Miss Perfectly Imperfect

OPEN DOORS

Gavin's POV

For the first time in a while, the night felt quiet—not from the absence of sound, but because something inside me finally settled. Maybe not completely. But for now, at least… may linaw na kahit konti sa loob ko.

“And speaking of which…” Xander leaned back, arms crossed. “Ano na’ng plano regarding the Villa Builders anniversary celebration?” he asked, clearly trying to lighten the mood—or at least steer it away from the emotional spiral.

I blinked, caught off guard for a second. Then I gave a half-smile. “Ah, right. That.”

Andrew raised an eyebrow. “Please tell me hindi mo pa rin ‘to napagtuunan ng pansin. Ilang weeks na lang, bro.”

“Relax, kaya nga nandito si Xander, ‘di ba?” I said, throwing him a quick look. “Isn’t that why I pay you the big bucks?”

Xander scoffed. “Excuse me, I’m here para tumulong—not to save your ass every time you drop the ball.”

Andrew chuckled. “Akala ko pa naman we’re here to enjoy—negosyo pa rin pala ang pag-uusapan natin.”

“Guilty,” I said with a grin, raising my hands. “Pero ano magagawa ko? The anniversary’s a big deal. Hindi lang siya party—it’s a statement.”

“Wow,” Xander said, mock clapping. “Look at you, Mr. Visionary. Next time i-print mo na sa mug ‘yang mga linya mo.”

“Seriously,” Andrew added, half-laughing, half-exasperated. “Kahit off-duty, Gav is still in CEO mode.”

I shrugged. “Can’t help it. When you’re building something this big, the lines blur. Even downtime feels like prep time.”

Xander leaned back again. “Just promise us one thing—on the night of the event, no speeches na magpapaiyak sa staff, ha?”

“No promises,” I said, smirking. “Depende kung gaano ako kalasing.”

Andrew raised his glass. “Then we’ll make sure you’re just sober enough to dance—pero not enough to cry.”

We all laughed, the kind that felt real this time. For a moment, everything felt lighter—like the past, the pressure, and the questions could wait.

At least for one more drink.

I raised both hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. Guilty as charged. Pero seriously, busy lang talaga ako sa..."

Xander shook his head with a smirk. “Ang dami mong iniisip, Gav. Baka sa anniversary, ikaw pa rin ‘yung hindi present—mentally.”

Andrew snorted. “Or worse, baka bigla siyang mag-walk out pag may nakita na namang multo ng nakaraan.”

“Ang kulit niyo,” I muttered, but the edge in my voice was gone.

Truth was, it felt good to be pulled back into something normal. Something I could actually control.

“Don’t worry,” I said, sitting up straighter. “I’m on top of it. We’re not just throwing a party—we’re setting the tone for our next decade. Kung may legacy man akong iiwan, I want it to start here.”

That quieted them for a second.

Then Andrew raised his glass. “To legacies, then.”

“To letting go,” Xander added, grinning.

I clinked both their glasses with mine. “And to not losing ourselves in the process.”

But just as I was about to take another sip after the toast, Xander tilted his head and added casually, “And what about Tita Agnes’ birthday?”

Napahinto ako.

The laughter faded, replaced by that familiar weight pressing on my shoulders.

Xander raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me nakalimutan mo na naman, Gav.”

“I didn’t forget. Baka ikaw pa ang nakalimot,” I said, shooting a look at Xander. “We were talking about it on the phone earlier, remember? Kaya siguro naman may idea ka na on how to make it a double celebration.”

Xander blinked, caught off guard. “Wait—that was serious? Akala ko nagja-joke ka lang.”

Andrew snorted. “Tangina, ikaw pala ‘tong wala sa thread ng convo.”

I shook my head, amused. “Classic. I plant the seed, and somehow ako na naman ang lalabas na unprepared.”

“Okay, fine,” Xander said, holding up a hand in surrender. “Aaminin ko—ngayon ko lang narealize na legit pala ‘yung plano mo. But if we’re really doing a joint event, that changes everything.”

Andrew leaned forward, suddenly interested. “Actually, magandang idea ‘yan. Two birds with one stone. Mas tipid sa gastos, mas impact sa PR.”

“Exactly,” I said. “We make it intimate but meaningful. Honor the company’s growth, and celebrate Tita Agnes in the same breath.”

Xander nodded slowly, gears finally turning.

“Alright. Game ako—pero you better write the speech. Alam mo naman si Tita, sentimental ‘pag ikaw ang nagsalita.”

