Chapter 13: The Tavern
I pulled her into my chest so tight that I could suffocate her. She didn't complain. I even heard her chuckle as she slowly tapped her fingers on my back.
I felt so lost my whole life until now.
May tumikhim sa gilid namin kaya bahagya akong tinulak ni Celeste. There was a man wearing a polo shirt and leather hat on his head. Napatingin ako sa nameplate na naka-pin sa kanyang polo shirt. Glen.
"Nagdadagsaan na ang mga customers natin, Lady Celeste," aniya habang ang tingin ay nasa akin. "Siya na ba 'yung bago nating trabahador?"
"Pabalik na rin kami," tugon ni Celeste. "Mauna ka na para may mag entertain sa kanila. I'm sure parating na rin si Julie. Thank you, Glen."
After the man in a brown leather cap left, I turned to Celeste. Nakangiti pa rin siya sa akin. Hindi ko rin tuloy maiwasang hindi mapangiti.
"I assume you came here because you received my letter," her voice became so formal that it made me laugh. I don't think I've ever heard her talk like that. Kumunot ang noo niya. "Why are you laughing?"
"Nothing." I bit my bottom lip. "Yes. I received the letter. That's also the reason why I am here."
"Good." She nodded. "Spark and Fly Tavern is a newly established business. You will be paid based on your performance. Still, we have a standard minimum salary. You don't need to overwork, but just in case you want more, I don't mind."
Spark and Fly Tavern. That's really sounded like Celeste's idea. Cute.
"We don't have a paper contract, so I'm afraid I can't give you one," she added. "I am not into that. Loyalty and hard work. That's all I need from you, Mister..."
She doesn't know my name.
"Oscar..." I introduced my name as I extended my hand for formality. She held my hand back, and an agreement was sealed.
"Shall we go now? I will show you the tavern."
"Sure, Lady Celeste."
We walked through a busy street. Maingay at lahat ay abala. Maraming mga negosyo sa paligid. Nauunang naglalakad si Celeste habang ako ay nakasunod lang sa kanya.
I was smiling from ear to ear while watching her back. She's real.
"Anyway..." Nagkunwari akong nakatingin sa paligid no'ng bigla siyang lumingon sa akin. "Bakit ka nga pala umiiyak kanina?"
"Ano kasi...?" napakamot ako sa batok.
"You said you are tired. That's why I let you hug me." Napansin kong bigla siyang nahiya. "Did something happen? Kaya ba kailangan mo ng pera?"
"Yeah." I nodded. "Personal."
She nodded. Napansin ko ulit na lumambot ang expression ng kanyang mukha. Bumalik uli sa harapan ang kanyang tingin. Ang mga kamay niya ay nasa likod. Gusto kong hawakan ang mga 'yon. Ngunit pinigilan ko ang sarili ko.
I like what's happening.
Just like what Celeste has told me, her tavern was really small. Kaya may mga lamesa rin sa labas para mas maraming ma-entertain na customer. I saw Glen standing beside the door and talking to a group of men.
"Oscar..."
Napalingon ako kay Celeste.
"Yes, milady?"
Her eyes twitched as if she felt weirded out by the way I called her. I didn't regret saying it. I had to say it. Napangiti na lang ako.
"I'm sorry if I sounded rude to you—"
