PINAUNA NI STACEY SA PILA SI PAIGE. Matapos nito um-order, dumiretso na ito sa isang bilugang mesa na pang-dalawahang tao, katabi ng isa sa mga pader ng café.

           Stacey made a to-go order— a sandwhich and take-out coffee cup. Hindi niya kasi masasabi kung biglaang kailanganing bumalik agad ng VVatch. Mabuti na ang sigurado.

           She tucked the folder and pink wallet bag under one arm. She held the cup with one hand and the other, her sandwich wrapped with wax paper.

           Tamang-tama. Komportable na si Paige sa upuan nito nang madatnan niya. Naka-stand na rin gamit ang leather cover nito ang dalang tablet. Naka-set up na sa mesa ang tall cup ng kape nito, at naka-platitong mocha cake slice. Stacey set down her cup on the other side of the round table. Tinabi niya roon ang folder na napapatungan ng kanyang wallet bag.

           Napataas ng tingin mula sa tablet nito si Paige. Salubong ang mga kilay na pinanood ang pag-ayos niya ng upo sa high chair ng bilugang mesa na iyon.

           Stacey pulled a smirk, meeting Paige’s irritated and puzzled stare.

           “Are you monitoring me? Then, what? You’ll tell the HR that I am strolling around instead of working my ass off?” anas nito sa mababang tono.

           “Why would I do that? Kung pareho tayo ng ginagawa ngayon?” unti-unti niyang tinanggal ang wax paper sa bandang itaas ng kanyang sandwich. Nang dumungaw ang dulo ng sandwhich, lalong nagkalat ang malinamnamn nitong amoy.

           Stacey took a bite, stole a glance back at Paige’s bewildered eyes before she bit off a piece of the sandwhich. Yumuko siya habang ngumunguya para damputin ang cup at sumimsim ng kaunting chocolate coffee.

           “I left the office to have some alone time and here I am,” Paige shook her head and swiped on the tablet’s screen.

           Nakapangalawang kagat na ng sandwich si Stacey pero kapansin-pansing hindi pa rin ginagalaw ni Paige ang pagkain at inumin nito.

           So, she took a break just to… do her other work? Stacey wondered, observing Paige. Inaasikaso kaya niya ang YouTube channel niya ngayon? Ang socials niya?

             “What?” irap ni Paige. She was obviously not comfortable at her company.

           Nilipat ni Stacey sa dulo ng mesa ang kanyang wallet bag. Binuklat niya gamit ang isang kamay ang folder at tuminto nang mapunta sa pahina ng disenyong gustong-gusto niya.

           “I like this design a lot,” sulyap niya kay Paige.

           Bagot na bumagsak sa pahina ng designs ang mga mata ng babae. Her eyes slightly widened, but her lips remained into its usual frown.

           “Oh, that,” she scoffed, then returned her eyes on hers. “What about the Rosa Cobra?”

           Binalik niya ang tingin sa disenyo. At saka lang napagtuunan ni Stacey ng pansin ang hulma sa bandang leeg hanggang ulo ng ahas. Pang-cobra nga.

           “What’s your inspiration for this design? Hindi kasi naka-indicate dito. Paano makaka-come up ng strategy ang marketing without a little info like that?”

           “That’s not Renante’s style.”

           Napaawang saglit ang mga labi niya. “What do you mean?”

           “Business is just business for him. Hindi na niya inaalam ‘yong mga inspiration-inspiration na ‘yan.”

           Binalik ni Stacey ang tingin sa disenyong nasa folder na kanyang hawak.

           “Then…” Nag-aalangan siya pero kailangan niyang maging matatag. “Paano niyo mina-market ang mga relo ng VVatch?”

           “Haven’t you tried buying wristwatches? Haven’t you see catalogues or brochures for luxury watches?” There was a tinge of exaggerated surprise in the woman’s tone.

Hindi malaman ni Stacey kung nang-aasar ba ang tono ni Paige at pinagmumukha siyang walang kaalam-alam, o kung hindi lang talaga ito makapaniwala na wala siyang ideya sa mga sinasabi nito.

           Inihilig niya ang ulo. “Miss Uychengco, I won’t ask if I already know.”

           Napailing ang babae. Dismayado.

           “Geez. Obviously, we keep it brief when it comes to describing our items. Since they’re luxury watches, it’s all about making sure that the client will see that alongside the exquisite design is this flexibility.”

           “Flexibility?”

           “Yes,” Paige looked more bored. Worse, trying to bear with her. “Why do people buy watches? They’re not after the sob-story behind the designing process. They are more concerned with the features, the aesthetic, the ease of use provided by the design. The impression the watch will make when worn.