I sighed. “Of course. Ako na naman.”

Xander grinned. “Eh ikaw kasi ang golden boy. Ikaw yon din ang may atraso.”

“So, nagsumbong na si Tita Agnes?” lumingon ako kay Andrew, one brow raised.

Andrew raised both hands, smirking. “Uy, wag mo akong tingnan nang ganyan. Nabanggit ni Tita, just a bit. But I didn't tell Xander, promise."

I let out a slow breath.

Xander leaned back, grinning. “Sabi ko na nga ba may atraso ka talaga.”

“Anong ginawa mo, Gav?” Xander asked, brows raised, his tone somewhere between teasing and genuinely curious.

Andrew leaned in too, clearly waiting for the tea.

I looked away for a second, swirling the drink in my hand. “Nothing… specific.”

“‘Nothing specific’ sounds a lot like ‘I pissed her off in so many ways, pero ayokong pag-usapan.’” Andrew said, eyes narrowing.

I gave a short, humorless laugh. “Guilty.”

Xander tilted his head, clearly not letting it go. “So ano nga? Hindi ka sumipot sa usapan? Sinabihan mo siyang mataba? Kinontra mo ‘yong desisyon niya? You insisted on something she didn’t agree with—something that went against her beliefs?”

“Well,” I started, leaning back a little, “I told her she’s gaining pounds… but that it actually looks good on her. Kaya hindi naman siguro siya nagalit doon.”

Andrew snorted. “Wow. Brave.”

“Medyo nainis siya at first,” I admitted, smirking at the memory. “Pero nag-smile din naman kalaunan. Alam mo na, classic Tita—offended, pero flattered.”

Xander raised a brow. “So that’s not it. What happened next?”

I paused, the smile fading a little.

“Hanggang sa nabanggit ko ‘yong site visit to Butuan,” I said. “I told her kailangan niyang sumama.”

Andrew tilted his head. “And she said no?”

“She hesitated at first,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “But I insisted. Sinabi ko sa kanya na kailangan ko siya doon—I need her marketing expertise to gel along with politicians wife..”

Andrew leaned in. “And then?”

I sighed. “Sabi niya sasama lang daw siya if I allow her to bring someone. Apparently, we didn't agree to that. Kasi wala sa listahan ko yong gusto niyang isama.”

Xander frowned. “Bakit migs, sino ba 'yong guto niyang isama?”

“I think she wants to bring Shane with her, right?” Andrew concluded, his voice quieter this time.

“Yeah,” I nodded, the word slipping out like a sigh.

“At hindi ka pumayag kasi you don’t trust her enough,” Andrew continued, looking me dead in the eye. “Na baka imbes na makatulong, magkalat pa siya doon.”

“Exactly!” I leaned forward, the frustration finally breaking through. “I mean… don’t get me wrong, migs. I know you’re close to Shane. I know you believe in her capabilities—I see it too. I’m not blind.”

Andrew didn’t respond right away, but the weight in his stare didn’t budge.

“But this one,” I said more quietly now, “you know how important this is to me. Sa lahat ng pinaghirapan ko to position Villa Builders in that region, to strengthen relationships with local officials, build new ground—this isn’t the time for emotional gambles. Kahit pa mukha siyang harmless.”

Xander finally spoke. “You’re not wrong to be careful, Gav. But be honest—ano ba talaga ang kinatatakutan mo? Na baka makasira siya sa plano mo? O na baka—” he paused, choosing his words carefully, “—mabago niya 'yong plano mo?”

I froze.

Andrew crossed his arms, nodding slightly toward Xander. “He has a point.”

I leaned back in my chair, dragging a hand down my face.

“I don’t know,” I admitted, voice low. “Maybe both. Masyado siyang misteryoso,” I said, my voice thoughtful now, not bitter—just honest. “One more thing, I just learned this form Tita Agnes, lam niyo ba na tumira at nag-aral pala siya doon? In Butuan City, I mean.”

Andrew’s brows rose. “Talaga? She never mentioned.”

“‘Yon na nga rin ang ipinagtataka ko,” I said, my brows drawing together. “Ni minsan, hindi niya binabanggit ang lugar na ‘yon. It’s always about CDO and Cebu. But never Butuan. I just wonder why. Although sabi ni Tita Agnes, nasa credentials niya raw, but why does it seem like, si Tita lang ang nakakaalam?”

Tahimik silang dalawa.

“So, anong iniisip mo? Na baka may tinatakasan pala siya ro’n?” Andrew finally said, voice low.

