RENANTE AND GUILLERMO USED SEPARATE CARS. They left the building after agreeing on meeting up in a quiet gastropub in the metro.

The quiet gastropub was dominated by polished black marble built-in fixtures— the bar table, the shelves, the corner seats and tables. Chatter, clinking utensils and glasses played in the background along with upbeat Korean songs. Thin smoke fogged the room, grilled barbecue meats and savory sauce could be whiffed in the air. Yellow lights came from the hanging tri-set umbrella lamps on strategic places. The brightest glow came from the bar area and its lighting that stretched parallel to the length of the table.

Overall, the ambience was warm and dark.

Renante and Guillermo sat across each other with a grill stove and two sets of Korean samgyupsal meal between them.

“She’s at home?” kumusta ni Guillermo sa kanya kay Stacey.

Si Guillermo ang nag-iihaw ng mga karne, si Renante naman ang panay ang kain. Guillermo didn’t mind though. He understood that between them, it was Renante who was tired and hungry from his overtime at work.

Renante nodded. Nanatiling seryoso ang kanyang mukha. He would grill Guillermo a little later, like these meats he was eating. But first, he had to eat. He picked up each cooked meat quickly off the grill using wooden chopsticks. Thankfully, he got used to using chopsticks. Sa sobrang hilig ba naman ng tatay niya sa Japanese cuisine. Noong nagtatrabaho pa kasi si Renante sa kompanya nito, madalas sila kumain sa mga Japanese restaurants.

Sa sobrang abala sa trabaho kanina, at saka lang namalayan ni Renante na nalipasan na siya ng gutom.

“Soju?” magaang tanong ni Guillermo. Nag-angat ito ng tingin sa kanya.

“Fuck. No,” panlalaki niya ng mga mata rito. “I’m driving! And you shouldn’t drink too. You’re driving.”

Guillermo shrugged. “A shot glass or two won’t hurt. Tried and tested.”

Then, the young lad returned his eyes on what he was doing. Pinanood ito ni Renante.

“You have been MIA for four years. What brings you back here in Manila?”

Hindi siya nito tinapunan ng tingin. Guillermo concentrated on rolling the strip of meat using chopsticks. Then, placing them on the grill. Iikut-ikutin niya ang mga ito. Ididiin ng kaunti sa ihawan habang niluluto. The meat would fizz a bit then smoke and be cooked

“I’m selling my properties one by one. That’s why I’m back.”

“Really? Bakit? Naubos na ba ang mana mo?” ngisi niya.

“I just want to have no more reason to keep coming back here,” makahulugang titig ni Guillermo sa kanyang mga mata.

“Does it hurt seeing your brother? That he’s a well-off man, legitimate—”

“Geez. I could care less about that dolt,” he gritted then shook his head. Mabilis na humalili ang ngiti sa mga labi nito. “He’s nothing. No matter how legitimate he is, he is still under my mercy.”

Inahon na ni Guillermo ang lutong mga karne. He neatly stacked them in his small round plate.

Now that Guillermo became serious, it must be the right time to grill him…

“About Artemia…”

Bumalik ang mga mata nito sa kanya. “She asked about Stacey. Kung ano ang nangyari sa kanya nitong nakaraang mga taon. I only told her what I know.”

As expected. But that was not what he really came for.

“And what did Artemia say… about the things you told her?”

What did she say about us? About Stacey and me?

A smirk lifted at the corner of Guillermo’s lips. His mischievous eyes stared off with his’.

It seems like, Guillermo also expected this from him.

“Well…” he closed his eyes, grinning.

His eyes narrowed. His voice grew stern. “Come on. Just say it already.”

Guillermo was not easily intimidated. He just answered because what else was the point of meeting up with him in this place?

“Well, she said something along the lines of,” he used a chopstick to pick up a lettuce and put in some meat, sauce and little garnishes before rolling it up with his hands, “not approving it but she has no other choice but let her daughter be.”

“She disapproves of our relationship?” paglilinaw niya.

Hindi umabot sa mga mata ni Guillermo ang maliit na ngisi sa sulok ng labi nito. Pagkangisi sa kanya, kumain  ito.

“Sinabi ba niya kung bakit?” Hindi na makakain si Renante. His stomach was already in knots at the suspense. “Alam ko may ideya ka. You won’t invite me here if there’s nothing intriguing from your conversation. I bet, you want to know something. Kaya inimbitahan mo ako rito.”

Tinapos muna ni Guillermo ang pagkain bago siya sinagot.

“Alam mo ba ang isyu ni Artemia kay Luz?”

“By Luz, you mean, my mother?”

“Yeah,” lumapad ang ngisi nito. It made him look like a goblin in the middle of his mischief.

“I know.” He admitted. For what was the use of denying? Guillermo probably already knew it before they even met in this gastropub.

Interest sparked in Guillermo’s eyes. He cocked his head to the side.

“And you still pushed for it? You still pursued Stacey?”

“Why not? Ang kasalanan ng magulang ay hindi kasalanan ng anak,” deretsahan niyang saad. “Whatever my mother did, that should not make me less of a person, right?”

