The Business Rivalry

Chapter 2

*Blaine's POV*

"Lucy Genesis Perez!" Gusto kong sumabog at magsabi ng mga masasamang..... mga words.

"What?" Oh, please don't tell me she's not laughing. "Look, you hate meeting with various people unless you know them and so does Rayni." Her face lit up. "So, the three of us are going to have a rendezvous! Yey!" Clapping her hands excitedly, habang ako naman hinihilot ang noo ko. Nai-stress ako, kanino ba pwede ipamigay 'tong babaeng 'to?

"But.... I'm not ready yet." Hindi pa talaga ako ready harapin ang future wife ko. Ayoko pa. Baka kasi mag 'I do' nalang ako bigla. Nakakahiya 'yun!

"10 years? And you're not ready? Come on, it's time to meet your role model." Well, I'm kinda thrilled by those last words.

"Okay, fine. Let's end this thing." I have no choice since nandito na kami and the meeting will start any minute.

"Hindi pa nga nasisimulan, end na agad?" Sinasabi ko talaga sa'yo Rems, ibibitin kita ng patiwarik.

"Enough of that. Let's gooo." Nauna na akong lumabas ng kotse at naglakad. I was pondering any words to say and actions to do. I'm really tense right now that I didn't notice na nasa lobby na pala kami at nauna lumabas si Remi ng elevator while dragging my arm.

*****

"Wow..." Her... company office... is so... charming, it looks like a hotel. The designs are lavish. The entrance, waiting area, tiles, lights, and the lobby desk. Everything is so.... expensive. Iba talaga ang Rayni Fuentes. Number 1 entrepreneur in our country 'ata 'yan.

That flower pot is cute, parang gusto kong kunin.

Self, kalma.

"Blaine, act like a CEO, please." I just realized my mouth was still agape and I closed it right away. It would be humiliating if someone saw me with that... ugh! We're still close to the front desk, fuckshit.

"Is it illegal to express my emotions?" I raised my eyebrow and she rolled her eyes at me, then talks to the lobby receptionist.

"Good morning, I have a meeting with Ms. Fuen—"

"Ms. Remi." Both of us swirl our heads at the voice behind us.

Hmm, she's pretty good. Based on her posture... she looks like... she's in a higher position. In fairness to her employees, they're good-looking.

"Oh. Hey, Bless." So, that name's Bless. Nice name.

"M-Ms... Kingsley." She was shocked when she gazed at me.

I can't blame her. Imagine you will see your boss' rival in your territory.

"She's with me, Bless."

"Good morning to you, too." I said to her sarcastically.

"S-sorry, good morning." Her face flushed. She's cute, but I already have my eyes set on someone.

"Is Rayni waiting for us?"

"Yes, Ms. Remi, she told me to assist you to the conference room."

"She's there already?" We still have 10 more minutes to 8 AM.

"Not yet, she'll meet you there after her phone call meeting." We started walking towards the elevator. The whole ride is lowkey boring. I can't meddle and keep up with their chikahan, hindi ko naman kasi close 'tong si Bless, kaya shut up lang ako.

The lobby is extravagant to me. What more pa tong hallway niya, grabe ang ganda. Nahiya naman yung company ko. I will schedule a renovation para naman 'pag pumunta siya sa office ko I will not be ashamed of it.

"Please excuse me, I need to inform Ms. Fuentes of your arrival." She said when she pulled the glass door of the conference room and left.

"Oh. my. gosh." Billionaire din naman ako pero why don't I look like one? This conference room is nothing compared to mine at my office. This is embarrassing. Hindi naman nalalayo ang net worth naming dalawa, but why do— I heave a sigh.

"Ang lalim no'n ah, saan mo hinugot?" I wanted to punch that annoying look on her face.

"This is so... Rayni." I said, ignoring her remarks.

"I'm sorry, but do you know each other?"

"No?"

"How did you know that this room is so... Rayni?" Her teasing face came back. If this girl was not my friend, she would already have blood on her face.

"Just... saying?"