“Or maybe may taong iniwasan,” sabat ni Xander, glancing at me with quiet weight.

I exhaled sharply. “And what if… that person happens to be one of them? Isa sa mga taong kailangan kong pakisamahan? Eh ‘di mas lalo akong makokompromiso.”

Andrew leaned forward, fingers drumming against the table. “You think may history siya with someone politically involved?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted, frustration creeping into my tone. “That’s the thing—I don’t know anything. Hindi ko alam kung sino

siya noon. Ang alam ko lang… kung sino siya ngayon. And even that feels like a half-truth.”

"Wait, para lang klaro. Are we talking about Shane? Yong assistant ni Tita? Yong may pilat sa mukha at nagsusuot ng oversized glasses?" Tanong ni Xander at kapwa kami tumango.

"Sa itsura niyong 'yon? You guys seriously think na ma i -involved siya sa isang politician?' Singit ni Xander.

"You haven't seen her ... never mind, forget it." Hindi na itinuloy ni Andrew ang sinasabi. Siya man ay mukhang may itinatago din sa amin.

Xander shook his head slightly. “Sounds like you're not just trying to protect your reputation, Gav. You're trying to protect yourself.”

Tahimik ulit.

This time, walang nagsalita agad.

Because for once, we all knew—this wasn’t just about business anymore.

“Pero sandali,” Andrew said, leaning slightly forward. “Going back to your argument with Tita… dahil lang ba kay Shane kaya kayo nagkaron ng misunderstanding?”

I looked down at my glass, the condensation slowly dripping down my fingers. “Hindi lang dahil kay Shane,” I admitted after a beat. “Pero siya ang naging tipping point.”

“Xander raised an eyebrow. “Anong ibig mong sabihin?”

I let out a quiet breath, then said it—slow, deliberate.

“I… I questioned her. Tinatanong ko kung bakit gano’n na lang siya ka-fond kay Shane. And I reminded her that Shane is not Ava.”

Both of them froze.

Andrew’s smile dropped. Xander’s expression sharpened.

“Sabi niya…” I continued, my voice dipping low, “Sabi niya, she knows. And that I didn’t have to bring someone else’s name into it—lalo’t namayapa na.”

The silence between us shifted—heavier now, deeper.

Andrew leaned back, rubbing his jaw. “That was a low blow, Gav.”

“I know,” I said, swallowing hard. “It came out before I could stop myself. "She’s not Ava,” I murmured, the words thick in my throat. “And that’s what scares me. Masyado ng invested si Tita sa kanya”

Andrew and Xander exchanged a look, but didn’t interrupt.

I leaned forward, resting my forearms on my knees. “I just want her to realize that Ava and Shane are two different persons. Magkaibang-magkaiba sila."

Tahimik pa rin sila.

“I’m not trying to disrespect Shane,” I added, glancing at Andrew. “Pero iba si Ava. At hindi ko kayang basta palitan siya in the way Tita seems to be doing—like she’s filling the same space.”

Andrew’s voice was quiet. “Maybe she’s not replacing Ava. Maybe she’s just… finding comfort in someone who reminds her of what she lost.”

“Exactly,” I said. “And that’s what makes it dangerous. That’s how blind spots happen.”

Xander sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sounds like it’s not just about Shane. It’s about everything she represents.”

I gave a humorless chuckle. “Maybe. Or maybe it’s just me—still holding on to a version of the past I can’t fix.”

Xander spoke this time, voice careful. "Ikaw ang may unresolved hopes.”

I didn’t answer. Couldn’t.

I just stared at the amber liquid in my glass like it might give me an escape. It didn’t.

Andrew looked at me, softer now. “Tita Agnes… she’s still grieving, Gav. Alam kong hindi mo na siya nakikitang umiiyak, pero kilala mo siya—she carries pain in silence. And if Shane’s presence gives her even a sliver of comfort, kahit konti lang, then let it be.”

I didn’t respond right away. I couldn’t.

“Bakit mo ipagkakait ang isang bagay na magpapasaya sa kanya?” he continued, his tone patient but firm. “I know you’re full of doubts, and I get it. But sa nakikita ko, Shane’s a good person. Maybe not perfect. Maybe not easy to understand. But mabuting tao siya.”

He placed his glass on the table, leaned slightly forward.

“Yes, marami pa tayong hindi alam tungkol sa pagkatao niya. But then again…” he smiled a little, “itataya ko ang pagiging abogado ko—if that means anything to you.”