“But the child should be accountable for it, right? The child should acknowledge what their parents did.”

“I can’t turn back the time and fix the damage that my mother has done. The least I can do, is make up for all of it if I am given a chance. I hope that’s the kind of acknowledgement you are pertaining to.”

“In your case, that’s acceptable. I am not sure with other cases.” At mabilis na kumabig ng ibang mapag-uusapan si Guillermo. “Alam na ba ni Stacey na alam mo ang issue nila Tita Artemia at Luz?”

He smiled, lowered his head.

“Hindi niya alam na may alam ako. At hindi ko rin alam kung alam niya ang tungkol sa issue na iyon. I don’t think we should bother about that either. It is useless. It has nothing to do with our relationship anymore.” Binalik niya ang mga mata kay Guillermo. “Nasa tamang edad na kami ni Stacey, nasa amin pa rin ang desisyon kung magsasama o maghihiwalay. At hindi nakadepende ang desisyon na iyon sa isyu ng mga nanay namin a isa’t isa.”

“That’s what Artemia also said “ Guillermo shrugged.

Nabigla siya roon.

“She said that all she can do, is hope, that Luz won’t do anything to her daughter.” Inabala ulit ni Guillermo ang sarili sa pagbabalot ng karne sa lettuce.

“Is that what you came here for? To warn me about how my mother will treat Stacey?”

Nagnakaw lang ito ng makahulugang sulyap sa kanya. Walang sinagot doon ang binata.

“No more other agendas?”

“My only agenda here is to do Artemia a favor. And if that means helping her protect her daughter, then I’ll do it.”

Renante’s eyes narrowed. “Why would you protect Stacey for Artemia? Trabaho ko na ’yon.”

“Malaki ang utang na loob ko kay Tita Artemia.” Iyon lang at hindi inalis ni Guillermo ang makahulugang titig sa kanya nang kumagat ito sa pagkain nito.

.

.

STACEY CHECKED THE TIME of the small clock at the lower corner of her laptop. Pagkatapos, iniwan niya iyon para pumuwesto sa tabi ng bintana. Tumanaw siya sa labas, pero wala pa ring senyales na pauwi na si Renante.

She lowered her eyes, blankly viewed the dry grass at the front yard and her red Corvette.

Nauunawaan naman niyang busy si Renante. She had been CEO of her own businesses for so many times. Alam niya ang hirap, pagod at malaking oras na ginugugol lalo na kapag nasa start-up stage pa lang. In fact, that was the main reason why through all these years, she remained fixed on Renante and stayed friends with Sondra, Kylie, Vernon, Cynthia, and Fritzie even if she never liked them that much. She got too busy with business she had little time to socialize and establish permanent friendships. She had no time to follow-up on the casual flings she had when hanging out in nightclubs with her friends.

Kaya nauunawaan niya… Nauunawaan niya kung alanganing oras na, hindi pa nakakauwi si Renante.

Nauunawaan niya kung nakalimutan nitong sabihan siya tungkol sa dinner invitation mula sa nanay nitong si Luz.

Stacey loved him through all these years. By now, she should have been more understanding.

Pero ewan kung bakit nakakalungkot. Bakit hindi siya binibigyan ng kapanatagan ng pagiging maunawain. Being understanding should give you a sense of relief, because you assure your heart that you know what’s going on.

But how could the heart be sad, despite of understanding everything? It should be only sad when confused.

Naiwang bukas ang kanyang laptop. Nasa screen niyon ang katatapos lang niyang draft ng formal letter na ie-email kina Gallardo. She would formally request to include Rosa Cobra in VVatch’s upcoming collection.

Hindi siya mapalagay kaya dinampot niya ang telepono sa mesitang katabi ng sofa.

Hello? si Luz, sa kabilang linya matapos ang ilang minutong pag-ring ng telepono.

May tamlay sa boses nito, tila naistorbo mula sa tulog nito.

“It’s Stacey. Sorry for bothering you… Tita Luz.”

Saglit na natahimik ang babae bago masayang napasinghap.

Oh, Stacey! It’s you!

She smiled sadly and nodded. “Yes po.”

What made you call?

She took in a deep breath. Nakakahiya pero, kailangan niyang makasigurado. “Kasama ko si Paige kanina. May nabanggit siya tungkol sa dinner this coming Saturday?”

Oh, yes. Medyo natagalan ito bago nakasagot sa kanya. I already told Renante about it. Hindi pa ba niya nababanggit sa’yo?

Hindi siya nakaimik.

Tumawag ako sa office niya. I told him, I want to invite all of you to a dinner. Me and your Tito Ronaldo. You and Renante. Ronnie and Paige.

Stacey could already imagine all of them sharing the dining table. Nakalatag doon ang iba’t ibang masasarap na pagkain. Wine glasses clinked and utensils gently tinkled as they laughed heartily and exchange conversations. She would be a little shy, but Renante would grasp her hand reassuringly then smile at her encouragingly. Doon na siya mapapaangat ng tingin at magkakaroon ng lakas ng loob na makipagkwentuhan sa mga kasama nila.

Luz was unaware of her drifting thoughts. Nagpatuloy ito sa pagsasalita.

