refuses to back down on the fake boyfriend ruse she already started.

Scott’s more than happy to spend time with an old friend. He hadn’t exactly expected that she would speak to him, let alone fake date him after he ghosted her nine years ago. But as the unBalievable sun starts to rise and sets in Ava’s eyes, Scott dares to hope in a future for them, one beyond the beach shores.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carla de Guzman
• Release date: Oct 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005176020

Carla de Guzman

Carla de Guzman writes contemporary romance and believes in happily ever after.Her books Sweet on You,If The Dress Fits and Some Bali to Love are explorations of her favorite tropes, places and food. She is a part of #romanceclass, an online community of writers, readers and creators of Filipino romance in English, and will always say yes to a café invite.

Book preview

some bali to love

CARLA DE GUZMAN

MIDNIGHT BOOKS

Copyright © 2022 by Carla de Guzman

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Cover art by Shai San Jose

Cover design by Carla de Guzman

Additional art by Ulsiart

Flower icon created by jocularityart (via flaticon)

Vellum flower icon Created with Vellum

foreword

As a reader, we hate getting blindsided, and we care about your experience reading this book. So we thought it best to include some content warnings. As this is (technically) a rewrite of a book written in 2015, this book is set before the pandemic, and aside from the epilogue, has no mention of it.

Other warnings include on page fat shaming and fatphobia.

The author has specifically chosen not to include an index for Filipino words.

This book follows #RomanceClass guidelines requiring HEA/HFN for romance, and is a heat level 3.

For more info, visit www.romanceclassbooks.com

What’s the most famous karaoke song in Bali?

Balisong.

Ok bye

contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Freshman Year

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Sophomore Year

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Junior Year

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Senior Year

Chapter 20

Epilogue

Author’s Notes

Acknowledgments

About the Author

What is #romanceclass?

one

Ava! Ang taba mo na!

What the hell. Ava Bonifacio muttered under her breath as she gave Tita Beth a wide smile and crossed the courtyard. She reminded herself that Tita Beth was her best friend’s mother, it wouldn’t be nice to be mean or to call her out for being rude. Not at her own daughter’s despedida de soltera.

Gabbie had chosen a lovely location, too—Café Flora along White Plains Avenue, famous for their cozy garden ambience, not so much for the food. Traffic made getting in and out of White Plains a terrible chore (urban planning, saan?) but the restaurant made up for it by being quaint and lovely.

Ava had always liked coming here. It was nice to have an excuse to dress up, show up in a lovely pink dress wearing her favorite lipstick and platform heels. It was nice to have an excuse to feel sexy as hell, and just feel pretty.

Until Tita Beth happened, and her self-indulgent-walk-into-a-room kanfidens vanished. Hay.

In the grand scheme of everything, Tita Beth was a teeny, tiny part of the evening. Tonight was about Gabbie and Charlie (currently leading a train of titas in a spontaneous conga line to Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain, because why not) and their impending happily ever after. The couple was the big picture tonight, how they radiated together, how exciting it was that they were going to get married.

But Ava had never been one to let teeny tiny things slide, especially when they had been done to shame her. She was a lawyer, after all. Pride was part of the job.

Tita Beth. Ava smiled, giving her a beso on the cheek. It’s been too long.

Yes, well, you don’t come around the house anymore. And now even Gabbie is moving out very soon, just after the wedding. Tita Beth sighed wistfully. She was sincerely sad about her only child leaving the house. Ava knew that. But Ava also knew that when people her parents’ age had a burst of feelings, they tended to overcompensate.

So she braced herself.

What about you, hija? Aren’t you planning on getting married? You’re already thirty, no? Your window to have a baby is closing fast. And Gabbie mentioned your younger sister got married na din. Naku, it’s really no good to be on the shelf like that at your age! I think you have to get a little thinner, so you can get yourself a nice boyfriend!

All in one breath. Very impressive.

Ava liked Tita Beth. She was incredibly generous, and had a nice habit of treating her daughter’s barkada out to lunch whenever she was in the same area as them. But being generous and nice didn’t mean that Ava had to let what she said slide. In this millennium? No time.

I agree, Tita Beth. Ava nodded, gently patting the back of Tita Beth’s hand. Tita Beth squeezed her arm, as if to prove her point. Relationships aren’t for me, but I’m more than happy with my plants and my Hitachi Magic Wand.

Your what?

It’s a kind of vibrator, Tita.