"Okay. Listen, stalk—"

"I'm not a stalker!" Kanina pa ako nag ko-control sayo, Remi. Umaayos ka.

"Calm down, Kingsley." She said laughing.

"Don't stare at her for too long, don't tell her you're a fan, don't— you know what? Just don't talk." Hanudaw??

"What? Why did you bring me here if you don't want me to talk?"

"Okay, you can talk but don't humiliate me, Blaine." And I don't want to humiliate myself as well.

"Fine... are you close?" I'm curious seeing that she knew Rayni's secretary.

"We've known each other for about... four years? But we're not that close, more on close acquaintances?"

"Then why are you—" The door suddenly opened and there I saw my bride-to-be.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Her smile is the sweetest, loveliest, yummiest. I've ever seen.

This is the first time I saw an angel!

Luluhuran po, opo.

Grabe. She's so sophisticatedly gorgeous. Her poise and grace speak superiority. That blazer looks great on her, the hands are lovely, the long legs are pretty good even in those slacks black pants, and the neck looks hot. Remi was right, I would kneel down and ask for her hand in marriage.

I unconsciously peek at her footwear, just in case she wore my brand.

And yes! She's wearing my loafers. It was a combination of black and gold, my logo designed in front of a metal chain. Good thing she doesn't wear high heels considering her height is already a stunning 183 cm. I think she should be a model if she's not an entrepreneur.

My gosh! Look at that curve, she's so perfect. I wa—

"Blaine, close your mouth." She was gritting her teeth when she said those and hit my arm using her elbow.

Shit! Did Rayni see me fantasizing about her? Ugh, this is degrading!

"So... who is she...?" She's looking at me! I'm your future wife. Oh my gosh! Kumalma ka, Blaine utang na loob.

I cleared my throat and extended my hand for a handshake. It's your time to shine.

"Blaine Kingsley." And I gave her my charming smile.

She reaches for my hand and shakes it after she hears my name.

Freaking s**t! What a soft hand, my heart starts pumping rapidly and I'm sweating!

"Oh, nice to finally meet you, Kicks & Heels." and she smiled again, oh my. I do na po.

"So, no one notified me we have to wear... white blazer?" I gave her a 'stop this madness' look and she just winked at me.

"I think we need to start the meeting?" I said to divert her attention, baka nahahalata na niya kami ni Remi eh.

Once we sat down, I punched Remi's thigh causing her to yell in shock.

"Ouch!" Pinandilatan niya ako ng mata habang hawak niya 'yung binti niya.

"Are you okay, Remi?" Wow, concerned. ? Close acquaintances your face.

"Yes, of course. Just doing... vocal warm-up." I smirked and rolled my eyes when she gave me a warning look.

Shocks, is this goddess even real? Her presence can fill this room, her straight sitting posture is also great, but I know she's not straight. ? Okay, Blaine. Focus. Don't be a weirdo. Show her what you've got.

"My manager wants a sports event but both of you hate people, so I'm thinking. What about an auction?" Pa-cute yarn?!

"So, I'll give you, like... paintings? Do you want me to give or donate them?" I have a feeling that she wants something else.

"You can donate, but I'm taking your alias."

"Alias? You're not new to charities?"Finally, my baby started speaking. Her eyes are mesmerizing, nakaka in love lalo. Why so perfect po?

"Yes? I'm a philanthropist. But I'm using an alias." I don't want the media to think that I'm cleaning my name by donating to charities.

"Wow, I am as well. When did you start donating?" She's curious about me? Really? Is this real?

"I'm sorry ladies, but I'm also here? And this is my meeting. You can talk later. I'll leave Blaine in your arms, Rayni." My friend, you've finally done something sensible. But please, quit that annoying teasing look on your face.

"Is that clear, guys? Okay, very good." Remi quickly said. I like where this is going, pero mag pakipot tayo ng konti.

"Hey, we didn't answer your question." I glanced at the beautiful woman who was sitting in the center of the table. She's smiling.

