Ralph's POV

As I was walking away from our table, I pulled out my phone from my pocket.

"Two of you, eyes on Laila," sabi ko sa isa kong bodyguard.

Apat naman silang kasama namin. Yung back-up ni Elsa mula kahapon ay narito pa rin.

I made some short greetings to people I know there as I head towards of some groups of businessmen, lawyers and politicians. Some of them are with their wives and dates.

"There you are, Ralph my boy," ang bati agad nang isang may edad na businessaman na unang nakikita sa paglapit ko.

We shook hands, same with other men there. Some, only tap on each other's shoulders.

"Sorry, I it took me some minutes to join you," I said.

"Where's your date?" tanong nang isa.

"You brought date with you?" one of the wives there asked.

"Yes. She's at our table," was my short answer.

"We'd like to get to know her."

"Would love to but she insisted that I go here alone."

"You should have tagged her along. She might feel uncomfortable there all by herself," said Mr. Canlobo whom I've introduced to Laila earlier.

"Oh, how come?" tanong nang isang babae doon na nakalimutan ko na ang pangalan. "Doesn't she know anyone from here?"

I haven't introduced Laila to most of them earlier.

Umiling ako. "No. Been quite a while since she last went out of their house."

"Bakit?"

"She got... uhm... involved in an accident."

"Oh, I see. Was that the reason she's blind?" tanong ni Mr. Canlobo.

Some of them who didn't notice were surprised. Some of the women even softly gasped. But one was,

"I didn't know you are attracted to disabled ladies?"

Pabiro man yun, I still got irked.

"You have a problem with PWDs, Daryl?" I asked with a straight face.

"No, no," inangat niya ang isang palad. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend anyone."

One of the older ladies there immediately tried to salvage the good mood of the conversation.

"How d'you met her, Raphael?" she kindly asked. "She's quite a sight despite her condition."

"You know Robinson Agoncillo. He owes her father that can't be paid with money. He asked me to handle the case the father is involved with."

"Why need the Agoncillo's referral? Don't they know you or your lawfirm?"

"They asked help from my best bud first," was my safe answer.

"My best guess is that they couldn't afford your fee," singit nang isang businessman doon na alam kong may kaso sa Department of Labor.

"Yeah, that's true. Unlike you who can afford mine but I don't handle cases that would go against our company's principles, yo know," I rebutted in a light sarcasm.

Nawala ang ngisi sa mukha nito na malapit ko nang masuntok.

Tinapik ako nang isa sa mga doon dahil palagay ko ay naramdaman nila ang pag-angat muli ng tension.

"Is that your pro bono case we're hearing around against the Santiagos? The Barcelons are their friends, right?"

Tumango ako, "The more reason they need me."

"Well, given your family's history with theirs, I wouldn't surprise you're indeed committed to this case," butted one of the men there.

They chuckled. I just smiled.

Everyone there knew it. Including the short lived dating I had with Rebecca.

"And you're dating your client's daughter? Isn't that prohibited or something?" biglang singit uli ng napahiyang businessman.

"We're not dating," I answered him. "The Agoncillo and Marquez are taking care of her welfare. You see that she's blind, right? She has no one else."

"But you went to the movie with her," sagot nang isang babae mula sa likod ko. "You said she's your date for tonight."

Napalingon ako. Si Shelly.

Oh crap!

"Again, she has no one else. Rob Agoncillo is married but he takes care of Laila's security and other basic needs. Does that mean he's cheating on his wife?" I said in defense. "I don't think so. We are just commited to our words."

Napatangu-tango ang karamihan sa kanila.

Wala naman talaga a kong planong dalhin si Laila ngayon. It's just that I want to shoo Shelly away that evening we chanced upon her at the movie theatre. Well, also to avoid further questioning from Laila regarding my whereabouts after the MonKhAr inauguration.

I really have this hunch that she knew that a woman sat in my car a night prior. And she conceived that it was Shelly when they met.

I could very well read her facial expression that moment she got irked with Shelly. And I was right.

Laila and I had an argument after making me so damn pissed off that I walked out of her room. And didn't show up for a few days.

I really hate the idea that she's still not over to comparing me with that asshole Navarro. Indirectly or not, it's unacceptable for me.

I snatch a quick look at Laila back at our table.

She's observing what's going on around her.

"Maybe you should go back and bring her here with us, Raphael," suhestyon nang isang may edad na babaeng kasama namin sa grupo.