           You don’t sell a watch by saying, it is made because it reminds you of that date in Paris or your honeymoon. Why would the customers care about that?”

           “Unless it’s a tribute collection o collaborations sa mga sikat sa pop culture.”

           “That’s an exemption,” Paige lifted her cup of coffee. “But not applicable with VVatch. At VVatch ang pinag-uusapan natin dito, Miss Vauergard.”

           She was satisfied with that. Nakatitig na ulit si Stacey sa disenyo ng relo. On the upper right of the page, a hand-written Rejected notation. It was written with red ink.

           “Bakit hindi pumayag si Gallardo na isama ang design na ’to sa mga mapo-produce ng collaboration ninyo?”

“Masyadong madetalye.”

“I see…” At sa loob-loob ni Stacey, sumibol ang determinasyon. She stared at the design, her eyes reassuring the inanimate image that she would make a way. But that’s the point. Mas mabebenta ito ng mahal dahil sa effort sa paggawa ng ganitong strap.

“Anyway, sa dinner this weekend, don’t act like we’re close because we never are.” Paige sounded aloof.

Nagtaka siya. “Dinner?”

“Don’t tell me, nakalimutan mo ang invitation sa atin ni Tita Luz?” Her eyes turned bored but her tone showed that she already expected her to be forgetful.

Hindi maapuhap ni Stacey kung ano ang isasagot. She did not receive any call, messages, or visits from Luz. Wala siyang kaide-ideya tungkol sa pinagsasasabi ni Paigem Lalo na ang pagkakaalam ng babae na pupunta siya sa dinner.

“It’s this Saturday at 7 P.M.”

Stacey promised to not make unnecessary lies anymore. Kaya lang, pinangunahan siya ng ngumangatngat sa kanya na insecurity. She automatically wielded her shield and defended her pride.

“Of course, I remember,” taas-noo niya sabay tuwid ng upo. “Nagtataka lang ako na alam mo. Invited ka rin pala.”

May natamaan yata siya rito. Gumuhit kasi ang pagkagimbal sa mga mata ni Paige. Napaawang ng kaunti ang mga labi nito.

“Tita Luz didn’t mention me?”

Stacey shrugged and nonchalantly resumed eating her sandwich. Hindi niya inalis  mga mata kay Paige.

Nag-abang si Paige pero kumain at uminom lang si Stacey. Binalikan din niya ng tingin ang disenyo ng Rosa Cobra.

“Kailan ang meeting niyo kay Cherry?”

“Cherry is Mr. Gallardo’s secretary,” may kaunting pagbibida sa boses ni Paige, na para bang wala siyang muwang sa mundo.

“I know,” a scoff was beneath her breath as she said that. “I was asking when will be Cherry’s next visit at VVatch.”

“This Thursday and Friday. Thankfully, wala siyang change sched this week,” napapailing na buntonghininga ni Paige. She remained poised, seated in proper posture.

“Great. Because I will tell her that, we need to add Rosa Cobra to the watches we’ll be releasing.”

“You’re insane,” Paige tipped up her chin. “The detailing of that design is hard to weave.”

“I know.”

Naningkit ang mga mata nito  “Overconfident much?”

Tumahimik lang siya. At tulad ng kanyang inaasahan, may gusto pang sabihin si Paige.

“Remember, Miss Vauergard, we will produce not just one item. This is not a limited edition kind of watch, too. Say, paano tayo makakapag-mass produce ng Rosa Cobra kung handwoven ang proseso sa straps niya?” Paige cocked her head to the side, unimpressed but stiff. “Are you thinking of programming a weaving machine for that?

Stacey sparked, alive with adrenaline. She loved proving people wrong all her life. The narrative remained the same when it comes to business. “We’ll have, at least, a hundred people focused on weaving this specific design. The rest will make the other designs.”

“Gallardo is only willing to assign two hundred of his factory workers to weave our watch straps  You will slow down the production of the other designs if half of these people will focus on Rosa Cobra.” Paige cooled down, her shoulders relaxed. Nakaisip ito ng pangontra sa kanya kaya bumalik ang pagkakampante. “Moreover, how patient are you to teach and monitor 100 people when it comes to that,” turo ng mga mata nito sa  nakatambad na pahina ng design mula sa dala niyang folder, “design?”

“That’s true,” dampot ni Stacey sa coffee cup. Napasandal siya sa kinauupuan. “This might slow down the production.”

Sumimsim siya ng kape. Behind the rim of her cup, Stacey sneaked an observant gaze at Paige. Tiyak niyang gagatong pa ng dahilan ang babae para baguhin ang isip niya tungkol sa Rosa Cobra.