"Silence means yes, Blaine." She smirked for a split second and became serious again. "Back to the fundraising, are you guys willing to donate... anything like... limited edition bags, shoes." I knew it! Beating around the bush pa sasabihin din naman pala.

"Now you're finally talking, Remi." I gave her my sweetest smile. "I'll donate, of course. Anything for you." This girl is like my sister, whatever her favors were, I'm always available and ready.

"Awesome! Rayni?"

"Is that really your question? Of course, it's a yes." Oh gosh, her laugh is exquisite. She's cute. I couldn't help but to smile and stare at her.

"I knew I could count on you two." She's smiling at us. "The event will be... a month from now? And I'm expecting your attendance, Rayni and Blaine. Please clear your schedules that day." Hindi mo pa sinasabi, naisip ko na kanina pa.

Goodness, I'm gonna be with my forever crush at an event! Papunta pa lang tayo sa exciting part!

.

.

.

*Hannah

Natapos din ang boring na meeting, nakaka ubos ng brain cells ha. Dumugo din utak at ilong ko.

Nag text pala si Remi, pinapapunta ako sa Reign's Multi— Multi group ba yun? Multicolor? Ano nga 'yon? Basta dun sa company ni mommy Rayni.

I immediately informed the other employees na susunduin ko muna si madam namin at baka nalaglag na pante no'ng vacclang 'yon.

Habang nag da-drive napapaisip ako kung nag damoves na ba siya sa kanyang forever crush o natotorpe nanaman siya?

10 years na siyang may gusto d'on sa playgirl na 'yun. Shy type ang aming baby Blaine, masaya na siya 'pag nakikita niya sa malayo si Rayni.

Pansin ko lang, ang hilig niya sa mga playgirls. 'Yung mga exes niya playgirls din. Kaya ayan ang lola niyo palaging nasasaktan. Hay, ano kayang pwedeng gawin sa batang 'yun? Speed dating? Nah, she's too shy for that.

Nandito na ako? Ang bilis naman.

"Pogi, saan po entrance ng basement parking niyo?" Tanong ko sa guard sa labas ng building nila.

"Doon pa po, ma'am. Diretcho pa po, may makikita kayong sign na 'Entrance'."

"Sige po, salamat." Gondo ng building ah, pero mas maganda 'yung sa amin.

"Morning po, ma'am. Sino po sadya niyo?" Tanong ni guard na naka assign sa parking booth.

"Morning, si Ms. Fuentes po."

"Ano pong name niyo?" Crush mo lang ako kuya eh.

"Hannah Ruiz." Opo, alam ko pong maganda ang pangalan ko. 'Wag niyo na pong sabihin at naririndi na ako diyan. HAHAHA charot!

Hinanap niya pangalan ko sa record book nila, mukhang wala 'ata at tumawag pa siya sa telepono.

"Ma'am, pasensya na po wala pong expected guest si Ms. Fuentes na Hannah Ruiz, sabi po ng receptionist."

"Nasa loob po yung boss ko, si Ms. Kingsley. Paki sabi po sa receptionist." In fairness sa security ha. Very good job.

"Pasensiya na po talaga, ma'am. Hindi po kayo pwedeng mag park dito."

"Ha? Eh saan po ako mag pa-park?"

"Doon pa po sa taas, kanan po kayo pag labas niyo dito."

"Sige po, salamat." So, for the expected guests lang 'yung basement parking?

Bago ako lumabas ng kotse, tinext ko muna si Remi na sabihin sa receptionist na papasukin ako at baka hindi ako makapagtimpi masapak ko sila bigla.

At sa wakas, nakapasok na din ako. Ang gandaaaa. Ang daming chicks. Pero mamaya na kayo, work muna bago landi.

Nag punta ako sa reception dito sa lobby para tanungin kung anong floor ang meeting nila.

"Hi, miss beautiful. Hannah, ang bago mong hahanap-hanapin tuwing umaga." With wink pa 'yan at killer smile. "I'm here for Ms. Kingsley. Anong floor ang meeting nila?"

