Taming the Vampire

SIDE STORY FOUR

A X E L

"Akala ko ba franchise lang ito, bakit ang laki naman ata?"

"It's fine. Let's say that it's the main branch in your country."

"Colleen, you don't sound like a businessperson now."

"Uhm, you can just treat it as a farewell gift, brother."

"Seriously?"

"Bye, bro! 'Til next time."

Nakaupo lang ako habang naka-pamewang na nakatayo si Miller sa harap ko. He has his phone on his ears and his face seems unsettled. His brows wrinkled upward, eyes staring on nothing, as if assuming that the person on the phone is right in front of him.

Well, it's our first week in this under construction bar. Nagpabalik-balik kami rito to see the progress. Even when we first saw the establishment we both thought that it is indeed spacious. Yet, maybe because the space was yet to fill we shrugged it off. Inisip namin na baka lumiit ang space or baka tinasya ng architect ang mga gamit ba ilalagay. You know, establishment measurements (that I supposed I should try studying in my next persona).

However, today, the furniture came. The designer did their job and when we saw the final design in person we were surprised how still spacious it is. Besides, it's also only just today that Miller had the chance to talk to his little sister. That's why he was not able to complain about it straightforwardly.

"It's our fault for not reading the plan properly," I told Miller. "Your sister must be a billionaire to provide such luxurious business for you." I mean, look at all the furniture. Human properties have become quite more expensive as the 21st century passes.

"Of course, she's a billionaire. She has Dad's inheritance."

I giggled silently. Miller might look displeased with this gift but I know deep inside he's just shy to accept an expensive gift from his sister.

"Do you want to return the favor?" I asked.

He paused. He must be wondering what I meant but soon enough he replied. "Sure. Ano sa tingin mo ang magandang iregalo?"

"Pag-isipan natin 'yan mamaya. For now, let's do our job here, hm?" We still have to check the whole place. Didn't expect that it would take a while, because we did not expect that she'll give us the whole place.

To be honest, I was just trying to tease Colleen about the bar. And I didn't think Miller would like the idea of giving service. He had done that before so I thought he needed rest. Yet, when we came home he talked about the bar idea and how he wanted it to open near the Axellerate building. I was glad he's finally taking interest in starting his own business. I mean, if it's fine to him and he'll enjoy it, he can just forget about resting.

Miller took the initiative to look for a flat. Then the next thing we knew was that we were already consulting his sister. They talked online almost every night, four to five times a week to be precise. Miller was so hands-on. Until the first day of construction came. He said Colleen made the arrangements. She even chose the architect and the interior designer for the place to make sure that everything fits on their bar's theme.

While waiting Miller and I were busy with the entertainment business. He had to attend meetings and I had to sign mountains of contacts. We even have to arrange this free five days of the month so that we can visit the site and check it consecutively while its completion is approaching. Miller finished all the meeting, probably the last time he'll be held for too long. At ang huling pagkakataon din na makita ko siyang suot ang bugnutin niyang ekspresyon. He clearly hates socializing with businesspersons. And now, here we are standing in that very place.