"It's alright, Mada'm Concha," I smiled at the nice lady. "That's the reason I thought of bringing her here. I want her to get use to people again. Some people in her situation may think self-harm if left alone. Agoncillo and I would not want that to happen. We gave our word to her father."

Many agreed to what I said.

I silently thanked that Shelly's father and another company owner joined in for a little chitchat with us paving a way to move the topic away from Laila.

I glance at Laila every now and then to check on her.

She's getting uncomfortable despite some people greeted her.

Gusto kong maipiling.

Then a soft music played. I was about to go back to ask her for a dance but I held back. Don Mariano stood up. Looks like he and his wife are urging her to dance with the old man.

Napangiti ako nang paunlakan yun ng babae.

"How about a dance?" nakangiting yaya ni Shelly.

Can't decline to the woman especially that there are people around looking at us.

I almost rolled my eyes because I saw the same sparkle in both daughter and father's eyes when I nodded then took her hand.

I wanted to go near Laila and Don Mariano but Shelly lead me somewhere farther opposite instead.

"Hey," malambing niyang tawag sa atensyon ko dahil nililingon ko si Laila at matandang don. Not t hat I don't trust the old guy. I just have this bad feeling in my gut that I can't name.

"Hmm?" was my answer as we slowly sway to the music.

"Are you scared of me, Ralph?"

My brows went up, "Why would I?"

"I dunno. Just a feeling."

"Then don't believe what you feel."

"Well, why her?"

"Who?" although I knew who she meant.

"The blind girl. I'd be insulted if you choose her over me."

"What?!" nairita ako.

"Uhm... I mean..." she heaved a sigh. "I thought you like me."

"What made you think that?" I casually asked.

"W-we kissed. We almost uhm..." nangilid ang luha nito.

She really has a thing for me.

I felt somewhat guilty. Not so me until Laila. Damn!

Hinapit ko si Shelly and made her head rest on my chest, then I sighed.

"Why do you think I left your condo before something happens to us, Shelly?" I mildly asked.

"Y-you don't find me b-beautiful, Ralph," her voice shook a little.

"You are beautiful, Shelly. But... I respect your father because he's my father's friend. I don't want to compromise their relationship if I ... uhm..." napabuntung-hininga uli ako. "I'm not a good guy, Shelly. You'll find someone your worth because that's not me. I'm not a believer of love."

Tumingala siya sa akin, "Was that because of Rebec—"

I chuckled, "I was never one since birth. We just dated. Nothing more."

"Maybe that's her reason discontinuing dating you. Then she found her true love with Atty. Navarro, instead," she said, less sad now.

I just shrugged my shoulders, "Yeah, maybe."

Mas mabuting yun na ang isipin ng babae.

"If I didn't tell you that night na hindi nag-confirm sa RSVP ang mga Santiago, would you bring the blind girl here, Ralph?"

I looked her in the eye. It was a sincere question, so I gave her an honest answer this time.

"No."

"Bakit?"

"It's complicated...I mean, she's still not that emotionally equipped on how complicated the situation is. She isn't over yet about getting blind, you know," salo ko sa muntik na pagkadulas.

Then I threw another look at Laila and Don Mariano. Napakunot-noo.

The old man is heading back to their table and his wife stood up.

My eyes went to our table. Wala doon si Laila!

Don Mariano is now dancing with his lady.

Napalingon ako sa tumapik sa balikat ko. Ang isa sa mga bodyguards ko. Matiim ang pagkakatingin sa akin.

I immediately stopped dancing.

"What's wrong, Ralph?" Shelly asked.

"I'm sorry. I have to go. It's urgent," tumango ang babae nang makita ang bodyguard ko. "Excuse me."

I left her there at the dance floor area without giving the courtesy of bringing her back to their table.

"What happened? Where is she?" I immediate asked my bodyguard.

"With Navarro. Dancing."

"The fuck!" medyo napataas ang boses ko, then shut my mouth as those nearby guests turned their heads.

"Where?" I asked in whisper.

Simple akong sinenyasan na sumunod. Then he started looking around at a certain spot in that big ballroom. Nasa likod niya lang ako kaya nakita ko ang partner bodyguard niya na tumuro sa bahagi ng ballroom kung saan gilid na nang mga sumasayaw at kaunti ang tao.