Tita Beth dropped her hand, her face pale.

Oh Mom, I see you’ve found Ava! Gabbie said cheerfully as her arm looped around Ava’s. You know it’s been hard to catch her these days, she’s a senior associate at Namu, Talisay, and Partners kasi.

Gabbie Chan-soon-to-be-Navarro. Best friend. Bride. Lifesaver. Aries. Tita Beth’s eyes promptly widened, as most people’s did whenever Ava’s firm was brought up, the most prestigious in the country. So fancy they had their own building in BGC, and a restaurant on the fourth floor.

Did Ava love that it had to be brought up before anyone showed her any respect? No. But she had to admit. It was satisfying seeing Tita Beth suddenly regard her differently. Like, ah, suddenly you have value.

No wonder you’re so busy, hija! Career woman ka pala!

Not really, Tita. Just a girl with a plan and a premium KiligFinder account. Ava smiled at Tita Beth.

I think Tita Monina was calling you, Mom. Gabbie said, dragging Ava away. Ava made sure to say ‘bye tita!’ to Tita Beth first. She was still a lady, after all.

So, Gabbie said. KiligFinder?

Okay, fine, I don’t actually have a premium account.

And the Hitachi Magic Wand?

You did say it was life-changing, Ava pointed out, making them both laugh so hard a few heads turned in their direction in curiosity.

To be fair to both Ava and Gabbie, they hadn’t lied to Tita Beth—Ava was a senior associate at NTP, and she and Gabbie hadn’t seen each other in a while. Between Gabbie planning the wedding, her work, and Ava’s work, there had been very little time to catch up.

They were, in Gabbie’s words, currently in an emotionally long-distance relationship. Ava had gone to her first bridesmaid dress fitting on a different day, and answered Gabbie’s frantic this or that questions via group chat. It had taken Ava a week of moving deadlines and appointments around so she could make it to the despedida. And while work was sure to pile up, she didn’t mind if it meant spending time with her friends tonight.

She had to remind herself that effort was the key to a lot of things. Maintaining friendships included.

Did you call Mon, to remind him to come? Ava asked.

Yup. He was fully thinking the restaurant was in BGC. Gabbie laughed, rolling her eyes. Classic Mon.

Tori said she was running late—

But she’ll be here, I know. Gabbie smiled. You’re such a Mama Hen.

Well, someone has to make sure everyone makes it to the wedding in one piece. Ava smiled, even as something inside her squeezed. Eh. She was used to that by now. Thanks for the save back there, by the way.

As if you needed it. Gabbie snorted. You know you can stand up to my Mom, she can take it.

And make her feel bad for making me feel bad? Nuh-uh. Ava shook her head. No need to cause unnecessary drama. Gabbie pressed her lips together like she was stopping herself from saying more, but decided against it.

Are you staying, by the way? she asked instead. You don’t have to suddenly leave for a meeting or anything?

Not unless you want me to.

Ha! You know how clingy I can be. Gabbie grinned. And I’m worried about you, you know.

Hey. That’s my job.

I know, but! Gabbie insisted. I want to see you happy!

Ava’s Gabbie senses started to tingle. Oh boy. Ava had been friends with Gabbie for so long that Ava knew when she had a trick (or a succession of them) up her sleeve, and it all started with A Look. That look had previously led to Ava barrier jumping at a music festival, getting a free cake after Gabbie convinced the waiters it was her birthday (it was not), and Mon running and screaming at the top of his lungs at a mall because Gabbie insisted on jump scaring him.

You know you still owe me after you skipped out on karaoke night last week.

"Oh, Charlie kept me fully informed of everything. Including you still knowing all the choreography and the words to Tell Me Your Wish."

I’m genie for you, girl. Gabbie winked at her, with matching finger hearts. Point is, you owe me a song, and a date.

A date? Ava asked. Gabbie, I don’t—

Do relationships, I know. I’ve read the manuals, the manifesto, and the blog entry. But before we proceed, did you know I hired a rockeoke band?

What? Ava asked, suddenly aware that Gabbie was subtly leading her toward a makeshift stage in the middle of the outdoor space, where a four-man band was smiling politely and waiting for their next taker. There was also a ratty old clear book bursting at the seams on a music stand.

Rockeoke! Like karaoke but live! One of my followers suggested it. Gabbie prodded Ava up a small set of stairs. Go na. Your shower isn’t the only thing that has pipes.

