NAKAUPO SI RENANTE SA GILID NG KANYANG DESK. His hair was damp, slicked back with stray strands falling over his left eyebrow. Light brown ang kanyang leather boat shoes.Naka-puting slacks siya at white vertical-striped na button-down short-sleeved orange polo. Naiwang nakabukas ang kanyang laptop habang iniisa-isa ang naka-metal ringbound na compilation ng mga invoices at shipment documents. He was reviewing and comparing the changes in fees, lalo na iyong mga dumadaan sa overseas na mga cargo.

Hindi pa tapos si Renante sa ginagawa pero tumigil siya para abutin ang smartphone malapit sa kanyang laptop. He checked for replies from Stacey. Lalong bumagsak ang kanyang mga balikat nang makitang wala pa.

He began to wonder. Kumusta kaya ang biyahe nito? Hindi pa ba ito nakararating sa Gallardo Wears? Masyado bang matindi ang traffic?

Nakapag-almusal kaya si Stacey? Hindi niya sigurado dahil wala siyang nakitang hugasin sa lababo. Walang nadagdag sa basurahan na anumang kalat. He figured, she had breakfast somewhere else. Bakit? Para hindi niya ito maabutan pagkagising niya.

She had every reason to be upset with him.

Tama nga namang naging unfair siya rito. All this time, he was helping her alleviate her fear of telling the truth. Pagkatapos, siya pa itong nagpakita sa kanya na takot din sabihin ang katotohanan dito. Renante knew that there was a difference between lying and keeping a secret. But once asked about it and one chose to keep their mouth shut... that's where it starts getting confusing. Is he lying to her at this rate? Or is this still considered as keeping a secret?

Ayaw niyang sabihin kay Stacey ang tungkol sa lamat sa pagitan ng kanilang mga ina-- ang buong istorya sa likod nito...

But after what happened last night, after hearing all the things Stacey said, Renante gained the confidence that knowing the truth won't make her leave him. But, the most suspenseful part of the revelation is not the revelation itself-- it's the questions that will come after it.

Siguradong tatanungin siya ni Stacey kung kailan pa niya alam ang tungkol sa kanilang mga nanay. Sa oras na malaman ng girlfriend niya na alam na niya ang tungkol doon noong college pa sila, tiyak na maraming ispekulasyon ang mabubuo sa isipan nito. Looking back to their past with this additional information would breed a doubt toward him in her heart and mind. That will make Stacey question his feelings more. And he didn't want their relationship to crumble to dust to the point of irredeemability. He didn't want to risk it too. Lalo na heto na sila. Mas malapit sa isa't isa. Kaunting hakbang na lang at pwede na silang lumagay sa tahimik...

Hinding-hindi niya kakayanin kapag iniwan na naman siya nito.

Hinding-hindi niya kakayanin kapag naghiwalay silang muli.

Renante's thoughts were interrupted when he heard a notification. Mabilis niyang sinilip ang notifaction. It was a text message from 'Boo.'

Sa notification pa lang, nasilip na ni Renante ang buong nilalaman ng reply ni Stacey sa text niya kaninang umaga.

Okay.

Napailing siya sa malamig at tipid nitong reply sa kanya.

Of course, masama pa rin ang loob niya sa akin.

Ibinalik ni Renante ang smartphone sa desk at ipinagpatuloy ang ginagawa.

But at least, she agreed to have lunch with me...

Natigilan siya bigla sa ginagawa.

Napaisip ng malalim.

Fuck it. I'll just tell her the truth... and hope she doesn't ask follow-up questions.

Pagkatapos i-check ang mga shipment documentations, nakipag-usap si Renante sa Accounting Staff na si Ryan.

Ryan was fair-skinned with slanted eyes and had short-trimmed his dark hair. Mukhang mas bata pa ito sa aktuwal nitong edad na 28. Idagdag pa kung gaano ito kasimple manamit, kadalasan ay turtle-neck varsity sweaters, sneakers, at jeans. May ilang taon na itong experience sa isang insurance company at mangilan-ngilang freelance jobs, pero pagdating sa field ng kompanya ni Renante, bagong-bago pa ang lahat para rito. The reason why he opted for this promising accountant was not just for budgeting sake (because experienced accountants demanded higher pay, which is fair but Renante could not accommodate for VVatch's start-up). He also hired someone young like Ryan, because they were more open to listen and more likely to put into consideration what other people advices or someone else's input.