"H-hi, sa 23rd floor po." Nag b-blush pa siya, ang cute. "Please leave your ID and I'll give you a visitor's pass, so you can get inside." Agad ko namang binigay since ganito din naman rules ng lahat ng company.

"Can I get your number after I fetch my boss? Baka kasi nauubusan na siya ng hininga eh. Okay? See you later." Hindi ko na hinintay 'yung sagot niya at pumunta na ako sa elevator.

Hmm, this floor looks ordinary. Mas bongga pa 'yung office namin. Paintings and decorations are weirdly placed. The way this floor was designed, the rooms are unbalanced as well. Ito na 'yung office ni mommy Rayni? I'm deeply disappointed.

Para namang hospital design nito.

"Good morning, is Ms. Kingsley here?" Tanong ko kay ate girl na nakaupo sa upuan at nakatutok ang mata sa laptop.

"Good morning." Wow, ang ganda ng smile niya. Makalaglag panty. Ganda din ng brown eyes niya, pati ilong at 'yung lips? Ay grabe, perfect! Jojowain po! "They're in a meeting right now, and you are?"

"I'm sorry, I forgot my name... but you can call me baby." I winked at her pero parang walang effect sakanya ang beauty ko.

"Oookay? Baby? How do you know that Ms. Kingsley is here?"

"I'm her secretary. I'm sorry, did we meet before? You look familiar." Gasgas na 'tong line 'to pero gagamitin ko pa rin para sa future jowa ko.

"I don't think so." She looks puzzled, ayos! Hindi niya alam 'tong banat ko. Itira mo na, Hannah!

"I think I know where."

"Where...?"

"At our wedding, standing beside each other." Wa epek? Mukhang mahirap sungkitin ang isang 'to ah. "Can I get your number?" She instantly stands up and I glance at where she's looking.

Si Blaine na kakalabas lang ng conference room, nasa likod niya si Rayni and Remi.

"Thank you again for your time."- Remi.

"Hannah, what are you doing here??"- Blaine was surprised to see me.

"Blaine.. I was just talking to... her?" Talking to my future bebe.

"I'm sorry, I think I forgot to tighten her screws." Lumipat siya sa akin. Aba, hindi porket boss kita eh sasabihin mo na 'yun sa kanila.

"It's okay Ms. Kingsley." Naka ngiting sabi ni bebe ko. She's really pretty. Iuuwi ko na talaga 'to.

"Oh, the powerful trio is here!" Ngayon ko lang narealize, ang slow ko ngayon, naubos kasi brain cells ko sa meeting.

These three are famous. Blaine and Remi are known to be best friends in the whole wide world. Same as Rayni and Remi. Kaya maraming fans ang gusto silang makitang magkakasamang tatlo. Kumbaga, Remi is the most famous person in the entertainment industry while Rayni and Blaine are famous in the business industry in our country. Kaya malakas ang hatak nila sa masa.

Mighty trio number 69 sa balota.

This is my lucky day. Nakita ko ang future bebe ko, nakita ko ang Mighty Trio, at nakita ko ang aking Idol!

"Ms. Fuentes, I'm a big fan of yours." Ang ganda din niya sa personal! Pwede ng iulam!

Lumipat ako sa kanya para makipag handshake or hug para sulit, but Blaine run in front of Rayni and blocked her using her arm. Yes, she's possessive kahit walang label. ?

"She's mi—" Galit na sigaw niya sakin. Sayang! Hindi pa tinuloy edi sana narinig ni Rayni, tapos kasalan na agad.

"I'm what?" Confused niya kaming tiningnang dalawa. Ang slow din pala nito, turn off ako.

"I-I.. uh... think we need to go, I'm really sorry I forgot her leash." - Blaine. Ginawa akong aso mga mare!

"Don't worry, It's fine." Rayni said while smiling.

Blaine gave me a look, and we both slightly bow our heads and run towards the elevator.

*******

"She's mine, huh?"- Remi

"Oh, shut up. That was embarrassing." Nag blush siya habang sinabi niya yun.

Tama ba yung nakita ko? Si Blaine? Nag blush? Ay, may tama na 'to.

