Sleeping With My Boss

Chapter 2

“So maybe it didn’t go exactly the way I said,” Bella laughed, twirling a strand of her hair as she leaned over the counter, “pero it was amazing, as in pang-movie type.”

“That’s great,” I said, smiling while arranging a few sunflowers in a vase. “Sana he proposes soon na, no?”

Bella’s eyes lit up. “Me too! Gusto ko na talaga. I want to get married and have kids, tapos may family outings kami, mga carnival, prom, college… you know, the whole package.”

She had that dreamy look in her eyes, like she could already see her future playing out perfectly. Bella was twenty-five, petite with glowing skin na parang baby, and her cropped brown hair framed her round, cheerful face. Honestly, if Mark doesn’t propose soon, baka ma-heartbroken ‘tong friend ko. She deserved someone who’d match her dreams.

I, on the other hand, haven’t really thought about marriage. I mean, of course I want it—eventually. Pero hindi pa ngayon. Hindi pa ako ready to think about kids or a wedding. My life wasn’t there yet.

Just then, a soft chime rang as the shop’s door opened. Bella turned to smile at the customer and quickly walked over to help her. Our boss was supposed to come in today, pero tumawag siya kanina—may emergency daw sa family, so she couldn’t make it. Kash wasn’t here either, and thank God for that. I couldn’t stand that guy. Every time a woman entered, he’d turn on that trying-hard charm of his and start flirting like he’s some heartthrob. Ugh.

The customer, a sweet-looking girl in her twenties, was looking for a bouquet of bougainvilleas. “It’s for my lola,” she said softly.

Aww. I smiled at the thought. “That’s really sweet. I’m sure she’ll love them.”

My own lola passed away a few years ago—stage four cancer. Losing her was like losing a piece of my heart. She used to love it when I’d read to her or bake her favorite pastries. Minsan I still find myself thinking of her, imagining her smile. Heaven gained an angel when she left.

“Thank you so much, have a nice day!” Bella said as the girl left with her flowers. She gave me a half-smile before heading to the restroom.

Then the phone rang.

“Happy Blossoms, good afternoon. How may I help you?” I answered in my best polite tone.

“Hi, I need flower catering for my sister’s wedding… two days from now. Is that possible?”

“Of course! Kindly send us the details sa email ng Happy Blossoms or sa website, and I’ll make sure to inform my boss right away.”

“Thank you so much.”

After the call, I placed the phone back and made a mental note. Our catering service was top-tier—The Blossom Team talaga ang bahala doon. Ten people ang kasama sa team and I only see them kapag may big events like weddings or corporate launches. But grabe sila—professional, efficient, and somehow, laging picture-perfect ang output.

The rest of the afternoon flew by quickly. Bella came back, we cleaned up, and then closing time na. I waited outside the shop, holding my jacket close habang unti-unting lumalamig ang hangin. Britt said 6PM, but it was almost 7.

Sighing, I pulled out my phone just as it started ringing.

“Hey babe,” Britt’s voice said on the other end. “I don’t think I’ll be able to take you to dinner tonight. I’m really sorry—may kailangan akong tapusin sa office.”

I bit my lower lip, disappointed but trying not to show it. “Okay. Just call me when you get home.”

“Sure thing, babe. I love you.”

The call ended and I slowly placed the phone in my bag. I sat down on a nearby bench, hugging my jacket tighter. Ang lamig na and my mood was even colder. I get it—he’s busy, he’s working hard, and that’s great. Pero where does that leave me? Minsan, I just want time with him. To feel like I matter just as much as the job.

I sighed, rubbing my temples, trying to push the thoughts away.

“Hey!”

Napalingon ako sa boses na ‘yon.

There it was—a sleek black Range Rover, parked just in front of me. The window was rolled down and a man was smiling at me. Middle-aged, maybe late 30s or early 40s, well-dressed, and radiating confidence.

“Would you like a ride?” he asked casually.

I stood up but didn’t approach. “No thanks, I think I’ll manage.”

I was ready to walk away when he spoke again.

“Come on, don’t be like that,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s getting dark, and I’m sure a pretty lady like you doesn’t wanna be out here when the streets start getting shady.”

I narrowed my eyes. “But you’re a stranger.”

He chuckled again, charming smile intact. “Think of me as a friend. My name’s Jackson.”

He extended a hand from the car window. I stared at it for a moment, then back at his face. Matalas ang features niya, with neatly styled hair, a bit of a shadow on his jaw, and expensive-looking clothes. Not sketchy-looking, but still… I wasn’t born yesterday.

I raised a brow and smirked. “Jackson, huh? And what makes you think I’d ride with a stranger who just pulled up in a random car?”

“Because you look cold, tired, and a little heartbroken,” he said, smile softening a bit. “Let me be a gentleman. Just a ride to wherever you're going—promise, no funny business.”

I paused. The city lights were flickering on, the street starting to empty out. My feet were aching, my patience worn thin, and Britt just ditched me. Again.

Still… “Nice offer, but I’m good,” I said, stepping back. “Some of us still believe in walking out our feelings.”

He laughed softly. “Fair enough. But if you change your mind,” he gestured toward his phone, “I’m around. And don’t worry—I’ll keep my distance. Just figured you deserved better than being stood up.”

I blinked, slightly caught off guard by the last part.

Before I could say anything, he rolled his window up with a wave and drove off into the night.

I shook his large hand and gave him a genuine smile. Sabi nga nila, you can’t trust anyone, pero hindi rin naman ako yung tipo na nanghuhusga agad. I wasn’t the kind to judge a book by its cover. Besides, desperate times call for desperate decisions.

