Because I Don't Love You

Chapter 29

Kalila's POV:

"The other person that you want to be accompanied with is.. Ms. Kalila Cortez?", rinig ko na tanong ni Sir Lucas kay Patrick nang makalapit na sila sa akin.

Tumayo ako at yumuko ng kakaunti para bumati sa kanila. They gestured me to just sit down kaya medyo nakatingala ako sa kanila ngayon dahil ang tatangkad nila.

Ibinaling ko ang tingin kay Patrick at kitang-kita ko naman ang malawak na ngiti niya sa akin. I just kept a straight face but deep inside, gusto kong sumimangot dahil sa narinig. 

Ako? Mag-aaccompany kay Patrick? Bakit sa dinami-rami ng pwedeng empleyado rito ako pa?

"I've grown to be a little bit more comfortable with Ms. Kalila when we met at the party. It really seemed that she's an eloquent person", Patrick grinned.

Nagtatakang napatingin naman ako kay Sir Lucas. Hindi ko rin kasi masyadong masundan ang napag-usapan nila. Seryoso lang ang mukha nito habang nakahalukipkip.

Sir Lucas seemed to notice my questioning look and faced me. "Mr. Patrick Alfonso Gomez is a trusted business associate of one of the well-known hotel companies globally. Right now, he represents his company, thus a very important client..", panimula niya.

".. He's interested in investing to one of our properties. But he needs to be introduced and demonstrated there first hand. As part of his condition, he wants to be accompanied by people whom he's comfortable with. He mentioned Ms. Mireille a while ago, but it seems that he also wants you to accompany him."

Lalong hindi ko maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman ko nang marinig ko ang pangalan ni Mireille. Hindi dahil sa ayoko siyang makita o makasama. Ang bigat lang sa pakiramdam na isipin na makikita ko na naman sila na napakasweet sa isa't isa.

Ugh! Nag-iinit nanaman ang dugo ko!

Patango-tango naman si Patrick na mukhang pinipigilan ang ngiti. Mukhang desididong-desidido na siya sa mga kagustuhan niya. Pero ang pinagtatakahan ko lang ay kung seryoso ba talaga ang lalaking 'to dahil hindi ko naman maalaala na naging komportable kami sa isa't isa.

Am I forgetting something here? 

Magtatanong na sana ako nang sumingit ang isang pamilyar na boses. "Good day to everyone.", saglit akong lumingon at nakita ko si Ms. Via na magalang na bumabati sa kanila. 

"..I can't help but overhear your conversation. In line with your proposal, I would like to inform you that Ms. Kalila Cortez still has a lack of experience when it comes to dealing with clients..", paliwanag niya.

".. That is why, I offer to come with you and assist her in this matter."

Tatlo kaming natigilan sa sinabi niya. Patrick was confused for a moment, pero unti-unting sumilay ang ngiti sa mga labi niya. He smiled in amusement. Hindi masyadong maipinta ang ekspresyon ni Sir Lucas. Hindi ko siya masisisi dahil kahit ako ay nagulat sa bigla-biglang pagde-desisyon ni Ate Via.

Grabe ang babaeng 'to! Pati yata ang CEO namin walang masabi sa kanya!

"This is not to doubt my subordinate's skills, but rather a means of guidance that will improve her future experiences", seryoso saad ni ate Via.

Sir Lucas stood frozen. While Patrick has a look of approval in his face.

"Sure! Why not, diba?", Patrick smiled.

Sir Lucas seemed to regain his composure as he stood properly and cleared his throat, "Aside from them, you will also be joined by some of the members of our company that will be part of accommodating you in the area."