"And you. What are you doing here? How was the meeting? Did you listen?" Parang ang sikip dito sa elevator ah.

"You know when it comes to work, I'm dead serious." Naks, napa english tuloy ako.

"Wait lang, wala siyang private elevator?" Curious na tanong ko.

"Turns out that Rayni and Blaine have the same environment and employee relationship." May kung anong pang aasar na sabi ni Remi.

"So, friends din sila ng employees niya, pwede silang makisalamuha sa kanilang boss, at pwede silang sumabay sa kanya sa elevator?" Tiningnan ko si Blaine, mukhang tulala pa sa encounter nila ng crush niya.

"Yes, exactly. Kaya wala din siyang private elevator to have some chat with her employees."

In our company, Blaine is a great boss. Yes, she has a shade of being ruthless. Pero mabait siya sa amin, work kung work, break time kung break time. At isa pang pero.

One of our company rules, hindi namin pwedeng sabihin outside the company that Blaine is kind, warm-hearted, a softie. Since some of the reporters claimed that she's harsh towards her staff.

To cut the story short. Ayaw niyang linisin ang image niya because, syempre hinusgahan na siya at wala din naman siyang mapapala kung papatunayan niyang mali sila, nagawa niya na 'yun one time, may tinulungan siyang matanda sa parking lot sa labas lang ng company namin, and guess what? Sabi ng mga chikadora sa blind items, nagbabait baitan kasi may nag vi-video. Ang hindi nila alam ganoon talaga kabait ang baby Blaine namin.

Na trauma siya. Ay, hindi naman sa na trauma. Nawalan lang ng gana. Ako na lang ang inuutusan niya kung sakaling may mga gano'ng eksena. Like, magbibigay ng mga pagkain sa mga batang nasa kalsada, at too many too mention. Basta mga gano'ng ganap.

****

Nandito na kami sa lobby receptionist para kunin ang IDs namin.

"What do you think, Blaine? You're still quiet. Starstruck yarn?"

"Don't disturb her, Rems. Ninanamnam niya pa 'yung pagtatagpo nila ng poreber niya." Sabay kaming tumawang dalawa habang si Blaine eh tinitingnan kami ng masama.

"Can you stop pestering me?"

Ay, shet! Nilagay na ni receptionist ang aming ID sa desk.

"Oh, boy. I don't think I... want to retrieve my... ID." Kinakabahang sabi ko.

"Come on. Hannah, take it." Nag crossed arms na siya at 'yung tingin niya pa na pang Medusa, nakakabato.

"I don't think I can back you up anymore, Lance is here." Bulong ni Remi.

"Ikaw nag papunta sa akin dito tapos iiwan mo ako? Can you give me a ride... instead?"

"I'm waiting." Ang sama na talaga ng tingin ni Blaine.

"Oops, the manager is here. Gotta go. Bye!" At ayun na nga tumakbo na agad si Remi palabas. So, no choice. Kinuha ko na ang ID ko at sinuot na sa leeg ko.

"Now that you've got your ID. Let's go? What car did you bring?"

"Your car, Ms. Kingsley" Naglakad na ako papunta sa exit ng pigilan niya ako.

"Where are you going? The elevator is that way."

"I parked outside. Malapit lang naman 'yung sasak—"

"You what?? Hans, why did you park outside? And you even drove my car?"

"Hindi kasi ako pinapasok sa basement parking, uninvited daw ako kaya doon ako pinapark sa labas."

"Hannah..." Pumikit siya at napabuntong hininga. "There were probably one or two paparazzi. Outside. And you used my car. Personal car to be exact. What do you think they will write in their tabloids?" Paktay, gusto ko kasing idrive yung kotse niya kaya ayun 'yung dinala ko dito.

"Sorry, sa basement kasi dapat ako magpa—"

"Never mind, the usual na lang kung may lalabas mang fake news." The usual means ignore. "Let's eat, I'm hungry."

"Oh, edi tara na."

Pag hinto namin sa tabi ng kotse niya, parang napangiti pa siya.

