When Things Fall Apart

chapter 40

“It's so nice to see you here, Mavis.” nakangiting bati sa akin ni Gen.

“Likewise, Mr. Bustamante.” ngiti ko at nakipag kamay sa kanya. Well, he owns an agency where I can hire bodyguards with licensed guns.

Dumiretso kami sa kanyang opisina para roon mag usap. He never expected me here. His office is very neat and spacious.

Mrs. De Dios asked me to have at least 3 guards since I am becoming popular. Mamà actually requested it to her and they both agreed. Kaya here I am, asking for Gen's help since his business is all about guards and guns. It was licensed and approved by the officials. Si Mamà talaga ang makikipag usap tungkol dito but I insisted since I am free.

“I can be your bodyguard, you know..” he chuckled.

“If you are serious, why not..” sabi ko at ngumisi. Mas lalo siyang natawa at ngumisi sa akin.

“I am serious.” he chuckled and opened the door for me.

“You are always smiling, paano ko malalaman kung seryoso ka ba talaga?” tanong ko at humalakhak.

“That's the strategy..” he said and winked at me.

Gen's 2 years older than me. He's the COO of his father's business. It was named Salvare. Their building has tons of guys who seems mastered every martial arts and defenses. Ang mga ibang mga artista at negosyante ay sa kanila kumukuha ng tauhan para sa safety at proteksyon. Well, if you'll see Gen, he's very fit and manly. Hindi ko pa man nakikita ang katawan niya pero sigurado akong maganda 'yon, sa hubog pa lang ng kanyang suit na suot ay sigurado na ako roon.

He asked to have lunch with him kaya hindi na ako tumanggi pa. He's very easy to talk to, palangiti at tawa. You'll never know that he's a dangerous guy.

“My parents worked in military before..” he said.

“Hindi mo ba naisip na sundan ang yapak nila?” tanong ko at sumimsim ng wine. He glanced at me and chuckled.

“I am a businessman and gunsmith..” he laughed. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil sa sinabi niya.

“You are kidding..” sabi ko at natawa rin. Umiling siya at ngumisi sa akin.

So he's serious? He designs and makes guns? That's amazing!

I enjoyed having lunch with him but it seems like we are the center of attention. Hindi ko alam kung ilang tao ang napaalis ng bodyguard ni Gen dahil sa pagkuha sa amin ng litrato.

“You are really popular now..” he said and glanced at the people looking at us. Mukhang mali ata na sa simpleng restaurant lang kami kumain..

Napatango na lang ako at tinapos ang pagkain. I thanked him for the lunch. Bumalik kami sa kanyang opisina para ayusin ang kontrata. Kinamayan ko siya muli noong natapos ang usapan namin.

“Thank you, Gen.” sabi ko at ngumiti sa kanya.

“It's my pleasure, Mavis.” he smiled back.

Hinatid niya ako sa parking lot at inantay na makaalis ang kotse ko. There's still a process kaya aantayin ko 'yun. He said that he's free, he gave his number to me for emergency purposes. He's a great guy despite the playboy look.

Bumalik ako sa Celestial at doon nagpalipas ng oras. Nakipag chikahan lang ako kay Berta at Candy na parehas na wala ring ginagawa dahil wala naman akong gagawin ngayon. Lie low muna para sa susunod na project..