I saw a pair dancing. Kahit nakatalikod ang lalaki at natatakpan ang kasayaw nito, nakilala ko agad ang kamay ng babae na nakakapit sa balikat niya. Aside from the nail polish which I saw at the hotel we are checked in, the ring and bracelets she was wearing were a damn give away. I was showed the matching jewelry sets for the gowns that may fit Laila for tonight's party.

"Why didn't anyone of you stop them?"

"It will create commotion, Ralph. Ms. Centeno do not know us. Atty. Navarro asked the old man courteously. That's why we immediately notified you. Her security details are also nearby."

I understood.

Social manners at events like this should matter unless there is imminent danger.

I quietly stepped towards them.

"A-ayoko na ng gulo, Jus."

"I told you, we need to talk."

"Ang haba ng pagkakataon mo noon. Ngayon pa? Dito pa talaga?"

"Because... lately lang ako nagkaroon ng mga opportunities."

"I-ibalik mo na ako sa table namin. Baka hinahanap na ako ni Atty. Marquez."

It's apparent that she was pushing him aside but he wouldn't let go.

"Please, Lai. Kahit... kahit kaunting oras lang."

"Ang kapal ng mukha mong humingi niyan sa akin," pagigil na sabi ng babae. "May asawa ka na. Ako na naman ang—"

"She's not with me tonight. She's in the hospital and may stay there for—"

Tinapik ko ang lalaki sa balikat.

"I'm taking my date, Navarro."

The asshole did not even turn to look at me. Instead,

"Lai, come on. Let's go."

Warning bells started alarming in my head.

What the fuck does he mean by that?

"Atty. Marquez," she called for me extending her hands to my direction.

I don't know but when she did that, I felt an unexplainable lump in my throat. She asked for me!

And fuck, I was quick to grab her hand.

Yet, Navarro didn't let go of her arm.

"Lai, this is our chance. Let's run away."

Natigilan ang mbabae. At gaya ko ay marahas na napatingin sa lalaki.

"Ano?" pabulong niyang sabi.

"What the—"

"Please..." pakiusap nito.

I must be lucky that Laila couldn't see. But my eyes are clear.

Navarro was holding up his tears.

My heart started racing. Lumuwag ang kapit ni Laila sa mga kamay ko.

Not a chance!

"Laila, for Christ's sake! He's married!" I said between clenched teeth. "At paano si Mang Ben?"

That did it.

Humigpit muli ang mga palad niya sa kamay ko at mapuwersang hinawi ang pagkakahawak ni Navarro sa kanya.

I pulled her to me and enclosed in my arms. And she immediately clutched the front of my coat.

"Laila!" matigas na tawag ng lalaki nang mabitawan niya ang babae.

"U-uwi na tayo. Iuwi mo na ako, please," nakatingala niyang sabi sa akin.

I looked down at her. Her eyes begging me.

How could I say no? And even so, it is even out of the question!

My four boduguards boxed us in. Walang nagawa ang dalawang security details ni Navarro.

It may be impolite but I didn't bother saying goodbye to any of the hosts.

We may get more attention than necessary.

We quickly exited at the backdoor used only by hotel staff.

"Laila!"

Fuck this asshole following us through the food prep area for the ballroom banquet.

"I just need two with me," sabi ko sa security ko.

"A-attorney...?"

"Don't be scared, Lai. That jerk won't have the guts to order his two men to fight with mine. Hurry up!"

"Baka madapa ako. Sandali."

Binuhat ko na si Laila.

"A-ay!"

Maagap niyang hinawakan ang maluwag na cowl neckline ng gown na suot.

I'm too pissed to appreciate having a peek of her breast.

I just put her down nang makatawid na kami sa perimeter area ng likod ng hotel kung saan kami naka-check in mula pa kagabi.

"Akyat na tayo," she nervously said.

"Let me just catch my breath, sweetheart," was my answer.

It was like a two-hundred-meter brisk walking with her in my arms, and I'm already panting.

I need more time in the gym. Shit!

"Eh kasi..."

"Hindi na siya sumunod. I told you, he doesn't have the balls!" inis kong sabi.

"H-hindi yun. Para makapahinga ka na. Uhm... galing ka pang office, di ba?"

I covered my embarrassment by turning to one of my bodyguards, "Ano na'ng nangyari sa kabila?"

Saglit itong kumontak sa naiwang dalawa.