"At least you parked her nicely. Come on, hop in."

*****

Feeling ko galit pa siya, sobrang focus niya sa pag da-drive. Makapagpacute nga para mabawasan ang sama ng mukh— este loob niya.

"Blaine."

"What?"

"How are you feeling?"

"Annoyed?" Mabilis niyang sagot.

"Oh, come on. I'm sorry." Binigyan ko siya ng puppy eyes look, kahit hindi niya ko tiningnan alam kong nakita niya ako sa peripheral vision niya.

"You still owe me something." Yieee, konti nalang bibigay na 'to sa akin. Marupok kaya siya, pero secret lang natin.

"I know, but wow Ms. Fuentes is freaking fine like a glass of wine."

"She's mine."

"I heard you a while ago, loud and clear." Naka red light naman so humarap siya sa akin and I gave her a finger gun and winked. "I'm calling dibs on that woman there. Who is she?"

"I'm not telling you, and stop being so flirty!" Ayan na, lumalambot na ang boses niya.

"Blaine, that girl might be my forever love." Totoo, ramdam ko. Siya na talaga si Ms. Right sa ibabaw ng cupcake ko.

"There's no such thing as 'forever'." Guard, may ampalaya po dito.

With a challenging look plastered on my face. "Don't tell me you didn't imagine Ms. Fuentes in your loving arms... 'forever'."

Speechless ang lola niyo. Kitams, ini-imagine niya din eh.

"See, I told you!" Bahagya akong natawa at inirapan niya lang ako. "Tell me, how's the meeting? Did you stare at her?"

"It was better than I expected, but no. I didn't stare at her."

"That's it? You're not telling me? Really, Blaine?"

"It's your fault, she probably thinks that we're weird." She finally laughs! Mag bunyi!

"I can go back there and fix this if you want."

"Oh, shut it. You just want to talk to her secretary again."

"So, that's her secretary? Both are hot." Paano kaya kami mag ki-kitang muli? Sapagkat ako'y sabik sa kanyang mga nakakaakit na ngiti.

"I think I need to interview some of our applicants." Okay, work mode on.

"Okay, I'll arrange it. For what job?"

"For my new secretary." Hala, bakit gano'n?

"Can we talk about this, my baby Blaine?" Nilagay ko 'yung mga kamay ko sa dibdib ko na para bang nagmamakaawa.

"Stop calling me that, you're disgusting!" She said laughing. Masaya talaga siya kapag ako ang kasama niya eh.

"Oh, you love it."

"Anyway, we need to clean the house and look for something to donate."

"Now we're talking, what else? Any specific item?"

"No, just take half of my things. The fundraising, it's for.... low-income students." Ow, kaya pala. She's been there and she knew the feeling of having no money.

"Half your things? It's like a large amount of money." Hindi na dapat ako nagtataka ano, ganyan naman talaga siya.

"So, I guess you've decided to go with your alias?"

"Remi said she's taking it." She let out a deep breath. "I suddenly miss the kids."

"Do you want to visit them tomorrow?" Sabado naman bukas, pwede kaming mag half-day.

"Obviously. I'll order them lots and lots of food." Look how happy she is. Bukod sa akin, 'yung mga bata sa orphanage ang nagpapasaya sa kanya.

Nandito na pala kami sa aming company, malapit lapit lang pala ang distance ng Reign's group. Parang itinadhana talaga.

Pero teka lang. Parang may mali. "Wait, I thought we were going to eat?"

"At our cafeteria, of course." Isa sa mga ayaw ko sa kanya. Napaka kuripot mga mare. Take note billionaire 'to ha.

"Can you also donate something for me? Like, can we go somewhere... far from this building?" Hindi naman sa nag sasawa ako dito establishment na 'to.... pero parang gano'n na nga.

Imagine, dito ka na nga nag ta-trabaho 24/7 tapos dito ka pa din kakain. Eh ang dami daming namang restaurants sa paligid namin.

"How about this, I'm giving you the approval to flirt with the other staff."

