Behind the Barriers

03

03

Kunot-noo ko siyang tiningnan. I just stood still, until Atty. Perez walked towards me.

I realized how ugly I might looked with my strained make up and teary eyes. For sure, hindi ako kaaya-ayang tingnan ngayon. Kaya naman nag-iwas ako ng tingin. I have no energy to entertain him.

"Heto," aniya at naglahad ng panyo.

I looked at it with a scowling face. Kinuha ko iyon at kaagad na ginamit upang punasan ang mukha. I was aware that he was watching every move I made, so it's very awkward.

"Ayos ka lang?" aniya.

"Sa tingin mo ba ayos lang ako?"

He pursed his lips.

"And what are you doing here, by the way?"

"I had a meeting around the area and heard someone shouting."

I rolled my eyes. "Probably, you're stalking me."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Hindi ako stalker, Ms. Martinez."

"Whatever."

Atty. Perez's toned biceps were visible in his white polo shirt. Sobrang iba niya kapag hindi naka-formal wear. Ang comfy niya tingnan. Still, he still had that sleepy eyes.

Bumuntong-hininga ako at nag-iwas ng tingin. I don't want to go home yet. I'll probably get stressed. Kaya tumingin ulit ako sa kanya.

"Are you free?"

Tumingin siya sa kanyang wristwatch. "I think so."

"Nag-dinner ka na ba? Kasi ako wala pa. And I really want a company right now, Atty. Perez. So join me."

He licked his lower lips, forming an amused smile. Gusto ko sa tuwing ngumingiti siya. Pansin ko kasi na palagi siyang nakasimangot. He could really pass a bachelor hottie if it weren't for his frown that resembles a serial killer.

"Consider this as client-lawyer appointment. Magkano ba ang oras mo? I can pay you."

Umiling siya. "No need."

"K."

Naglakad na ako patungo sa sasakyan. Tumingin pa ako sa likuran para i-check kung nakasunod ba siya sa 'kin. I unlocked the car and went to the driver seat. Itinapon ko ang bag sa likuran. Si Atty. Perez naman ay nagtungo na rin sa passenger seat.

His strong, manly perfume occupied my car. Hindi naman ako nagrereklamo kasi ang bango niya.

"Do you eat seafood?" tanong ko nang magmaneho na.

"Yes."

"Ay, hindi. Let's eat something grand tonight. Gusto kong mag-celebrate."

Mapait akong ngumiti nang maalala ang nangyari kanina. Everytime I remember Charlotte's face, I felt the urge to kick something. Nakakainis siya!

Balita ko ay baon na raw siya sa utang. And she still has that annoying, superior face!

"Are you sane to drive?" tanong ng kasama ko. "Para kasing may papatayin ka."

"Mind your personal business, Atty. Perez."

"Just call me Cooper."

"No, thanks. This is a professional appointment."

Ayaw kong maging close sa kanya. First, I can still feel his touch around my waist. Ayaw ko kasi sa physical touch kaya bihira lang na may humawak sa 'kin. Second, I know he's just temporary. Pagkatapos ng deal nila ni Kuya, babalik na siya sa law firm niya at hindi na ulit kami magkikita.