"Bumalik na raw sa ballroom si Atty. Navarro at mga security details niya," ang sagot sa akin.

"Tell your colleagues to get my car and bring it here," I instructed, tapos ay inalalayan ko ang babae. "Let's go."

Wala kaming imikan paakyat. Tango lang ang iniwan ko sa security details na naiwan sa labas ng pinto ng hotel suite.

"Ano'ng pinag-usapan ninyo?" was my question right after I closed the door.

I followed her as she used the wall as guide. She didn't answer. She just continued walking through the short hallway before the suite's receiving area.

Hinayaan ko muna. Looks like she's still trying to gather herself up.

But I got surprised when she got to the bedroom. Dumapa siya sa kama at umiyak.

With her gown still on, she was like a modern day Disney princess crying for a prince whom she was not able to be with.

And it felt like I was the villain in the story.

Oh God!

I don't know what to feel first.

Anger?

Pity?

Empathy?

I'm confused myself. And tired now.

But that doesn't mean I'm giving up Laila over to Navarro. It could be the Santiagos way to make sure they win.

No, I'm not giving up on this fight against the Santiagos.

No Marquez will give way for that family. And I am a Marquez. It will never happen in my lifetime.

I silently released a sigh then took my coat off and loosened my bow tie.

Naupo ako sa gilid ng kama at hinaplos ang ulo ng babae.

Lumakas ang pag-iyak niya.

"Hey..."

I do not know how many minutes before the sound of her cry subsided. It become sobs without a sound.

I stood up and removed her shoes, then mine. I lay beside her.

"Come here," I said.

I hid a quick smile that broke my lips when she immediately obeyed. I enclosed her in an embrace as she rested her head on my chest.

We were quiet again for a few minutes. Me playing my fingers through her hair. She, doodling lines and shapes on the cloth of my formal shirt.

"Lai...?"

"Hmmm...?"

"Can I ask you some questions now?"

"Uhm... uhuh..."

I cleared my throat. "Ano'ng sinabi niya sa 'yo?"

Some few seconds before she answered, "Uhm, inamin niya na umalis siya nung d-dapat ay mag-uusap kami. Nung... nung sa Chinese resto sa mall."

I smirked.

At least he got the guts to admit his cowardness.

"Meron pa ba?"

"Uhm... ano, bakit daw ganito suot kong gown."

"Ha? What's wrong with it? That's an expensive gown. And you definitely look gorgeous in it," depensa ko.

Of course, I chose it!

"Dati kasi, ano... uhm, ayaw niya na nagsusuot ako na masyadong ganito."

"Like showing too much skin?"

"Parang ganun na nga. Baka daw kasi mabastos ako."

"Tss. He's being conservative towards you is quite ironic for his personality knowing that he cheated on you which is an outright disrespectful."

Natahimik ang babae.

I cleared my throat again, "I'm sorry, Lai. I didn't mean to—"

"O-okay lang. May ano, may punto ka naman."

"Nevermind what he said. You look really lovely and desirable back at the party. Your gown complimented your even skin tone and boobs. Ouch!"

Hinampas n'ya kasi ako sa tiyan.

Natawa na lang ako.

"I'm just telling the truth, Lai. And don't think na binabastos kita o gusto kitang mabastos ng mga tao sa anniversary party. I only wanted you to fit in and be beautiful."

She sighed. I did, too.

"Laila...?"

"Promise me something, will you?"

"Ano yun?"

"Don't lie to me, please."

Di siya kumibo.

"Alam ko na pangit ang impresyon mo sa akin. I must admit maybe some of them may be true..."

"Ayoko sa mga katulad mo, Attorney."

"Huh?"

"Hindi ka mabuting ehemplo sa subordinates mo."

"You mean, ako ang impluwensya sa likod ng panloloko niya sa iyo?"

Yeah, I tried to say that casually, but I don't know if I was able to hide that I was hurt by what she was trying to say.

Silence was her answer.

"Whatever you think of me, I will never lie to you, Ms. Centeno."

"Hindi nga ba?" mabilis niyang balik sa akin. Halatang diskumpiyado sa sinabi ko. "Yung Shelly, panay iwas mo sa tanong ko."

I couldn't help but chuckle.

She just indirectly revealed something about that argument we had.

"Laila, lying is different from dodging. It's like silence does not always mean admittance of what was accused of you."

"Pareho lang yun."

"In the court, it is not."

