FUBU

cuarenta y dos

Austin

The kick off preparations are in order. After every pain that we had to go through budgeting was gruesome. 

Now, everything is in order. The kick off celebration will be held in one of my father's hotel chain.

I turned around when I heard the door open.

Shane came in with some take out bags.

"Since you didn't go out, I brought food to you."

"You didn't have to."

"No worries. The ribs was just like heaven."

"Did she eat with you?" I'm talking about Sari.

"Yes. Just because I forced her too. I also have the receipt here. Just in case you'd like to include it in the company's expenses. I sure will ask for a refund."

"Sure."

She sits down in the chair across me.

"You guys finally done?"

"Yes."

"That's wonderful. By the way, I heard talks about this virus from China. Do you think it's just passing?"

"It's hard to tell. But I think we'll have to prepare for it as well."

"Sinabi mo pa. I heard its airborne and that it spreads instantly. I wonder if they found a cure already."

"It might not be that easy. For all we know, it's hearsay. Something that people exaggerate just to get attention. But I'd like you to tell me if this thing progress and if we need to be ready for anything."

"I surely will."

I sat back on the chair across her. 

"You still look decent despite the constant calls from your Dad and the many meetings you have to attend to. Except for a few stubbles right now."

"I try my best. How was she?"

"Alam mo, mas maganda sana kung sumipot ka din sa Lunch na 'yun. I would at least have the liberty to listen to how you two would banter."

"I don't even know if we'll banter. But the sexual tension will surely exist."

"Oh please, I don't have to hear that."

"You asked for it," I smirked, not apologetic of anything. "But seriously, how is she?"

"She's fine. You don't have to worry about her. Wasn't it you who said that she's quiet a strong woman? Your worry seems so out of place. Was this because of that call?"

My mind linger on the thought of that day she called. That night, I was with someone else, someone who was warming my bed. 

"Hey, let's go back to sleep."

"Sure, after this drink."

My phone rang and it very well displayed Sari's name. I hesitated for a while but finally clicked the answer button. I didn't say anything. I just listened. The first few seconds were a background conversation of her with someone. She's trying to figure out what she'd say. Then, her voice started to fill the call. 

"I.. I know its late. But I'm pretty restless right now." she isn't, she's drunk, I can guess it with the way she speaks.

"And.. and I know you wouldn't want to talk to me or anything." absolutely not, I have dreamt of talking to her again. 

"But I just want you to know, that I wasn't expecting to feel this feeling of missing you. But I do. I do." her pause was a temptation for me to finally say something.