RENANTE ENDED THE CALL. His mother had been insistent for days to have a get-together. Kahit sinabi pa nitong iimbitahan din sila Ronnie at Paige, alam niyang ang pakay talaga ng ina ay makilala si Stacey.

Sa totoo lang, ayaw pa niyang magkadaupang-palad ang dalawang babae.

Sure, Stacey already met his father. That’s okay.

But to meet his mom?

Pagkababa ng cellphone, binalik ni Renante ang tingin sa pinto. Kaya nagmamadali siyang tapusin ang pakikipag-usap sa nanay ay dahil kumatok at sumilip sa kanyang maliit na opisina si Cherry.

May importanteng lakad daw si Pierre sa darating na Biyernes, kaya change schedule ang pagsadya ni Cherry sa VVatch. This time, she came as early as Monday. At babalik na lang ito sa Huwebes.

“Good morning, Sir Villaluz!” bati nito. Her smile was polite, her tone has entusiam but still sounded formal.

She was late, but given how far she lives and that this is the first instance, Renante let it slide.

“Good morning too. Come in,” tayo niya saglit at sinabayan ito sa pag-upo. He remained serious. He just could not hide feeling a little anxious.

Cherry hugged a brown leather envelope case against her chest. Kinandong nito ang may kalakihang side-body bag na pink. Her short curly hair was pulled back by pins.

“Kumusta?” he clasped his hands, rested them at the edge of his desk. “Ano ang sabi ni Gallardo sa napagkasunduan nating designs?”

“Well,” medyo napawi ang sigla sa mukha ng babae, “he said it looks complicated. Pang-hand weaving ang technique na kailangan para sa design. Please, do note that we are a clothing company. We sew and use machines these days.”

“I understand,” he nodded. May katuturan ang kaba niya. Sabi na at hindi agad papabor si Pierre sa disenyong gusto nila ni Paige.

Paige wanted to stick to the designs she made, when the target prototype and material used go be metal. Nakadagdag iyon sa pagiging komplikado ng disenyo nung ini-translate nila bilang woven wrist band para sa relo.

“Also, the materials for this wrist band,” patuloy ni Cherry, “majority of them, wala sa inventory ng Gallardo.”

“I expected that. You make clothes. Raw mats for making clothes and making wrist watches are different.”

He wanted Cherry to go straight to the point.

“This project might cost you extra,” tango ni Cherry. “Are you up for that?”

“Dala mo ba ang kopya ng agreement namin ni Pierre?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Bring it out. I want to check something.”

Cherry quickly unzipped her envelope case. Nilabas nito ang manipis na portfolio folder at hinanap ang pahinang kinalalagyan ng agreement nila ni Pierre.

“We have agreed, na Gallardo ang gagawa ng wrist bands. It doesn’t indicate whether the raw mats will come exclusively from them or not, right?”

Cherry was quick to pick up. “You’re planning to outsource?”

There is no use to lie. He works with these people together now. They should know the truth so they can work together effectively.

“Yes.” Pilit niyang binabasa ang reaksyon ni Cherry, ang mga mata sa likod ng reading glasses nito. “VVatch knows more resources when it comes to making wristwatches.”

Tahimik lang si Cherry. Binabasa na nito ang dalang kopya ng agreement.

“Wala namang ini-specify dito kung kanino dapat manggaling ang raw materials,” abot nito ng papel sa kanya para makita rin niya mismo na walang nabanggit na ganoom sa agreement.

Great. Maybe, I can ask for Stacey’s help again, titig ni Renante sa papel.

Binalik niya iyon kay Cherry.

“Thank you.”

May inabot itong panibagong papel.

“Here’s a brief specs of our machines, Sir.”

Tiningnan ni Renante ang papel. Tatlong piraso iyon at naka-stapler.

“Sabi ni Sir Gallardo, kung mamimili kayo ng raw mats, sana compatible sa machines na available sa amin.”

Renante was both impressed and felt outsmarted by Pierre Gallardo.

That genius. He already expected na ako ang aako sa pamimili ng raw mats. That’s why he came up with these papers.

“Got it. Thanks,” balik niya ng tingin kay Cherry.

Pagkaalis ni Cherry sa kanyang opisina, dinampot ni Renante ang wireless telephone.

.

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INABOT NA SILA NG HAPON SA SONDRA’S. Magkadikit ang mga braso sila Piccollo at Kylie. Pinag-aaralan kasi ng binata ang initial sketch ng company logo sa gamit nitong tablet.

Palipat-lipat lang ang tingin ni Stacey sa dalawa. She was sipping her mango cheesecake milkshake.

They spent the whole morning debating about the company name. Sa huli, pinagsama-sama nila ang mga ideya kaya Pick-All ang napagkasunduang pangalan. Tamang-tama kasi tunog Piccoll— mula sa pangalan mismo ni Piccollo.