I think I preferred it when we were talking about vibrators. Ava said a little too close to the mic, and the entire room went silent for a second as Gabbie laughed, and Ava covered her face with her hand. This was definitely not part of the plan.

The plan for tonight had been simple, or so she thought. Go in, look like a goddess, drink a bit of champagne, toast the bride and groom for their everlasting happiness, take a few pictures, and go home.

But from the moment she walked in, those plans had been casually defenestrated with a quick, ang taba mo na! Ah well. This was what Gabbie wanted from her, and she was more than happy to oblige.

I should hate you for this. Ava told Gabbie, who blew her a kiss.

You love me!

I do.

And trust me! I have more surprises in store!

Yep. It was definitely going to be a tricks-on-tricks kind of night. Ava sighed and decided it was best to go with the flow and chose a song.

She began to sing, and the drums and guitar followed half a beat later. Mojofly’s Mata was the only one she knew from the band, but hey, a karaoke staple was a karaoke staple. It could not be overstated how much this particular group of friends liked karaoke.

She launched into the chorus, giving her all for her little audience of two gathered in front of her—Gabbie, who was probably ignoring a few guests, and Charlie, who had joined his fiancée and asked her to dance.

Ava’s voice softened for the bridge, as she watched her friends dance, their cheeks pressed together, laughing as Charlie dipped Gabbie low.

It was sweet, and oh. Oh. There was a little...twinge in her heart, damn it. And it wasn’t a twinge like, aw my friends are so cute together, because Charlie and Gabbie have been so cute together for so long they were all immune.

No. This was...this was, an I-wish-I-had-someone twinge. Oh no.

In the grand scheme of Ava’s life, she thought that having someone to spend her entire life with was a given. Of course she was going to get married. Of course she was going to have kids. Everyone did, right?

But as she got older, as her peers got engaged and married and, as her sister got married, as she observed her own parents, she started to wonder if it really was such a given. And after certain incidents—ones that made her think that maybe giving her heart away to anyone wasn’t worth it—it was the smarter choice, to not want to fall in love.

Not like there was anyone, really. Ava’s heart would belong to no one but her. And she was okay with that. Independence and happiness were attainable without marriage.

So if she wasn’t getting the husband, she was going to get the house instead.

Which, good luck getting a house in Manila for less than five million, but life was all about compromise. So she settled on finding the perfect condo, or a long-term rental. Somewhere with two bedrooms, lots of natural light, and a parking slot in a nice neighborhood, the kind that had a neighborhood cafe that was just a little pretentious.

Ava wanted somewhere she could be herself and not have to tiptoe around anyone. A place where she didn’t have to be so strong, and smile and nod along when she didn’t feel like it. Where she could create and implement systems without stepping on other people’s toes. A place to land by herself.

Her cousin Tori said Ava desperately needed to settle her root chakra. Ava said she just wanted a really nice condo.

She knew how laughable it was, in this economy, under this government, to look for any kind of stability, but that was why she took her time, and waited. Why she made investments, budgeted, moved money around, consulted people. Being a lawyer in a fancy firm helped, of course. But closing that last little gap was all hard work.

She was a woman with a plan, and there was nothing that was going to distract her.

But then there were these pangs, the inconvenient little things. The desire to be loved, to be wanted. To have someone look at her the way Charlie looked at Gabbie. Like she was precious, and she mattered, that she made his heart sing.

That was a long, dangerous, painful road, though. Most of the time it was lonely. Ava definitely didn’t want that.

She shook the feeling away. While being called fat didn’t make her feel vulnerable, longing for someone definitely did. And vulnerability was what made her feel weak, when she was raised to be strong. Raised to be invulnerable.

Lawyers can read between the lines, see what really matters. They don’t waste time. She was trained that way, and she had no time for anything else. So being here tonight was a rare occurrence indeed.

The song ended, and a few people at the party applauded, including Tita Beth. But she was happier to see that Gabbie and Charlie were no longer alone in whooping and cheering for her at the front row—Mon’s Grab had finally dropped him off at the restaurant, and Tori had arrived, too. Ava beamed at the sight of her friends, and her heart was suddenly full enough that she forgot all her single girl woes for the moment.

To the four people cheering for her, she was enough. With them, she was safe. It filled Ava with a sense of peace, seeing them all together. Not complete, but together.