“At naghahabol na tayo dahil pinatagal ang release ng latest watch models dahil sa shipping ng stainless steel.”

“But I guess, we can buy more time, while earning at the same time.”

“And how is that?”

“We have excess of those earlier watch models, right?” baba niya sa cup at binalot ng wax paper ang natira niyang sandwich.

“What about it?”

“Have you tried pricing them down?”

“Putting them on sale?” Paige gasped faintly, as if she said something scandalous.

“Yes,” ngiti niya.

“Are you kidding me?” iritado na ito.

“I am not.”

“They are luxury watches!”

“Exactly! Luxury watches. So, who are your main target market? People who can afford luxury!” Pinanlakihan niya ito ng mga mata. “By pricing them down, those with money will seize the opportunity. They’ll think they’re being wise with their purchase. At the same time, those who are not able to buy before might be able to purchase when we price down the watches a bit to meet their bracket.”

“That is not certain. Only an assumption.”

“But  here’s a fact, are not selling anymore, so let’s put them on sale.”

Pain slightly crumpled Paige’s face. Then, immediately transitioned into a cold, unfeeling expression.

“Mas bababa ang kita natin sa sale. That won’t help make the ends meet to keep the company going.”

“We’ll mark down prices but kill them with the accessory fees,” tuso niyang ngisi.

“Accessory fees?”

“Shipping fees. Bubble wraps. Special boxes. Customized packaging!” Kumislap sa galak ang mga mata niya. “The possibilities are endless!”

“You want us to trick our customers?” Paige was skeptical, squinting her eyes at her.

“My goodness, Paige,” napatingala siya nang mag-ungot. Binalik ni Stacey ang mga mata rito. “Kailan ka ba pinanganak? These are not tricks. They are usually called add-ons or freebies.”

Paige rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right. Devaluing my designs then making the customers unknowingly pay for something else with marked up prices along those priced down watches.” Mataman siyang tinitigan nito. Then, she scoffed under her breath. “You’re a monster.”

“Me? A monster?” pigil niya ang matawa. “Look! If I won’t do this, mga empleyado niyo ang magsa-suffer! You have employees and taxes to pay! You’re just being like that because no matter how hard you act like you’re cool and all that, you’re actually very sensitive when it comes to your designs. Right?”

Tinaob ni Paige ang tablet nito para maisara ang leather casing niyon. She was preparing to leave.

“Binabaan lang ang presyo at nilagay sa sale ang designs mo, nainsulto ka na agad.”

Napatigil ang babae sa ginagawa at tinitigan siya ng masama.

“Then, VVatch shouldn’t have hired an artist if that’s the case.”

“You involved yourself with business. You should have known what you have gotten yourself into in the first place.”

Her lips just tightened. Alam ni Stacey na may gusto pang sabihin si Paige, pero mas pinili nitong magtimpi.

“You can’t leave your cake here. I am not eating that,” she worried, but not really because of the cake. The cake was just her excuse. Inusog na kasi ni Paige ang upuan nito. She didn’t want Paige to go yet.

Hindi siya pinakinggan ng babae. Walang lingon-lingong iniwan siya nito dala ang sariling coffee cup at tuluyang lumabas ng café.

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“WHEN WE PUT AN ITEM ON SALE, Paige won’t get any commissions.”

“What?” gulat na bulalas ni Stacey.

She seated at the visitor’s chair in Renante’s office. Kakatapos lang niyang ibahagi sa lalaki kung ano ang plano niya para sa Rosa Cobra. Gayundin ang suhestiyon niyang mag-sale ang VVatch ng mga relo nitong hindi na maibenta.

“That’s our agreement. She only gets a share from the earnings when an item is sold in its regular price.”

Iniwas ni Stacey ang mga mata sa titig ni Renante.

So, that’s why she’s mad. Pigil niya ang mapasinghap. I thought, makukuha ko ang loob niya kapag nalaman niyang gusto ko masama sa collection ang Rosa Cobra.

Paige didn't want to admit it, but I sense that she really put her heart in that design...

That she made it with so much inspiration...

“Can I ask a… slightly personal question?” balik niya ng tingin sa binata.

“Yes?” relaxed nitong sandal sa swivel chair.

“I know that art, like designing, must be paid… must be properly compensated. Pero, si Paige— she’s from a rich family, right? So… money shouldn’t be a big deal for her… right?” She was both hesitant and careful with her questioning. She didn’t want to sound heartless or mean, but she knew her goal for being here. Iyon ay ang tulungan si Renante na palaguin ang VVatch.

Some sacrifices were part of a company’s growth. There were no shortcuts or exemptions from it. One day, it will be the CEO that needs to make a sacrifice. Sometimes, the employees or a higher-up like Paige.