Nag-lunch sila pagkatapos, kung saan lumayo muna sila sa usaping negosyo at nagkumustahan. Piccollo kept worrying. Baka may kailangan daw siyang asikasuhin sa Hibla. But Stacey managed to convince him that she took a leave today, kasi usapang negosyo naman ang totoong pakay niya kaya nakipagkita sa mga ito.

Pagkatapos niyon, heto at ang company logo na ang inaatupag nila.

“What about a circle with three lines in it?”

Piccollo was being his fickle self again. Kylie gaped in disbelief.

“Ano? Babaguhin ko na naman ang logo?”

Stacey couldn’t blame Kylie for reacting that way. Halos isang oras din nila pinagta-trabahuan ang kasalukuyang concept na ginagawa nila para sa logo. Tapos, magbabago na naman ang isip ni Piccollo.

“I just thought, it’s easier if we make it minimalist.” Mukhang walang pakialam si Piccollo sa reaksyon ni Kylie. “Plus the three lines sort of symbolize speed. I want customers to perceive that with my company’s delivery services.”

“I won’t delete this. I’ll just draw that three line thing in a space here,” tutok ulit ni Kylie sa tablet nito. She used the graphic pen with ease. “Mamili ka na lang mamaya sa mga ito kung ano talaga ang gusto mo.”

Napangiti siya sa mga ito.

Lumagpas kina Piccollo at Kylie ang kanyang tingin.

Napaangat din si Stacey ng ulo, bumitaw ang mga labi sa straw ng kanyang inumin.

She saw Renante’s group heading their direction. He looked so dashing in his black pants and half-tucked button down midnight blue shirt with white bamboo pattern designs. His jet black hair, neat and brushed up. Oh, damn. When will she get used to this? Maybe never. His looks would always burst her heart with so much desire.

Then, her eyes strayed away from Renante.

Tumaas ang kanyang mga kilay. Kasabay nito sa paglakad ang dalawang babae.

Stacey could still remember Paige.

‘Yong isa na nakasalamin sa mata at kulot ang buhok… hindi siya pamilyar.

Lumapit si Renante sa kanilang mesa. Gulat na napalingon tuloy dito sila Piccollo at Kylie.

Naalerto si Kylie. Takot na nagbaba ng tingin. Tulad ni Stacey, hindi nito maapuhap ang sasabihin o kung paano magre-react.

Renante’s eyes stayed on Piccollo who just gave him a small smile and a nod.

Sa kanilang tatlo, si Piccollo lang ang walang kamalay-malay na nagpapanggap siya kay Renante na stable pa siya at may pinapatakbong negosyo.

“What are you all doing here?” kalmadong tanong ni Renante.

Pero basang-basa na ni Stacey ang kanyang nobyo. There was no hint of smile or lightness on his face. There was this firmness in his lips. His eyes were slightly hooded as he shifted glances on each of their faces.

“Well..” It was too late to stop Piccollo. “They’re here to help me with my business.”

Renante’s eyes narrowed. Lagot.

“Start-up?”

“Yes,” Piccollo managed a smile. Halata namang may pag-aalangan sa ngiti ng binata.

Renante glanced at her. “Stacey’s here to help you out too?”

“She doesn’t really know it’s me. Tumawag ako nung Sabado pero hindi niya sinagot. It’s Kylie who invited her,” Piccollo explained so well, as if he already knew his assignment.

As if, he knew Renante so well…

“We’re just getting a breather,” Renante explained himself, “while talking about business. This is Paige, and this is Cherry.”

Kumaway at ngumiti si Cherry. Paige, remained looking like an emotionless statue but gave them a polite nod.

“Hi—” Piccollo was interrupted by Kylie’s stifled squeal.

Bigla na lang ito tumayo mula sa kinauupuan.

“Paige Uychengco!” halos mapugto ang hininga nito. “Hi!”

Nang makitang walang tumututol, umalis agad si Kylie sa kinauupuan. Basta na lang nito nilapag ang tablet at graphic pen sa mesa at nilapitan si Paige.

Paige just stared on, not giving away much of her reaction. Kylie was hesitant to hug her.

“Subscriber mo ako. I love your art and I bought a framed print out of Ulysses at naka-display siya sa bedroom ko!” kislap ng mga mata nito.

It helped that Paige smiled, but her lifelessness and standing still did not make that smile look warm at all. But there’s a hint of softness in Paige’s smile. Maybe, Kylie managed to touch her heart behind the stone-cold appearance.

“Thank you,” ani Paige. “I signed that artwork, right? I always do when they are purchased from my online shop.”

Lalong na-excite si Kylie. “Yes! May pirma mo, Paige!” Sabay lingon nito sa kanila. “MY camera ‘yong tablet ko. Picture-an mo kami, Piccollo!”

Piccollo didn’t mind. Tumalima ito sa request ni Kylie.

Kylie waived a hand at Renante. “Sorry, Renante pero… move. Move.”

“I’ll follow,” Paige told Renante in her usual lifeless voice.

Renante nodded. He extended a hand to his far off right. Pinauna nito si Cherry dumako sa mga bakanteng mesa bago ito lumayo kina Paige. Cherry smiled at them before leaving.