"Ryan," prangka niyang saad nang matapos ang maikli nilang palitan ng pagbati, "pagdating sa overseas shipments, unahin mo'ng magkumpara kung saan mas murang bumili ng dolyar-- sa bangko o sa money changer-- bago depositohan ang dollar account na ginagamit natin sa pagbabayad sa mga shipment ng materyales na galing sa overseas."

Ryan reasoned, "Pero Sir, mas mapapadali ang proseso natin kung babase tayo sa rates ng bangko, sabay sila na ang mag-aasikaso ng fund transfer. Mas mabilis pa ang gano'ng way, lalo na at may payment period tayong sinusunod. May chances din na mababa nga ang rates sa money-changer pero pagdating sa bank, mataas, kaya baka kulangin tayo ng mabiling dollar doon."

His accountant got a point.

"Well, I am just thinking how we can save more. Lalo na ngayon at delayed ang production natin dahil sa nagdaang pandemic at pagkakadamay natin sa mga restriction."

"Sir, kung budgeting ang concern natin rito, bakit hindi na lang tayo permanenteng mamili rito sa Pilipinas ng supplies at equipments? Ng stainless steel?"

"You see, Ryan, due to foreign investment restrictions here, local merchants overprice their items. Lalo na kung umaangkat lang din sila mula sa ibang bansa para i-resell dito."

I know, because that's what our family's company does. We manufacture steel, but to meet some deadlines and deal with unforeseen hike in demand, we purchase from other manufacturers and sell them at a higher price.

Ryan nodded. He looked away and became thoughtful. Nauunawaan nito ang kanyang concern kaya naman napaisip ito.

"Subukan natin this upcoming quarter, Sir." Ibinalik ni Ryan ang tingin sa kanya. "Kung mas makatutulong 'to sa kompanya, itutuloy-tuloy natin ang ganitong sistema. Pag-aaralan ko kung paano ito gagawin."

"Don't worry. I'll self-study as well. Inform me ASAP once you figured it out, Ryan. So we can talk about it," Renante finalized and politely nodded at Ryan.

Ryan also nodded. "Opo, Sir."

Sinulyapan ni Renante si Eloisa, ang HR Manager sa kabilang desk at kahati ni Ryan sa kanilang may kaliitang opisina. If Ryan was simple and very contemporary, she was simple but trendy. How she dressed up in that leg-length white A-skirt and tucked in oversized shirt reminded him of Korean streetfashion. Maayos ding naka-low bun ang unat at ash-blonde dyed nitong buhok.

Eloisa was doing what Renante assigned her to do-- draft some descriptions for their upcoming collection. Pag natapos na iyon ni Eloisa, isusumite ang mga ito sa kanya at pagmi-meeting-an nila ni Paige kung alin ang gagamitin para sa online shop at sa pagma-market ng mga relong ibebenta.

"How are you, Eloisa?"

Nagulat ito nang kaunti. Then, she looked at him over her shoulder and smiled civilly.

"Okay naman, Sir Renante."

He did an akimbo, studying her tensed shoulders with his eyes.

"If you need help, drop by my office. Or ask Ryan. Pwede mo rin tanungin si Paige."

Nahihiyang lumapad ang ngiti nito at tumango. "Yes, Sir."

"I'll email some links to you. Baka makatulong sa pag-draft mo ng descriptions."

"Thank you, Sir."

"I'm going," pormal niyang paalam sa dalawa bago iniwan ang mga ito.

Naglalakad na siya pabalik ng sariling opisina nang tumunog na naman ang notification alarm ng kanyang smartphone. That made him stop walking.