Nasa ground floor lang ang cafe kaya nandito na kami kaagad.

*****

"Listen, baby Blaine. Based on my experience working with someone you flirt with is no thrill at all." Mabilis kaming nakakuha ng pagkain at naupo, wala pa namang masyadong employees dito ng ganitong oras kaya mabilis kaming nakagalaw.

"What? But the sneaking and all?" Gulat na tanong niya.

"It's fun, but when you are caught by other co-workers, it's a different thing." Binaba ko ang kutsara at tinidor ko sa plato at tiningnan siya sa mata. "If you want to flirt, we should do it with someo—"

"Someone who works in a different company?" Taas kilay niyang sabi.

"You're learning, that's a good sign." I snapped my fingers. "We're killing two birds with one stone here, I get my woman you get yours. It's a win-win situation."

Napatigil siya sa pag kain niya at wala sa katinuang ginagalaw ang kutsara.

"You're starting to think about it, huh?" I said and gave her a meaningful look.

"Hans, ang daldal mo po. Eat, so we can start working."

****

Nandito kami sa elevator ng mapansin kong ang gaan ng aura niya.

"You look happy."

"Correction. Inspired." Aba ngumiti pa. Himala. Isa itong malaking himala.

"Alam ko 'yang mga ganyang ngiti. Ganyang ganyan 'yun mga taong nasasaktan sa huli."

"Hans naman."

"How does it feel that you finally talked to her? Even though it's a business-related talk, at least..." Pag-iiba ko ng topic.

"When I saw her. She looks... wow... a real angel. Her hand was so warm and she wa—" Na mumula na naman ang pisngi niya.

"You're still not in your right mind." I let out a teasing laugh.

"Well, can you blame me? And I really want to hug her."

Pag pasok ng office niya bigla akong may naisip.

"I'll get my stuff and work here."

"What? Work at your office!" Gulat at galit na sigaw niya.

"I need to keep my eyes on my boss. She's still on cloud nine. I can't let her sign all files without reading them first."

"Very funny, Hannah. Do you want to work all night?" Nako, bawal pala inisin ang taong inspired.

"If you need me, I'll be at my office... daydreaming about a certain secretary." At mabilis na akong lumabas ng office niya.

*****

Hindi ako makapag focus sa trabaho, 'yung secretary lang ang laman ng puso't isip ko... Shet! Delikado na rin ako.

Lunch break na pero wala pa rin akong nagagawa kahit ano.

Ano kayang pangalan niya? Age? Single? Blood type? Shoe size? Ring size? Hay ewan!

"Hannah..." Aybaklaka! Blaine naman 'wag mo akong ginugulat. "Can you check my phone inside the car? I think I left it there." Sabi niya sa intercom.

"On it, Ms. Kingsley." Tinakbo ko na mula dito hanggang sa basement parking wala pa kasi akong nagagawa kaya kailangan kong mag madali.

"Where is the phone, the phone, the phone?" Wala naman dito sa kotse. Check ko sa cafeteria, doon lang naman kami pumunta kanina.

Since lunch na, blockbuster na 'tong cafe namin kasi libre din ang food dito. Diba ang bait ng boss namin. Ay teka 'yung phone!

"Mga bakla, nakita niyo ba 'yung cellphone ko?" Tanong ko sa mga co-workers ko na nakaupo sa inupuan namin kanina.

"Wala kaming nakita bakla."

"Oh sige, kain na kayo."

Nag tanong ako sa lahat ng staff dito sa cafeteria, wala daw silang nakita. At nag punta na ako sa office ni madam.

****

"Ms. Kingsley, no sign of a phone in the car and cafeteria."

"What? Where did it go?"

Her face realized something at bigla siyang napatayo sa chair niya.

"No way."

"Bakit??"

"No f*****g way."

"Why? What? You're scaring me."

"Move my meetings. We're going to Rayni's office." At dali-dali niyang kinuha 'yung bag niya.

"You're taking me there?" Masaya kong tanong.

"Let's go before I change my mind."

"Yes! I'll drive." Let's meet our bebes!