We Inevitably (Book 1)

The Perfect Recipe for Disaster

"Ms. Cojuangco, I am here to remind you that we're still in the Philippines, so if you wish to marry your secretary in the near future you might need my help for the visas and migration papers..." Batchi said in an a-matter-of-fact tone before breaking into a feat of laughter when she saw the look on Althea's face.

"You are so caught up in your own sleeves of secrecy and privacy that you can't break your own façade, Althea." Batchi added in between laughter

"What the hell are you talking about Luna? Are you mocking me? Do you want me to cut your holiday bonus too? I'm sure Jade would want a 14th month pay if that's even possible." Althea said with a playful smirk

"You can't use that to me Althea, mind you; you know, Jade's keeping you in a genuinely good mood that you're smirking and joking with me around more often I'm actually liking it. Feels like the old Althea." Batchi said with a satisfied nod

"What's her secret? The breakfast? The notes? The street foods or the romantic date at Anton's Restaurant in broad day light?" Batchi asked more seriously

"What are you trying to say?" Althea asked faking innocence

"What I am trying to say is how are you going to justify all this attention you two are exchanging with each other huh?" Batchi accused as she aimed for the number 4 ball. They're playing pool on a Saturday morning.

"What do you mean justify? We're just enjoying our free time? And the lunch was my payment for the breakfasts." Althea side tracked

"Tell me Althea, what do you actually think about Jade? Stripping off her being your secretary?"

"She's nice."

"That's it?! She kept up with all your charades the whole month for 'she's nice'! Really? That's what the Forbes' number one richest Asian woman can do?! Ugh! You're a shame!" Batchi exclaimed with quote-unquote hand gestures before reaching for her iced tea.

"What do you want me to say? She's nice I mean it..." Althea stalled she doesn't want to be exposed. It's been a long time since she had a genuine romantic feeling for a person. And the last time she was in a relationship was - - Shut up.

"With all honesty Althea, don't you miss the feeling of being in loved and being loved? Jade is definitely an open book you know? Don't tell me you don't see it?"

Althea was silent for a moment; she's asking herself if she really doesn't see Jade's advances or if she's just not taking them as serious as Batchi says it is or maybe she's just too scared still.

"Your last real relationship was ages ago Althea, I mean Benjamin isn't counted right? He's a decoy. And I'm sure you've moved on from what Ali did right?" Batchi cautiously said

"I know Batchi. And stop telling me about Ali."

"Then why are you holding back from opening yourself up to Jade?"

"What would the board think and say about me getting into my secretary's pants huh?"

"To hell with what they have to say?"

"What would the media say? Would Forbes be liberated enough to interview the first Filipina on their list who's also openly gay?"

"Why are you so worried about the media and all its propaganda? Opening up to Jade and giving you both a chance doesn't mean you need to get everybody's attention to it. You're a private person right? Then go private with Jade, that's all I'm saying."

"Whatever Luna, you're so caught up with my love life, why aren't looking for your own?"

"Finding love's easy for me, but not for you. So I made a vow to Tita Agnes that I'll hook you up first before I get on my own boat." Batchi playfully answered as Althea finished the 8-ball game.