“I don’t know,” Renante shrugged. Thank God, hindi minasama ng nobyo niya ang tanong. “She’s my brother’s girlfriend and very hard to see through. She doesn’t open up that much, so I cannot really tell. But coming from a Chinese lineage, we can only assume that handling their finances well is a pretty big deal for them.”

Stacey took in a deep breath. Blanko siyang nakatingin sa harapan.

Maybe, I have to get to know her a little more. I need an idea on how to make Paige, at least, cooperate with me.

I have to talk to Ronnie.

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RONNIE WAS LISTENING PATIENTLY. He sat in his office, replaying a PowerPoint presentation in his laptop.

His eyes were getting half-closed. Equally as boring as his powder blue suit. His flesh-colored lips were naturally curved downward. When his facial expression was in default mode, he looked as if he was frowning.

Malayo-layo ng kaunti ang kinauupuan nito mula sa desk. Patagilid ang pagkakaupo at naka-de-kwatro ang mga binti. Nakatukod ang siko nito sa arm rest ng swivel chair para alalayan sa pagkakadiin ng kamay ng telepono sa kanang tainga nito.

He had been listening to Paige’s voice for around ten minutes.

Ang usapan nila ng nobya, babantayan nito si Renante. Hindi naman naisip ni Ronnie na bawat kibot ng kapatid, ire-report ni Paige. He appreciated her passion and dedication to whatever was assigned to her though. That was why, he didn’t have the heart to xall her out for these unnecessary reports about his brother and VVatch’s activities.

But it was really getting too consuming for him. Lalo na at dumagdag sa mga so-called concerns ng VVatch, ang pakikisali ng girlfriend niRenante— si Stacey Vauergard.

Ronnie didn’t know what to think or feel about that woman. She was that woman he accused of lying to his brother for attention, but turned out to prove him wrong about that. He apologized for it, but the strange embarrassment and guilt he felt from what he did was making it hard for Ronnie to just let bygones be bygones.

As much as possible, he wanted to steer out of Stacey’s way. At kahit ikasal pa ito sa kapatid nito, magiging civil lang si Ronnie rito at hindi masyado makikihalubilo. He didn’t really care if that would make him look like he hates Stacey or what. Things were less awkward between them this way. Renante had less worries too, in this way.

So, what do you think? Pagtatapos ni Paige mula sa kabilang-linya.

Ronnie took in a deep breath, so he could reply calmly.

“Have you told Renante your thoughts about Stacey’s propositions?”

Not yet, walang buhay nitong tugon.

“Tell him first. After all, VVatch is his company. Nasa kanya pa rin ang desisyon.” Then he sighed. “I’m still in the middle of work, Paige. I got to go.”

Okay… See you this weekend then? Sa house ni Tita Luz?

Ronnie nodded. Tanda pa nito ang tungkol sa dinner sa Sabado. Kasama rin daw doon sila Renante at Stacey.

Hopefully, business talks would be set aside on that night. Ronnie was just getting tired of it. Puro trabaho na nga siya sa buong maghapon, hanggang pag-uwi niya, trabaho pa rin. Umay na umay na siya.

If only he could still talk to Soraia, the only person he could talk to for hours without involving anything related to business…

But Ronnie could only dream— of Soraia, of a family dinner that doesn’t involve business talks.

The Villaluz family was just strange. They knew less about each other’s personal lives and feelings, and knew more about each other’s businesses and careers.

Kakababa lang ni Ronnie ng telepono nang mag-vibrate naman ang smartphone nito.

He picked it up from beside the laptop without glancing at the called ID.

“Hello?” anito, tutok sa pinapanood ang mga mata.

Hi, Ronnie. This is Stacey.

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***

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AFTER OFFICE HOURS, nagpaiwan si Renante sa kanyang opisina. He reviewed everything that was done for the day.

Nakatanggap siya ng update mula sa e-mail ni Cherry na malapit nang makumpleto ang shipping ng mga items na kakailanganin para sa produksyon ng woven watch straps. Napamasahe siya sa sentido habang nagsusulat sa kanyang planner.

Ang bilis nila nakakuha ng raw mats. Posibleng lokal ang resources nila. If this is the case, Stacey’s proposition about the Rosa Cobra will be…

He sighed.

Bakit kaya gustong-gusto niyang maisali ang design na ‘yon? I am not satisfied with the reason that the design looks so good and can be sold expensively.

Tinuloy niya ang pagsulat sa planner.

Aabutin pa ng alas-nuwebe sa opisina si Renante kung hindi siya tinawagan ng guwardiya ng commercial building.

May naghahanap po sa inyo, Sir Villaluz. Guillermo Cereza ang pangalan.