Talk First, Think Later

Coffee and Elevator Rides

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic erupted in the country, Pia has taken to biking her way to the Senate more often than before. For her, there's something about it that clears her head and sharpens her focus - things vital to a productive day at work.

Plus, it shaved off at least an hour of commute time compared to sitting in the car all morning. It shaved off so much time, that she arrived in the parking lot of the GSIS building a bit earlier than usual.

Just after parking her bike and entering the parking lot elevator, she faced two bodyguards flanking Loren, who then stepped inside the enclosed space.

"Ang aga mo ngayon, ah.", Loren initiated. "May hearing ka?"

"Mamaya pang 1pm. Mas mabilis lang talaga biyahe sa bike."

The smell of fresh coffee surrounded them on their way up, one that Loren could recognize from a mile away. "Uy, is that the Antique Coffee I gave you?"

Pia nodded with a ton of enthusiasm. "Yup, pa-ubos na siya, actually. Saan ako makakabili?"

"Oh, don't worry about that. Kahit unlimited supply bibigyan kita.", Loren said. "Daan ka lang sa bahay this weekend."

"Ikaw talaga, you know the way to my heart.", Pia quipped. "Iuwi na kaya kita."

Loren let out a hearty laugh and found herself blushing furiously. "Grabe naman bumanat ito. Di na nahiya."

"It's just us lang naman, eh.", Pia continued, elbowing Loren's side. "Onga pala, mustahin ba natin ung mga nag-bet sa caucus the other day?"

It's a running joke among senators about whether or not Pia and Loren are on or off, to the point where some of them hedge their bets on how long this cycle would last. These days, however, they've managed to hit some kind of happy medium that works for both of them.

After a relatively long silence, Loren replied. "...keep them guessing. Let Risa distract them while we try to make this work."

A knowing smile etched on Pia's face. One thing she loved about her relationship with Loren was the mutual understanding one can only share after knowing a person for as long as they've known each other.

"By the way, speaking of Risa, we are going for yoga tomorrow morning. Want to join us?"

Loren brought out her phone to check her schedule. "Hmm, looks like I have tomorrow morning free. Game!"

Pia then typed a text to Risa, then read the latter's reply. "Oh wait, she wants to bring Leni along. This is going to be fun."

The smile on Loren's face wiped off and turned into a scowl upon hearing Leni's name.

"Loren, what's wrong?"

The smaller woman shook her head. "Not with you. Let's just say Leni and I have some history and put it at that."

"I actually don't know her that well, pero kwento mo na lang sa akin mamaya."

"Before you get any ideas, it's not what you think."

"That notion never entered my mind, thank you very much."

The elevator dinged, signaling that they had reached their destination. Pia gently squeezed Loren's shoulders and gave her a quick peck on the cheek before parting ways to their respective offices.

"Don't worry, kiss-proof yan."

"Ay, sayang naman.", Loren interjected. "Sige, bawi na lang mamaya after plenary."

"Say hi to Leni for me."

Loren shook her head. This woman really knew the right buttons to push.