An Everglow After Sunset

Chapter 23

Last week, I've met Joy again for the first time in three years. I treated her lunch in a nearby restaurant since we are only working for half a day. She told me her stories and the people I've interacted with in the farm. After a hearty meal, I dropped her off the building she's staying, Dioscuri Towers.

She's a grown woman now although she is still a bit shy sometimes. She's currently taking Business Administration since she wished to pay back what the Arceos has done for her over the years.

"Miss. Pinatawag niyo po ako?" tanong ni Joy sa akin, isang hapon ng Sabado.

Madalas na akong pumasok sa trabaho kahit na weekends dahil sa mga proyekto ng SRI.

Kailangan kong maghanap ng mga bagong furnitures para sa condo. Masyadong abala si Joanne sa sariling buhay niya para samahan ako.

"What's on my schedule?"

She nodded at me and opened her tablet. "At 4:30 P.M, you have an in-person appointment with Riwan's Furnitures and at 7 P.M., you will have a dinner with your family at Donya Constancia's."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, miss," tugon nito. Bago pa man siya tumalikod ay muli ko siyang tinawag.

"Ahh, Joy?"

"Yes, miss?"

"May gagawin ka ba after mo mag-out? Would you mind having an OT?"

"Not really, miss."

"Then, you'll join me with my appointment at Rowan's and I will just drive you home afterwards. Is it fine?"

"It's my pleasure, miss," she said with a smile.

"Meet me in the lobby. I'll just fix my stuff."

She left my office and we immediately preceded to the shop.

I will have my condo under renovation for weeks or months and I will reside with Joanne pero uuwi naman ako sa bahay ng mga magulang ko kapag naisipan.

I already consulted an architect for my plan. Everything's settled. Maaga lang akong naghanap ng furnitures dahil siguradong magiging busy ako sa mga susunod na mga araw.

After walking out of the VIP room of Rowan's Furniture, Joy called for the valet para maihatid ko na siya. I don't have a driver as usual, at mas gusto ko na ako na lang para may freedom magpunta kung saan ko man gustuhin.

"Sa dating building ba, Joy?" I asked as I pull the strap of my seatbelt.

"No, miss. I just receive a text that from madame telling me to go to Donya Constancia as well," she replied with a wide grin.

"That's perfect then."

Well, her grin felt a little weird.

Nakasunod si Joy sa akin nang pumasok kami sa resto. Napakaganda sa mata ng kulay ng loob nito. As an interior designer, I approve with the designs, colors, and furnitures they used.

Malaki na ang pinagbago nito mula noong huling punta ko rito kasama si... Agad kong iginala ang tingin para sa mga kasama ngunit hindi ko sila mahagilap.

"Welcome! Malaus ko pu, Donya Constancia!"

Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko sa gulat. Ni hindi ako agad nakaimik habang si Joy naman ay hawak ang bibig, may sinusupil na tawa.

"Reservation for Mrs. Amanda Arceo, please," nakangiti ngunit pormal na tugon ni Joy sa sumalubong sa amin.

"And for Mr. Salvatorre," dagdag niya.