“Calista po. Nice to meet you,” I said, kahit may bahid ng pagdududa sa loob ko. What was I getting myself into? I didn’t want to ride with a stranger, but honestly? Wala na rin akong choice. The last bus already left an hour ago, and no cabs were in sight. Lalamig pa lalo, baka mahipan pa ‘ko ng hangin at tuluyang sipunin.

He walked around to open the door for me. Gentleman. I slid into the front seat and immediately noticed the luxurious leather interior. The scent of subtle cologne and expensive car freshener filled the air. Suot niya ang navy blue suit with white striped tie—sobrang crisp, mukhang mamahalin. Businessman vibes. Up close, he was surprisingly attractive for someone who looked older than forty. His hair was neatly slicked back and had that kind of healthy shine na parang araw-araw nagha-hair spa.

“So, tell me about yourself, Calista. Where do you work?” tanong niya habang umaandar na ang sasakyan.

“You said you’re giving me a ride, not an interview,” I said playfully, brushing away a few strands of hair na nahulog sa mukha ko dahil sa hangin kanina.

He laughed—light, warm. “Fair enough,” he said, glancing at me. Tumingin lang ako sa unahan, pero naramdaman kong sinisipat niya ako from time to time.

“Like I said, think of me as a friend.”

“Fine. I’m a florist,” I answered habang pinagmamasdan ang mga ilaw sa city na unti-unti nang lumalabo sa distance.

“Florist? Wow. That’s beautiful. Pero I bet lahat ng bulaklak na hawak mo nagseselos sa ‘yo, kasi mas maganda ka pa sa kanila.”

Nag-roll ako ng eyes pero hindi ko na rin napigilan ang tumango ng bahagya, a small smile playing on my lips. Cheesy. But somehow, sa tono niya, parang hindi pilit. Parang sincere.

Tahimik kaming dalawa habang bumabaybay ng daan. His music choice was low jazz—soft saxophone notes filled the air. Hindi nakakailang. Actually, nakaka-relax. Para bang for a moment, I wasn’t stressed about bills, responsibilities, or... Britt.

Half an hour later, huminto kami sa harap ng apartment namin. Sa porch, nakita ko si Mama, nakaupo habang nagbabasa ng libro at umiinom ng tea. Nakasuot siya ng knitted shawl niya, at kahit medyo malamig, parang kalmado lang siya.

Jackson held out his hand once more. “It was very nice to meet you, Calista. Hope I’ll see you again.”

Tumango lang ako, then gently shook his hand before stepping out of the car. Napansin ko pang sinundan niya ako ng tingin, then he gave Mama a wave. At syempre si Mama, masayang kumaway pabalik na parang matagal na silang magkaibigan.

“Who was that handsome man?” agad na tanong ni Mama paglapit ko.

“Mom! He just offered me a ride, okay? Wala nang iba,” sagot ko habang pinipigilan ang kilig na hindi ko dapat maramdaman.

“Is he interested in you?”

“Does that really matter? I’m with Britt, remember?” I replied, looking at her with slightly narrowed eyes.

She didn’t say anything more, and neither did I. Dumiretso na ‘ko sa banyo para maligo. Pagkatapos, bumaba ako ulit para kumain ng dinner—steamed fish with herbs. Luto ni Mama. Sakto ang alat, tamis, at anghang. Exactly how I liked it.

Habang hinuhugasan ko ang pinggan, lumapit si Mama sa kitchen dala ang isang envelope.

“Cal... the bills are piling up again. I might have to borrow a loan.”

Napahinto ako sa paghugas. “We’ll manage, Ma. Palagi naman tayong nakakaraos, ‘di ba? We don’t need to borrow anything.”

“But what if this time... we can’t? Kung hindi tayo makabayad ng renta, baka mapaalis tayo. We’ll be in debt and—”

Bigla siyang naubo nang malakas. Nabitiwan ko ang baso sa takot at dali-daling kumuha ng tubig.

“Ma! Eto, drink this.” Inabot ko agad ‘yong baso sa kanya, at uminom siya ng kalahati agad-agad. Hinagod ko ang likod niya habang pilit pinapakalma ang sarili ko. My heart was pounding.

“Maybe you should sit down muna.” I led her to the dining chair and sat beside her. Her eyes were red, at kita sa mukha niya ang pagod at pag-aalala.

“We can’t live like this forever, Calista,” she said softly. “We have too many bills and not enough money. Hindi na tayo pwedeng magpatuloy ng ganito.”

I took a deep breath and held her hand. “Sshh... Ma, we’ll survive. We always do. Magkasama tayo. That’s what matters.”

“I know, sweetie. I know.” Tumango siya nang mahina, pero kita sa mga mata niya ang lungkot.

Tahimik kami for a while. Tumitig ako sa kisame, pinipilit intindihin ang lahat.

Maybe I should start looking for another job. Maghanap ng extra work sa gabi or weekends. I’ll still be a florist, pero kailangan ng backup. Kahit part-time lang. Hindi ko na maatim na nakikita si Mama na ganito ka-stressed.

Tama siya, kahit ayoko pang aminin. What if we really get evicted? Si Mr. Smith, ang landlord namin, hindi siya yung tipo na madaling kausap. Alam ko, sa mga susunod na araw mapapansin na niyang may kulang kami sa bayad. Kapag tumawag siya, I’ll try to reason with him. Ask for a little more time. Gagawa ako ng paraan.

Mahal na mahal ko si Mama. She didn’t deserve this life—not after everything Dad put her through. Iniwan kami na parang wala kaming halaga, and since then, she’s been carrying all the weight alone.

Sigh.

Maybe... just maybe... the only thing that could save us now was a miracle.

Or maybe… a stranger with a black Range Rover.