I haven’t heard from Renante yet, pero umaasa pa rin ako na makakadalo kayo sa dinner. I hope… you called to say that you’re both coming.

Doon na bumalik sa kasalukuyan si Stacey. Nahihiya siyang aminin kay Luz na walang sinabi sa kanya si Renante tungkol sa dinner. Nahihiya rin siyang tanggihan ito. She was Renante’s mother. She wanted his family to accept and love her too.

Napapikit si Stacey. She wasn’t sure if she was just tired or scared.

“Pupunta po kami, Tita. Tumawag po ako para ipaalam sa inyo.”

That’s great! At sinundan iyon ng magaang pagtawa ng ginang.

Ngumiti siya pero alam ni Stacey sa sarili na sa panlabas lang iyon.

Deep inside, she was filled with more questions.

And fears.

.

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KAKAAYOS LANG NI STACEY NG KAMA nang sumilip si Renante sa bukas na pinto ng kanyang kwarto.

He was still dressed. Kakauwi lang nito at siya ang una nitong hinanap.

“Have you locked the door?” tuwid niya ng tayo.

“Yes,” his eyes checked her. Stacey was already in her usual house clothes, an oversized shirt and cotton shorts.

She hoped he liked what he saw.

Renante stared back into her eyes.

“You already had dinner?”

“Yes,” palapit na siya rito. “Tulad nga ng sinabi mo kanina, huwag na kitang hintayin sa dinner.”

He cupped her cheek and softly kissed her lips. It was swift. Nahuli ang pagdilat ni Stacey ng mga mata. Renante was already adoring her with his eyes, thumbing the side of her face.

“Good. Nakakain na rin ako. Don’t worry about me.”

Halata ba sa mukha niya na nag-alala siya para rito.

“Next time, hayaan mo na samahan kita sa overtime mo. Please,” yakap niya sa bewang nito.

His arms caged her.

“No. You can’t. You should be home on time. Para nagagawa mo rin ang mga gusto mo.”

Napalabi siya. Tinukod niya ang baba sa dibdib nito.

“Eh, iyon ang gusto ko, Boo. I want to keep you company on your overtimes. I want to help. I know how it feels to wrap things up all alone at work.”

Napabuntonghininga ito bago siya ginawaran ng mapang-unawang ngiti. He picked a strand of her hair that strayed down her cheek and shoved them behind her head.

“Ayokong mapagod ka. Ayokong ma-burn out ka. Who can I lean on to? Kung pareho tayong mabu-burn out?”

She copied his faint smile.

“Starting up is really tiring.”

“Yeah,” mas pinaglapit ng paghigpit ng yakap nito ang kanilang katawan.

“This weekend, let’s set aside work and relax a bit.”

“Great idea, Boo,” he smiled.

Nakatanaw siya ng pag-asa.

“I am glad you’re willing to spare some time this weekend. Nakausap ko ang Mom mo. This Saturday, samahan natin silang mag-dinner.”

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay nito. Renante was more surprised, never angry. But it still worried Stacey.

“Why? What with that reaction?”

“You’re fast,” tumamlay na ang ngiti nito.

Of course. Ako ‘yong magaling magsinungaling sa atin, ‘di ba?

Nalungkot lalo si Stacey.

Renante soothingly stroke the back of her head, his fingers through her hair.

But still, that gesture did not change how she felt.

“Did you say yes already?” patungkol nito sa dinner sa tahanan ng mga Villaluz.

“I can’t say no to your mom, Renante.”

“You can. We don’t have to go there if you don’t want to.”

“I want to.” She tried to, but her voice was laced with desperation. “Ayaw mo bang makilala ako ng mabuti ng Mom mo? I already had lunch with your Dad and Ronnie.”

“Yeah, but you know what happened that time.” Renante had been gentle, but recalling the argument they had after having lunch with his father and brother made her feel bad.

She lowered her eyes.

“Biglaan kasi iyon. Kaya siguro gan’on. They asked some things that you are willing to share while I am not.” Binalik niya ang umaasang mga mata sa mga mata ng nobyo. “This time, we’ll be prepared, Renante. So, please, pumunta tayo.”

He considered. It took him minutes of caressing the side of her face before he kissed the top of her head.

“Sige na nga,” hiwalay nito sa kanya.

Napasinghap si Stacey, hindi makapaniwala noong una. Mataman niyang tinitigan si Renante na kanyang kaharap pa rin. Wala na itong sinabi na anuman kaya sigurado na siyang hindi magbabago ang isip nito.

“Don’t worry, ako na ang bahala sa preparations natin regarding this dinner. Mag-focus ka lang sa VVatch, okay?”

Paling ang ngiti nito. “Don’t sweat over it. We’ll be just fine whatever we wear on that day.”

“We will also have to agree on what to let them know and what not. Your Mom might ask some questions.”

He patted her cheek gently. “I’ll freshen up now. See you in a bit.”

“Okay.”

Hinatid niya ng tingin si Renante hanggang sa nawala na ito at nakalipat na sa kwartong ginagamit nito.

In his absence, Stacey finally let her shoulders drop. He doesn’t look or sound excited at all…