"Wala tayo sa court battle, Attorney."

"Okay, okay," pagsuko ko. "Starting to day, I will make a note that according to Judge Laila Centeno, lying and dodging a question are the same. Aray!"

Kinurot ako nito sa tiyan.

"Promise, nothing really happened between Shell—"

"Wala? As in zero?"

"Well... uhm... we were about to... uhm... but you know, I stopped. And immediately left. You heard her. I forgot about my tie. I didn't bother getting it back."

"So meron pa rin."

Natawa ako sa gusto niyang ipunto, "Not happening again. She's creepy."

Di na siya nagkomento pa uli tungkol kay Shelly.

"May iba pa kayong pinag-usapan?" tanong ko uli.

"Uhm, ayun nga. Gusto niyang umalis na kami dun sa party. Para ano, makapag-usap nang masinsinan."

"Tungkol daw saan?"

"Di na niya nasabi. Ano, ayoko nga kasi. Siguradong hahanapin mo 'ko."

Napangiti ako sa narinig. Ngiti na biglang naging ngiwi dahil,

"Eskandaloso ka pa naman. Sabi ko kay Jus, ayoko nga nang gulo," then she said what I've already heard from them. "Ayun nga, dumating ka na."

"Did he not mention why Rebecca was in the hospital?"

"W-wala. Medyo nagulat nga rin ako sa nalaman ko," naramdaman ko ang pagtingala niya sa akin. "Ikaw ba, hindi mo alam?"

"Nope. You want me to ask around?"

Saglit siyang di nakakibo bago, "Huwag na. Wala naman akong kinalaman dun."

"Alright."

But deep inside, I will get information about it. I'm dead interested what's happening. Navarro will not suddenly become courageous to ask Laila to run away.

Bigla ko tuloy naitanong sa babae, "If... if I didn't arrive sooner, would you run away with him?"

Di agad siya sumagot kaya, "Laila...?"

"E-ewan ko... hindi siguro..."

"Tsk!"

"Bakit mo naitanong?"

Napabuga ako ng hangin, "Remember what I told you before. You are not worth it."

"K-kung sakali, wala naman kayong magagawa."

Napipikon ako sa totoo lang, but it's better that she's being honest with me whatever's running in her head.

"You can't do that. I won't let you."

"Sobrang galit ba talaga kayong ng mga Santiago sa isa't-isa?"

"Long story. But then again, I won't let them win. And I won't back down on my promise to your father."

Nakatulog kami na hindi nakakapagpalit ng damit.

I woke up earlier than her. My purpose was to shop for a few clothes for us at the boutiques in the hotel's lower floors. Pareho kaming walang baong pamalit.

When I came back, Laila was already awake and having problems taking off her gown. Although it has a criss-cross bare-back, the lower part has a zipper sewn invisibly.

That's were she's at right now.

"Let me," I offered.

"Hindi. Kaya ko na."

"I don't think so. You're about to ruin the gown. And if you do, I'll ask you to pay for it," seryoso kong sabi.

But of course, I was only kidding.

"Uhm, sige, babayaran ko na lang," tapos ay pakapa-kapang tinungo ang CR.

Napakamot ako sa ulo.

I've already called for our early lunch reservation and answered a couple of emails on my phone, hindi pa rin lumalabas si Laila sa CR.

I knocked on the bathroom door, "Laila, what's taking you?"

"Sandali," then footsteps. She peeked from the door. "Uhm, naghilamos lang ako tsaka toothbrush."

I can see that, same as her bare shoulder, "Here. Pamalit mo. Maligo ka narin kaya?"

Napakagat ito sa labi.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"H-hindi ko mahubad yung gown."

I carefully pushed the door and let myself in. I chuckled when she covered her breasts with her arms then turned her back on me.

I squatted and checked, "Now you've really ruined the zipper."

"Babayaran ko nga."

I rolled my eyes.

By the looks of it, the only way to get her off the dress is to tear the cloth, so I did. Tapos ay bigla niyang hinawakan ang gown para hindi tuluyang malaglag.

But it was a bit late. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

She wasn't wearing any panty! And when I look around the bathroom, wala talaga.

"Laila, were you not wearing underwears since last night?"

Tumango siya. I don't know what to think but I'm sure blood is rushing between my legs.

"Why is that?"

Fuck! I almost stuttered.

