Built for Love

Chapter 39: Misunderstanding

Ashton Caesarea.

"You called?"

(Ash! Sorry naabala kita, importante kasi 'to eh)

"No, it's fine. Gigising din naman sana ako. Buti nalang tumawag po kayo, kung hindi baka natulog pa ulit ako." We both chuckled. "What is it that you called so early?"

(Uhm we have a client kasi— important client! Saamin sila kumukuha ng architect and we can't let them down. Ngayon, 'yung asawa niya na Hispanic eh ikaw ang gusto niyang kunin dahil kilala ka daw niya at mahusay ka daw na architect. Nakita niya lahat ng gawa mo and he's very impressed. He wants to see you right now, lunch time)

"Oh okay. Saan 'yung meeting place?"

(Are you sure about this, Ash? I mean, pwede ko namang sabihin bukas nalang dahil mukhang pagod ka pa)

"No, it's fine. Wala din naman akong gagawin ngayon. Like you said, he's an important client. Why would I even decline if they wants to meet right now. Tell them I'll be there."

(Okay, you know naman 'yung restaurant malapit sa building diba? Doon daw and I'll text you their number)

"Thank you."

Nag-hanap na ako agad ng masusuot. As soon as I heard that I have a client, biglang nagising ang tulog kong kaluluwa. Well, next week pa sana ang simula ng work ko pero I can't just decline them. Importante silang client sa company, I can't just decline them.

To Hugo:
Hey, guess I have work today and won't be able to eat lunch with you.

I sent the message immediately to Hugo. Nagbabalak siyang kumain kami sa restaurant ni Connor mamayang lunch pero may importante naman akong gagawin. Babawi nalang ako sakaniya next time. Right now, I have to focus on my client. I should show them good impression.

Since wala naman akong sasakyan at hindi pa ako marunong mag-drive. Nag-tawag nalang ako ng uber. Naka-ready na ako and I think I'm kind of overdressed but that ain't my problem.

Habang nilo-lock ko ang gate ng bahay ay biglang may bumusina saakin. Agad naman akong lumingon sa likod ko and I saw Clive waving at me. He's wearing a tuxedo. Mukhang may pupuntahan.

"Going somewhere?" Tanong niya at tumango naman ako. "You have date?" I asked back and he rolled his eyes while chuckling.

"Meeting, Ash. Meeting. Saan punta mo? Hatid na kita."

"Hindi ka mala-late sa meeting mo?" Umiling naman siya. "Medyo maaga nga ata ako eh. I still have plenty time to drop you off. Halika na."

I shrugged then went inside his car. Gladly, wala pa 'yung uber. I opened the app 'Uber Driver' where you can request a ride wherever you want. I declined it immediately before he can come here.

"Ikaw, may date ka?" Tanong naman pabalik ni Clive ang tinanong ko sakaniya kanina. Sinapak ko siya ng mahina. "I'm getting married, Clive! Are you that dumb? I'm not gonna cheat on Hugo. Stupid!"

Natawa naman siyang tumingin sa kamay ko. "You're getting married on a paper, Ash. Not a real marriage. You're getting confident with this marriage thing, huh? And where's your ring?"

Sinaman ko siya ng mata. "Does it matter? Just focus on driving, chismoso! Ikaw ba, anong meeting itong pupuntahan mo?"

"I don't even know..." Tumawa siya ng mahina. "I just received an email from Mr. Julian Palmer that he wants to meet and talk. Ayon lang, alam ko. You know him right?"