Sa una niyang silip, tumambad ang orasan sa lock screen-- magi-eleven na. One more tap on the screen and he saw a 'text message received' alert. Nauna siyang mag-tap sa screen bago naisipang basahin ang pasilip sa nilalaman ng message. Kaya bumukas iyon at nabasa niya ng buo.

The text message came from Stacey.

Sorry. Won't be able to have lunch with you. I'm having lunch with Pierre.

Naningkit ang kanyang mga mata. Ang akala ba niya, ipaglalaban lang nito ang rejected design proposal na Rosa Cobra? Bakit inabot na ito ng lunch sa Gallardo Wear?

Kakareceive lang niya sa text. If Stacey managed to spare a few minutes to type that, at this rate, she still has a few remaining left to answer his call.

Renante did a swipe in the speed of a lightning and called her number.

Saktong pagtapat niya ng smartphone sa tainga, nasagot na ito ni Stacey.

Nagpatuloy ang mabibigat at nagmamadaling mga hakbang niya patungo sa office niya.

"You're still at Gallardo Wears?" kontrolado niyang saad.

Nagtitimpi lang talaga siya. Medyo nainis kasi siya sa isiping tila pinagtatagal doon ni Pierre ang kanyang girlfriend. She might get burned out, trying to defend that fucking wristwatch design!

Yes, Renante.

He sighed heavily and shut the office door behind him.

"Bakit nandiyan ka pa? Ang aga-aga mong umalis sa bahay, ah?"

No need to be upset, okay? Wala naman akong scheduled appointment with Pierre, kaya dapat understandable kung paghintayin niya ako rito. He's busy this whole morning.

Pinaghintay siya ng Pierre na iyon nang ganito katagal? Ilang oras? Dalawa? Tatlo? At dahil sabay silang magla-lunch, malamang ganoong oras lang sila makapag-uusap! That would be around four to five hours!

"You left the house at around five or six, Stacey!" he blurted, standing in front of his desk.

Hindi siya umikot sa desk para makaupo sa kanyang swivel chair. Hindi niya kayang umupo. he just could not relax, knowing that Stacey was out there having a hard time!

Yes, pero around eight or nine na ako nakarating dito.

Napailing na lang siya. Mabigat ang hiningang pinakawalan bago nakapagsalitang muli.

"If that's the case, saan ka naghintay? Ano ang nangyayari sa 'yo riyan habang hindi ka pa kinakausap ni Gallardo?"

Sa hindi maipaliwanag na dahilan, nawala ang panlalamig at pagmamatigas sa boses ni Stacey. She spoke softer. Renante wasn't sure if it was her mood changing or her being lowkey so no one can hear her talking on the phone.

Nasa lounge area lang ako, katapat ng office niya at ni Cherry. Cherry's giving me some refreshments every once in a while, so don't worry. Also, there's a TV here and some Netflix movies. I'm fine.

Renante pinched the gap between his eyes. Mariin din siyang napapikit bago muling nagmulat ng mga mata at sinagot si Stacey.

"Pagkatapos ng lunch meeting niyo, dumeretso ka na ng uwi sa bahay."

Nanumbalik ang tatag sa boses nito. Stacey sounded defensive. Why would I do that? Diyan ako dederetso, so I can personally report what happened to our meeting.

"Malayo ang biyahe mo mula riyan papunta rito sa VVatch," mariin niyang wika. "Mabubugbog ang katawan mo sa pagod sa pagmamaneho pa lang."

I may be your girlfriend, but I also work at VVatch. I signed and agreed on the conditions in my employee contract, so I believe, I should fulfill my roles and responsibilities no matter what. Right, Mr. Villaluz?

Renante suppressed his desire to groan in protest.

"Okay. Come here after your lunch meeting."

Hindi na niya sinabi kay Stacey na balak niya itong yayain mag-cafe muna bago pag-usapan ang kalalabasan ng meeting nito kay Pierre. Mamaya na lang, kapag personal na silang nagkita.

.

.

"ANO ANG HINDI MALINAW sa statement ko that I am rejecting that design?"

Matapang na sinagot ni Stacey ang tanong ni Pierre.

