He Married the Stripper.

For a Moment.

---NATHAN---

I finally got up off my chair, stretched my whole body, and looked out the window. Of course, it's already dark. How long have I been at my desk working? I looked at my watch and saw it was past 7 pm already. No wonder I'm feeling a little nauseous, I haven't eaten anything since lunchtime. I looked at Roxy who was nibbling on her toy bone. I sighed, I'm 26 years old how did I end up alone at this age? Most of my friends are out there enjoying their lives and careers and here I am, working non-stop for my 'future family'. How am I gonna start a family when I'm not even dating? Maybe I should sign up for one of those online dating apps again. God knows maybe the third time is the charm.

"Jesus Christ! Am I seriously sad that I'm single?!" I sighed loudly. 

"Come on, Roxy. Let's go eat." I said as I grabbed her leash and my keys.

I exited the elevator at the lobby and I saw Emily right outside holding some bags, Roxy saw her as well and kept pulling on her leash to get to her. I honestly didn't want to because I saw her three days ago at the hospital and ever since then, we haven't really spoken to each other.

I was working with the General Hospital's PR team and I visited them to go over a few materials. I was walking out to the parking lot when I saw Emily with an older man. I wanted to say hi since we haven't seen each other in a while and also because of all the places I'd see her, it's the hospital. I worried that she might need some help so I went over to where they are.

"Ems!  What are you doing here?" I asked as I waved to get her attention. She looked really surprised and it took her a moment to respond.

"Ahm... yung Lolo ko, sinamahan ko kasi may kailangan siyang gawing mga test."

"Oh, is he okay? Akala ko ikaw yung may sakit." She shook her head.

"Apo, hindi mo man lang ba ako ipapakilala?" The old man sitting behind her asked.

 "Lolo Erwin, si Nathan po. Kaibigan ko." She said, I shook his hand and said hello.

"Apo, marami ka naman palang gwapong kaibigan. Ikaw ba hijo, type mo ba ang apo ko? Yung isa kasing pinakilala niya kanina, ang gusto daw yung unico hijo namin." I was taken aback by his question and I looked at Emily for help.

"Lolo! Nakakahiya po sa kaibigan ko. Nathan, mauna na kami ha baka kasi hinahanap na kami sa loob." she quickly said their goodbyes and I just unconsciously waved at them.

I still wonder why he asked me that and I chalked it up to maybe he has dementia and he just forgot that her granddaughter's already married. I mean why else would he not know. I decided to approach her since Roxy's tugging at her leash already, she immediately bounded up to her, wagging her tail and barking once to get her attention.

"Hi Roxy! How have you been?!" She said as she kneeled to pet my overeager monster of a pup.

"How are you, Em?" I asked as she stood back up.

"I'm good. Ahm... about the other day... I'm sorry about Lolo. He just... gets confused sometimes." She said awkwardly.

"That's okay. It's understandable since may sakit sya. How is he anyway?" 

"Oh ahm... Marami siyang kelangang tests na gawin pero over all okay naman siya."

"If you need help you can always ask me. Although knowing who you're married to, he can probably help you more than I do." I joked.  

"Nandito na si John." She said as a black car stopped in front of us and I recognize John as their driver and assistant I gave him a wave and said goodbye to both of them, I stopped to check my phone before leaving.