Si Renante naman, hindi na sila nilingon pa. Nakatutok ang mata nito sa sinusundang si Cherry.

Stacey followed them with her eyes.

Umasa pa rin siya kahit papaano. Pero hindi talaga siya nilingon ni Renante.

Pinanood niya ang paghinto ng dalawa sa table set sa dulo ng balkonaheng iyon. Renante chose a seat that turned his back to their direction. Sa kabila naman ng mesa pumuwesto si Cherry kaya kitang-kita niya ang mukha nito.

Naghintay siya kahit nakaupo na sila. Pero mukhang wala nang balak lumingon si Renante dahil nagsasalita si Cherry. Ibig sabihin, nag-uusap na ang dalawa.

Nang ibalik niya ang tingin kina Kylie, nagpapasalamat na ito kay Paige. Paige was about to leave when their eyes met. Parang nangingilala ang tingin ng babae bago nito diniretso sa pupuntahan ang tingin. Paige walked slowly with reverend grace toward their table.

Wala itong tinabihan sa mga kasama. Hinila nito ang upuan sa tabi ni Cherry at pinuwesto iyon sa dulo ng mesa bago inupuan.

Masayang nakaupo na si Kylie, iniisa-isa ang iilang litrato nila ni Paige sa tablet nito.

“Are you alright?” Piccollo spoke.

At saka lang binalik ni Stacey ang tingin sa mga kasama.

“I am fine.”

“Baka minasama ni Renante itong nakita niya na magkasama tayo.”

Binaba agad ni Kylie ang tablet.

“Don’t say that,” sawat nito kay Piccollo. “Stacey and Renante go way, way back! Hindi na nila pag-aawayan ang maliit na bagay, no? At kahit magkatampuhan pa sila, tiwala ako na sila ma talaga. Endgame. Forevs.” Tumingin sa kanya si Kylie. “Right, Stace?”

Siya ang girlfriend ni Renante, pero bakit parang mas may tiwala pa si Kylie sa tatag ng relasyon nila kaysa siya mismo?

Ngumiti siya. Nag-aalangan. “Oo naman.”

“Then, why didn’t he greet you?”

“Puro mga katrabaho ang kasama ni Renante, no. He’s probably on his business-man mode, Piccollo,” singit ni Kylie at tumingin ulit sa kanya. It was the kind of look that seemed she’s asking for her approval. “Right, Stace?”

“Oo. Gano’n talaga si Renante kapag nasa trabaho,” paliwanag niya kay Piccollo.

Pero mukhang hindi ito kumbinsido. Siguro dahil nahuli siya nito na nakasunod ng tingin kay Renante at nag-aabang na batiin man lang nito o tapunan ng tingin.

“Ituloy na nga natin ‘yong sa logo,” segway ni Kylie.

Hindi naman lingid sa kanya nannage-effort si Kylie para pigilan si Piccollo na makialam sa relasyon nila ni Renante. Kaya sa loob-loob ni Stacey, malaki na ang kanyang pasasalamat sa kaibigan.

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KYLIE AND PICCOLLO WATCHED STACEY’S CAR LEAVE. Nang nakalayo-layo na ang pulang Corvette, nilingon ni Kylie ang binata.

Huling-huli ng dalaga na nakahabol pa rin ito ng tingin kay Stacey.

“She didn’t even bother to drop by their table and say goodbye to Renante,” Piccollo remarked. Nakita yata nito sa gilid ng mata ang nag-aabang na tingin ni Kylie.

“Ayaw lang niya makaistorbo. Kitang kahit magmemerienda lang eh, trabaho pa rin ang inaatupag ni Renante.”

“You’re just too innocent. I can smell that something is really going on, something not right.”

“Even so, that doesn’t mean you should get any ideas.”

Salubong ang mga kilay na hinarap na ni Piccollo si Kylie.

“What idea?”

“Sus. It’s all over your face, Piccollo. Umaasa ka pa rin. If only I knew, I wouldn’t have agreed to this.”

He groaned. “Don’t think of me like that. I swear, business lang talaga ang dahilan kaya nagyaya akong magkita-kita tayo rito sa Sondra’s!”

“Para kasing nag-iiba na ang agenda mo,” masungit na labi ni Kylie, yakap ang naka-leather case na tablet. “Remember, I only helped you this time, kasi promise mo, you’ll give me the designing job if makaka-meet mo si Stace today para tanungin siya about business. That’s all. Business lang.”

“I know,” nanghihina nitong depensa. “I respect relationships, Kylie. So even if I can see a little crack on theirs,” patungkol ni Piccollo kina Stacey, “I won’t do anything to pry it open and make it bigger. Got it?”

“Dapat lang,” ismid nito bago tinalikuran ang binata.

Pinanood nito si Kylie sa pagsakay sa bagong bili nitong kotse. It was this cute pink Volkswagen beetle.

Nang makasakay na ito, tinungo na rin ni Piccollo ang sariling kotse.