"Hindi malinaw sa akin kung bakit ni-reject mo iyon just for those reasons that I read from your email."

Pierre stepped back and waved a hand. He did not seem the least bit bothered or affected with her guts.

Tulad noong unang meeting nito kina Renante, buhay na buhay pagmasdan ang binata. This time, his clothes were screaming in purple-- from his straight pants to his tucked in sheer button-down shirt with an undershirt in a lighter shade of purple. His belt was square and gold-buckled, his shoes were made of shiny black leather. Nakabagsak ang istilo ng itim nitong buhok na blonde-dyed ang mga dulo.

"Let's talk about that later. May Zoom meeting pa akong pupuntahan," anito at ibinaling ang tingin kay Cherry. "Cherry, pakidala lahat ng papers na kakailanganin sa meeting natin with Banga Productions. Paki-include iyong flashdrive ng powerpoint natin. They need to see the progress and some end products of the costumes they commissioned with us."

Banga Productions is one of the biggest production companies in the country. Blockbusters ang mga pelikulang inilalabas ng kompanyang ito. Milyon ang streams at laging trending maging ang mga series na pino-produce nito. Kaya hindi na nagtaka si Stacey na gusto ni Pierre um-attend mismo sa Zoom meeting kasama ang mga ito.

"Yes, Sir," Cherry nodded with gentle enthusiasm. At bumalik na ito sa sarili nitong opisina para ayusin ang mga dadalhin sa office room ni Pierre.

Pierre gave Stacey a side-glance. Bahagyang tumaas ang sulok ng labi nito.

"Lunchtime lang ako available. If you can wait that long, then we'll have lunch together and talk."

Iyon lang at tinalikuran na siya nito.

Hanggang sa sumapit na ang tanghalian. Medyo kinabahan si Stacey dahil si Cherry lang ang lumabas mula sa opisina ni Pierre. Sa loob ng ilang oras niyang paghihintay, na-obserbahan niyang ilang beses naglabas-masok ang assistant sa opisina ng lalaki. Minsan, may dala itong mga folder o papeles. Minsan naman, bote ng softdrinks o lata ng red bull.

Sinundan niya ng tingin si Cherry na tumuloy sa office room nito. She could see her moving through the glass wall. Huminto ito sa desk at may tinawagan sa telepono. Pagkatapos, lumabas ito nang walang dalang kahit ano. Hawak na nito ang seradura ng pinto sa opisina ni Pierre nang tumindig siya.

"Cherry," pukaw niya rito.

Cherry turned to her.

"Lunchtime na, 'di ba? Ang sabi ni Pierre, sabay kaming kakain."

"Ah, yes," bitaw nito sa door knob at hinarap siya. "Tumawag na ako ng food delivery. Kakain kayo ni Sir Pierre dito sa loob ng office niya. Mag-wait muna kayo ng kaunti pa kasi, mag-aayos pa ako sa loob."

At nagmamadaling tumuloy si Cherry sa opisina ni Pierre.

Kinabahan ulit si Stacey. Paano kung nagdadahilan lang si Cherry? Posible kayang may iba pang pwedeng daanan si Pierre palabas nang hindi niya makikita? Why was she even thinking of these worst case scenarios?

Nanatili siyang nakatayo at naghihintay pero nakaramdam din siya nang pangangalay. She was wearing this red top with corset-like style and a tight pair of jeans. Her ankle boots had thick but high heels. Kaya naman, napagod din siya at bumalik sa pagkakaupo sa leather sofa. Inilapag na lang niya sa kanyang tabi ang portfolio at arm bag.

"Ma'am," labas ni Cherry mula sa opisina, "pwede ka nang pumasok sa loob, sabi ni Sir Pierre."

Nabuhayan siya ng loob. Dali-daling kinolekta ni Stacey ang mga gamit at dumeretso sa opisina ni Pierre Gallardo. Cherry held the door for her so she can just go straight in. Ito na rin ang nagsara nito para sa kanya.

