BS #1: Egsel's Art Subject

Epilogue

"Why the fuck are they asking us to meet in a coffee shop? Are they serious?" inis kong tanong kay Justine nang makarating sa Cebu.

We are planning to expand our business here. Maybe build a hotel or a condo unit type of rooms for rent. I could've just let Justine come here alone, but I like to see things on my own. I have to make sure the pros are better than the cons. This is a rural place. Ayaw kong malugi. I don't even know why I considered this proposal.

"Kakabukas lang daw, sir. Kinausap nila ang may-ari na limitahan muna ang costumers sa loob hangga't nandoon tayo. Kaibigan ata ng isa sa board members natin ang may-ari no'n."

"Kapag masyadong maingay doon, aalis agad ako," banta ko sa kan'ya at naunang pumasok sa kotse ko.

Carcar City was a bit from from South. We had to travel for almost two hours. Good thing we were using a private vehicle so it was more comvenient and comforting.

Pinagmasdan ko ang paligid. It am quite surprised. I was expecting for a very old-like city. I didn't thought it could be this modern, too. Not that advance but I'm sure I can survive.

Pumunta kami sa sinasabi ni Justine na kakabukas lang na Starbucks. I can already see my possible business partner inside. I scanned the whole place and there were indeed a few people wasting their time in this place.

"Let's go."

Pagpasok namin, agad na tumayo ang limang lalaking naroon. Isa-isa ko silang kinamayan.

"Mr. Vargaz, welcome to Cebu," ani Mr. Yu.

Ningitian ko siya. "Thank you."

Pagkatapos magpakilala sa isa't isa ay nagsimula na kaming mag-usap. I was nice, actually. The place was quiet and the people inside were talking in hush tone. It was like they knew we were important people and they don't want to disturb our discussion. Unlike in Manila, this place was also smaller than the usual Starbucks space. The place smells expensive coffee and that is how Starbucks is known so I'll give them the credits for that.

I let Justine talk after they all present their proposal and suggestions. I was comfortable leaning on the back of my chair when thd front door suddenly made a noice. An indication that someone went inside. Imbes na lumingon ay nagpatuloy lang ako sa pakikinig kay Justine. This is what I like about my secretary. He's smart, efficient, and can be trusted.

“Nagcre-crave ako ng Latte Macchiato from Starbucks! Hassle kasi pumuntang city para lang dito.”

Nangunot ako dahil sa lakas ng boses ng bagong dating.

“Hindi ako marunong bumili. Ikaw na lang bahala sa order ko. Maghahanap ako ng table. Saan mo gusto? Dito sa loob o sa labas?” tanong ng kasama niya.

“Dito tayo sa loob kasi malamig. Sobrang init sa labas. The sun is burning.”

“Okay.”

Tumaas ang kilay ko nang makita mula sa peripheral vision ko ang pag-upo ng isang babae sa gilid, hindi kalayuan sa table kung nasaan kami. Nakita ko rin ang pagsulyap niya sa gawi namin.

I saw her face.

She has this innocent but fierce expression. Almond eyes, perfect eyebrows, cute pointed nose, pinkish thin lips, and a heart-shaped face. She looks young. Maybe 20? 21? Not sure. Her long, straight hair was on a tight ponytail. She was wearing a plain white t-shirt and a tight jeans. Her school ID was hanging around her neck which she removed when she settled down on her seat.

A student, I see.

"Are you still with us, Mr. Vargaz?" untag ni Justine sa akin dahilan para mapatingin ako sa kan'ya.