"Uhm, sabi nung nagbihis sa akin, ano eh, dapat tongs daw ang isuot ko para walang panty line. Eh di ko nga alam kung nasaan na yung ganun ko. Wala rin naman daw silang dala," sagot niya na nakatalikod pa rin. "Sila na nag-suggest na ano kahit wala na akong suot. "

My mind is getting naughty because I know how fashion stylist would dress up their client if they suggest such.

I held on to her gown and pulled it down. But she held on to it.

"H-huwag..."

I stood up and held her shoulders. I ran my palms down to her arms.

Yeah, I've noticed it last night. They've waxed her body hair away.

"Lai..."

"Labas ka na. M-may towel naman dito."

Hinarap ko siya sa akin.

"Tek—"

I grabbed the back of her head and kissed her lips. She immediately responded. So I wrapped my other arm around her waist. Then ran my lips to her jaw to her left ear.

"Let go of the gown," I whispered.

And she did.

I held her two legs and wrapped them around my waist then walked across the bathroom as we kissed each other hungrily.

I sat her on the granite tiled lavatory.

"There... so you'll be more comfy," I hoarsely said.

Her answer was opening the buttons of my formal shirt then took it off me.

Napahinga ako nang malalim nang iparaan niya ang malambot niyang palad sa dibdib ko habang nakatitig doon as if she could see me.

The more I get aroused when she mildly pushed me a bit and watched every line of my silhouette.

So I looked at her as well. My first to see her in the light like this.

I don't understand that despite I've seen a lot of naked women, hers is still I finds so beautiful.... so desirable for me.

And I was right. The center of her femininity was Brazilian triangle waxed.

Then the drive to madness was so sudden.

Napadaing si Laila nang pabigla ko siyang hapitin sa akin sabay madiing halikan muli. But only at the start.

As I enjoy tasting her lips, chin, jaws down to her neck. Her hands were busy unbuckling my belt.

I groaned when she inserted her hand in my boxers and held mine then gave it a little sqeeze.

"F-fuck..."

But she got startled when my phone rang. It's in my backpocket.

"No!" I grunted catching her wrist about to let go of my shaft. "Lai... please..."

Her face got confused if she'd let things happen again between us or not.

I kissed her again while I fished for my phone then threw it in the mini-jacuzzi.

All her defenses fell when I crawled my lips to her neck... bosoms... down to her womanhood.

I heard the water from the lavatory faucet run when my tongue played fast on her sensitive flesh. Most probably she's trying to hold on to something. Her other hand just grabbed my hair.

But the landline phone started ringing.

I couldn't help but cuss. Natigilan na naman kasi si Laila. I knew she was about to get her first climax.

I stood up, "Let's make this quick."

She whimpered when I entered her. The faster I pumped in and out, her moans are getting louder and echoing in the bathroom. The hotter I felt.

I like this better than she was trying not to make a sound like the first and second we did it in their house. There's no Elsa to think about who might hear us.

But damn the phone! And much as I want to prolong what we're doing, hindi pwede.

Bakit ba palaging may istorbo?! Damn!

Halos nakahiga na si Laila sa lavatory with her head leaning on the mirror when we both finished. She came first.

Kinarga ko siya matapos saka inilubog ang katawan sa mini-jacuzzi.

"Enjoy the warm water there. We'll both have a quick shower. Sasagutin ko lang yung phone."

Nagri-ring na naman kasi.

I walked across the suit naked.

I was right. The call was from the reception. Tumatawag daw kasi ang manager ng restaurant pero hindi ko raw sinagot.

"Sorry, my phone fell in the tub. Yes, the reservation is still a go. But we'll be late. I'll call back again if we're about to go down. Thank you."

Pagbalik ko sa bathroom, nasa gilid na ng mini-jacuzzi ang phone ko.

Napapailing na lang ako.

I have to get me another one. And since it's a weekend, wala akong secretary para mag-transfer ng contacts at i-set-up yun gaya sa nabasa kong cellphone.

And yeah. Now that the resto was informed that we'll be late, I got to finally enjoy another round with Laila.

Checked out after, I asked one of my security details to load our stuff in the car then we headed to eat our late lunch.

Isinama ko si Laila sa pagbili nang bagong phone. Paglabas namin sa mall, it was already late afternoon.

"Ano'ng ginagawa mo?" tanong ng babae na katabi ko sa backseat.

"Setting up my phone," I answered. "Where else do you want to go?"