Nang ituon ni Stacey ang tingin sa harap, sumalubong sa kanya ang magandang view ng mga nakapalibot sa gusali ng Gallardo Wears. It was located in a quiet subdivision, so the sight from the three glass walls that surrounded the office were lines of houses, buildings and trees with hints of concrete roads peeking on every available gap.

Wala masyadong laman ang office room. Isang mahabang marbled white desk ang nasa sentro, swivel chair na balot ng puting leather upholstery at mababa ang backrest, at isang laptop na nakapatong sa isang laptop cooler. Two black leather-upholstered visitor seats on either front side of the desk were present. A black firm carpet filled the whole floor up to its four corners.

The room was so bright because of the noon sun and the glass walls letting all that light in. Dahil doon, bahagyang naningkit ang mga mata ni Stacey bago naka-adjust.

"Hindi ka ba nasisilaw dito, Mr. Pierre Gallardo?" lapit niya rito.

Pierre remained seated on his own swivel chair, slightly slouching as he sipped what's remaining in his glass bottle of softdrinks.

"No. I prefer natural light, that's why I put more glass walls here," sagot nito sabay muestra ng kamay sa isa sa mga visitor seat. "We're having lunch here. We just have to wait for the delivery so, have a seat."

Tumalima siya. Ikinandong niya ang arm bag at inipit sa pagitan niya at ng upuan ang porfolio na dala.

Pierre stared at her and cocked his head to the side. Iyon ang nasaktuhan ni Stacey nang iangat ang tingin dito.

"You know, I could have just insisted that you should leave earlier, but I didn't."

"And why is that?" Tumaas ang sulok ng kanyang labi. "Dahil ba nalaman mong nanggaling tayo sa parehong college school?"

"I'm just astounded," tumuwid ito ng upo, mapaglaro ang ngiti sa mga labi. "Astounded with your stubborness!"

Wow. That sarcasm. Pierre did not even bother to be subtle about it.

Suddenly, his smile changed. It became some sort of a knowing, teasing kind. Lumapat muli ang likuran nito sa sandalan ng kinauupuan. His hand slightly rocked, carefully swinging the bottle he was holding.

"Is that the same stubborness that made you have the heart of a Villaluz, Stacey Vauergard?"

"Why? Do you wish you have the same stubborness too?" ngiti niya rito.

Napatitig sa kanya si Pierre. Ilang segundo pa at nangingiting nagpaikot ito ng mga mata.

"Oh, let's just get this over with. Para pagdating ng pagkain, kakain na lang ako," tuwid ulit nito ng upo at inilapag sa isang sulok ng desk ang bote. "What's with this Rosa Cobra design? Why are you forcing me to include it in the production? Are you not aware of the signed papers and the listed items there? Hindi ba, naghahabol kayo ng deadline? Why make it so complicated to the point we will have to revise our agreement?"

"There's no need to revise. We just have to sign a new one, a contract exclusively for the production of Rosa Cobra."

Nangingiting napailing ito. Tila hindi makapaniwala sa diskarte niya.

"Why insist on this design? Because the famous YouTuber, Paige Uychengco, designed it?"

"Yes," she smiled with pride. "A famous YouTuber and our company's in-house designer."

"Kompleto na ang materyales. Sapat na iyon para sa production ng napagkasunduang designs."

"Talaga? Sakto? I don't think you won't consider adding a little excess with the supplies, just in case of factory errors, you know," she smirked and rested her back against her seat.

Naningkit ang mga mata ni Pierre. "If ever there's a little extra on our supplies, I don't think, sasapat iyon para mapantayan ang quantity ng iba pang designs na mapo-produce."

"It doesn't matter." Stacey was cool and confident. "As I said on my proposal, pang-limited edition ang Rosa Cobra. That's why the pricing will be expensive as well."

That made Pierre sit back and carefully scan her with his eyes. He nodded to himself in reluctant approval.

"You're nodding. Does this mean, we have a deal?"

Napabuntonghininga ito. "I don't really mix personal matters with business operations but..."

Kumunot ang noo niya. Personal matter? What does he mean with that?

Tumayo si Pierre at naeskandalo siya sa sunod nitong ginawa.

He was starting to unbutton his shirt!