Armi Millare is that you! Tori teased, as Mon cupped his hands around his mouth and made up a fan chant on the spot, because he was good at that kind of thing. Ava laughed and turned to totter carefully down the little set of steps to meet them, when someone held up a hand to guide her down. It was a pretty hand, with long, shapely fingers. Huh.

Need a hand? a voice asked, wiggling the fingers of said hand. That was supposed to be a pun, but I’m literally giving you my hand, aren’t I.

Ava’s heart leapt to her throat. She knew that voice. Knew that hand, still, after so long. She slowly looked up, her heart hammering in her chest. It was him. Holy shit.

Scott, she breathed, the last word she would say before her very breath was taken from her.

Great Scott, he corrected her, and winked.

The last time Ava saw Scott Sabio was two days ago, when she opened up her Instagram to find he’d posted a picture of himself sitting at a restaurant in front of a bowl of Taiwanese beef noodles against a rainy New York sky. It had thousands of likes, and comments were restricted. She scrolled past it, as she always did, ignoring the little gnaw of guilt that had been her constant companion when it came to Scott.

The last time they saw each other was nine years ago, when his hair was bright purple, and he hadn’t quite fully grown into his nose and lips yet. When she had bangs of all things, oh god. A long time ago.

Ava had laughed it off when her evening hadn’t gone according to plan. Right now she was wondering if this evening was actually happening at all. Maybe she was dreaming?

Ow! Scott exclaimed as Ava pinched his wrist. Gigil agad?

No, I was just checking that I wasn’t hallucinating you. Ava carefully walked down the steps herself. You...always did know how to make an entrance.

Yes, well. My handsome face opens doors.

Sometimes literally. Ava said back, and they were both too tense to laugh. It was odd, acting like everything was fine, that she was fine. Like she hadn’t buried the ache Scott left in her life deep into a recess of her heart. So deep in fact that she couldn’t remember where it was anymore. But it was there, and she could feel it now.

His grin faded, replaced with a look Ava couldn’t read. A million questions ran through her mind as she stared at him now—where have you been? What have you been doing? Did you tell your Mom where you went? Do you know we follow each other on social media? Do you miss me?

Did I matter?

She knew better than to expect Scott to answer any of that. Pride was a sin that kept her warm at night, and Ava liked to hold on to it. Scott didn’t owe her anything anymore (or she could overlook that he did), so she didn’t hold her breath.

But anger was a sin too, wasn’t it? Ah well.

You look good, Ava, Scott told her, his hands in his pockets and his eyes serious, but warm. As always.

As always. Ava chuckled. You’re really here.

Yup. He nodded, and it definitely wasn't just a dream. I’m here.

two

They had been English classmates, the six of them.

Tori and Ava Bonifacio were fresh off of their small high school. Gabbie Chan, daughter of the shipping magnate, was seated next to Ava that first day, and they quickly became friends when they bonded over Gossip Girl. Mon Mendoza, grandson of a former Supreme Court Justice, seated next to Tori, was dragged into the conversation when he asked them what to do if you already lost your school ID on the first day. Charlie Navarro, whose family owned the biggest TV network in the country, had showed up, introduced himself, smiled, and won them over.

Then there was Scott Jose Sabio, whose name had been on everyone’s lips from the moment Ava arrived on campus. Did you see him win Megastar Idol last month? Did you see his movie with Emily Aguilar? Yes, he’s as handsome as you think the son of Linda Galvez would be. Sobrang charming pa! He’s a theater major? Of course he would be.

The moment he walked in the classroom, the room went quiet, all eyes on him. It was the kind of attention that would have made anyone squirm. But he didn’t flinch, didn’t seem taken aback, or tired of it. He simply tossed his hair, and smiled.

I know, right? he said. Handsomest guy you’ve ever seen.

Then he told a joke about a shark while Ava was drinking water. Which of course made it shoot out of her nose when she laughed, and Scott had seen it, and started laughing, too.

The rest, as they say, was history.

Ava had been doomed from the start. It had been easy, falling in love with him. Too easy, now that Ava was older and knew better. She never told anyone that Scott had been her first love. Not even as she and Scott became close those four years in college, as they spent more time together, told each other things that they never said out loud to anyone else.

They were friends, nothing more. Friends that had said everything to each other. Now, nine years later, here they were, out of things to say.

When did you— she said at same time he said, I was—, and it was too awkward to continue.

A thought suddenly occurred to Ava. Gabbie had said