Say Yes

45

Chiara

Days quickly fly and it was already mid week. My supposed to be talk with dad did not happen. Nasa Maynila sila pareho ni Ate Yejin. Our schedules seem not to fit, pag umaalis ako nandito sila, at pag dumadating naman ako, sabay nawawala sina ate at dad. I assumed they are busy for the final meeting happening on Saturday.

2 more days, at tapos na ang napagkasunduan namin ni Inigo na temporary work sa farm. Today, we were scheduled to meet Santa Isabel's Mayor.

Nainform kami ng Mango Association that one of their representatives, plus another from Department of Tourism, plus another one from Department of Agriculture already paid a visit to the Office of the Mayor. Most likely right now, the mayor and his 'friends' were discussing about their golf course agenda sa JCE, and how it would be next to impossible to happen.

It was supposedly just a meeting with Inigo, but I insist to join. Bilang hobby ko rin naman ang pagiging assuming, iniisip ko na baka takutin ni Mayor si Inigo, or iharass, or pagbantaan ng masama para iconvince siya na ibenta ang lupa. If they found a way to sabotage him before, I am afraid they would or might go on extreme levels.

"Do you really need to be here?" He asked me a dozen times already.

"Oo nga. I need to..."

Nakita namin na palapit sa direksyon namin si Mayor kasama ang secretary niya. We were advised they have a prior meeting, so we just stayed on the waiting area of the Mayor's office. Kumamay si Mayor kay Inigo, at sa akin sunod nabaling ang atensyon niya.

"Hija, nandito ka pala. May kailangan ka ba?" The Mayor asked. It was his usual warm tone, but I could feel he could be sly too.

Yeah, thats me assuming again. But I cant help it. Dad already warned Inigo about the mayor and his friends. There's something in me wanted to be protective of him.

"If you need anything, I could grab a few minutes from my meeting with Inigo, I think Inigo wont mind." Pagpapatuloy ni Mayor. Tinawag niya ang secretary niya, nagpapasunod ng meryenda sa opisina.

"We are here for the same agenda Mayor. I am joining your meeting."

The mayor was slightly surprised with  what I said, and Inigo gave him an approving nod. Bagamat nagtataka si Mayor, he still ushered us to enter his office.

We seated on a seem to be a conference table, Inigo beside me, the Mayor sitting on the center chair. We exchanged glances, and the Mayor broke the silence between us.

"Shall we start?"

🌳🐄🌳

Our meeting lasted for more than half an hour.

I don't consider it as a negative or a positive one, pero one thing's for sure, the Mayor is already on his acceptance stage that his 'dream' golf course within Santa Isabel and JCE is next to impossible.

Dumating ang meryenda na nirequest niya kanina, and all business talks were wrapped up.

"So, maiba ako. Were you two a thing? I mean don't get we wrong hija, I met your boyfriend on your dad's 60th birthday. Its just that, I am not getting a vibe that you were just you know, uhmmmm... co-workers?" Tanong sa amin ni Mayor habang hinihigop ang kape niya na umuusok pa. I looked at Inigo, silently asking him who would answer for us.

Inigo answered on my behalf.

"That night was just a misunderstanding Sir. The guy he introduced is her bestfriend in Korea. Apparently, gusto niya lang akong pagselosin."

Tumawa ng malakas si Mayor, habang pasimple kong sinipa si Inigo sa ilalim ng lamesa.

What? He mouthed at me.