Napangiti ako, pilit man. “Medyo nakakatakot ‘yon, knowing how good you are at winning cases.”

“Tangina mo,” he muttered with a grin. “Kahit kailan talaga.”

Xander shook his head with a low chuckle, then added, “Maybe this time, Gav, it’s not about fixing things anymore… or controlling outcomes. Maybe it’s just about giving space—to grieve, to heal, to surprise us.”

“And also letting new people in,” Andrew followed up, his tone even but sincere. “Giving them a chance to prove their worth—and allowing them to grow, to excel in their craft, especially under your leadership.”

I looked at both of them. My oldest friends. My compass.

For the first time tonight, I didn’t feel like I had to carry everything. Or pretend I had all the answers. Just enough courage to face the ones I still didn’t. And maybe… to open the door to those I never thought I would.

Xander stretched, letting out a soft yawn as he stood. “Alright, back to reality. I’ll send you the draft for the anniversary event on Monday or Tuesday afternoon. I had it planned ahead of time, even before you asked me. Yong birthday nalang ni Tita ang isisingit.”

“Salamat,” I said, grateful for the shift in tone—lighter now, manageable.

He paused for a beat, then added with a smirk, “And… baka daanan ko na rin si Tita. I need some photos and logistics input from her, plus—honestly, I’m curious about Shane.”

Andrew raised an eyebrow, amused. “Curious?”

Xander grinned. “Yeah. I mean… what kind of woman gets under your skin like that? And who knows if I might discover something else new, aside sa sinabi mo sa amin. Medyo matagal na rin akong hindi nagagawi sa opisina mo, kaya hindi ko na siya nakikita.”

I let out a scoff—part laugh, part warning. “Good luck with that.”

He chuckled as he made his way to the door. “You make it sound like I’m walking into a battlefield.”

“You might be,” I muttered, “but not with her. With Andrew, I think.”

Xander paused mid-step, eyes widening. Andrew burst out laughing.

“Pucha, bakit ako nadamay?” Andrew said between laughs.

“What? You were totally flirting with her. Don’t even try to deny what I just witnessed.”

“Now I’m even more convinced— I really have to see her for myself. At talaga? Yong ganong tipo na pala ang type mo ngayon?" saad ni Xander habang tumatawa.

Andrew raised both hands in mock defense. "Whoa, easy! We’re not flirting, okay? I’m just being friendly. Si Gavin lang naman ang nagbibigay ng malisya dito!"

Xander smirked.

“Friendly? Migs, kung ganyan ka maging friendly, baka magka-boyfriend ako sa kakangiti mo.”

Andrew rolled his eyes.

“Loko! Hindi ko kasalanan kung charming ako by default.”

“Kung gusto mong maintindihan ‘yong sinasabi ko,” I said, leaning back with a smirk, “isama mo siya—and see for yourself. Makikita mo kung gaano siya ka... kalandi kapag kinakausap si Shane.”

Andrew scoffed. “Grabe ka! Hindi ako malandi—friendly lang talaga ako!”

Xander laughed.

“Friendly,’ huh? Ganyan din sabi ng mga smooth talker sa pelikula bago sila sampalin.”

Napuno sila ng tawanan. Yung tipong hindi scripted, hindi pilit—yung tawa ng mga matagal nang magkakaibigan na sanay sa asaran.

Andrew shook his head, still laughing. “Sige na nga, ako na ang malandi! Basta ‘wag niyo lang ipagsigawan sa group chat!”

“Too late,” sabi ni Xander habang kunwaring nagtatype sa phone. “Screenshot sent.”

“Gago ka!” sabay sabay nilang tawa ulit.

Even just for tonight, the weight of expectations, past mistakes, and future plans faded into the background—replaced by laughter, banter, and the comfort of people who knew you too well.

Nagpaalaman na kami sa isa’t isa.

“So, pano? Let’s call it a night?” tanong ko habang inaabot ang coat ko.

Andrew stood up, stretching. “Yeah. Some of us still pretend to work early tomorrow.”

“Pretend? Speak for yourself,” sabay sabat ni Xander, pero nakangiti rin.

I chuckled. “Thanks, for tonight.”

Andrew patted my shoulder. “Anytime, Gav.”

Xander nodded. “I’ll send you the draft next week. And don’t worry—hindi ko aasarin si Shane.”

“Tell that to Andrew,” I muttered with a smirk.

They laughed again, and with that, we stepped out into the quiet night, the city lights reflecting in our silence—grateful, a little lighter, and maybe... a bit more ready for what’s next.