She only shrugged her shoulders.

"I have an idea," sabi ko.

I dialled Reid's number.

"Hey, is Gypsea free today?"

"I have to confirm with Drew first. Why? Where's yours?"

"Scheduled maintenance. I just want to unwind until tomorrow."

"Alone?"

"Eerr..." nagdalawang-isip akong sumagot.

Tumawa ang gago, "Okay. With a lady companion, I'm sure."

"Tss."

"Gypsea is too big for two. That's good up to fifty pax. I'll call my staff and have Ohana ready for you. Ikaw naman, nahiya ka pang diretsuhing hiramin."

I chuckled.

"What time?"

"In an hour. Kaya ba?"

"Tsk! Make it two and it's yours till whole day tomorrow. I'll bill it against your invoice to SchulzAs," tapos ay tumawa.

"Sira-ulo," natatawa ko ring sabi.

I know he wouldn't. Reid would only lend out Ohana to family and close friends. But we pay the crew and bring our own consumables.

Gypsea, on the other hand, is definitely for business. Actually, it is Andromeda's.

I looked at the rearview mirror, "Ohana?" asked my bodyguard driving for us.

I nodded.

"Attorney, saan tayo?" tanong ni Laila.

"You'll know. Let's go get some grocery."

"Uhm, akala ko ba—"

"We'll bring them sa pupuntahan natin."

While we were in the supermarket, I received a short text from my bodyguard.

Caution. Possible tail.

Hindi ako nagpahalata. Pasimple akong nag-ikot nang tingin habang pakunwaring nagbabasa ng mga labels sa hilerang yun ng mga sauce and seasoning. This is just opposite the fresh harvest section where Laila is choosing some vegetables and fruits.

Wala akong napansing kahina-hinala na kasabayan namin ni Laila sa area na yun.

Medyo lumapit na ng puwesto sa amin ang dalawa sa bodyguards ko. Yung dalawa, still at a distance. Kaya medyo minadali ko ang pamimili namin.

I completely forgot about my bodyguards warning when I saw the innocent excitement on Laila's face after we got off the car and told her we are to board a private yatch.

"Dito tayo maghahapunan?"

"Yup, while watching the sunset."

"Talaga?"

"Yup."

And got puzzled dahil biglang nabawasan ang tingkad ng saya niya.

"What's wrong?"

"May sinabi ba sa iyo si Elsa?"

"Uhm, yeah. She told me you want to experience a dinner cruise."

"Ah... o-okey..."

With her reaction, I felt my surprise was still lacking so I revealed my other plans.

"And we'll be back here at the marina tomorrow...uhm... late afternoon, maybe."

"Huh?"

"We'll spend the night sa laot. Then early morning, tatawid tayo sa Corregidor. Nakapunta ka na ba dun?"

She smiled again, "Hindi pa."

That's better.

I asked the crew to cook our food, as Ohana slowly departs from the marina. Laila and I found a place at the roof deck to kill time.

We had our dinner in time for the sunset.

She was just quiet when we were eating. Hinayaan ko na lang, although, I'm not use to it. My dates usually get me into chitchats.

Part of the flirting process.

Sinamantala ko na rin na mag-send ng message kay Rob.

Pinaunlakan ni Laila na samahan ako sa upper deck nang sabihin kong magna-night fishing ako.

"Reid has some fine fishing rods here. I'm using it."

"Boring yan, di ba?"

"Sakto lang. I get to have my quiet time while waiting for a fish to bite the bait."

I took that time to have some chitchat with her. She engaged. We talked about random things, but she never mentioned anything related to Navarro.

Natigil kami sa pag-uusap nang gumalaw ang fishing rod ko. Laila shared my excitement when I started reeling the line.

"Ano'ng nahuli mo?"

"Uhm..." napakamot ako sa ulo.

"Ano nga?"

"It's an old shoe covered with seaweeds."

Noon ko unang narinig ang natural na tawa ni Laila.

I dunno but it made all my week-long exhaustion fly away.

It was a good... in fact, great evening. Especially that we had another steamy round in our sleeping cabin.

Before break of dawn, I woke up to take a leak.

Going back to bed, I saw my cellphone blinking.

A message from Rob about four hours ago. 

Rebecca has been in the hospital due to breast cancer. Mid-stage. Bran is struggling to hide his meth addiction. Let me know if you need further details.

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko.

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