Basta't Kasama Kita

34

"Mr. Antonio, Mr. Valderama is ready to see you now."

"Thank you," Greg replied while standing up.

"You may go in now, sir."

Naglakad si Greg papunta sa loob ng opisina ni Mr. Valderama. Nadatnan n'ya itong nakayuko habang may binabasa. "Good afternoon Mr. Valderama."

"Greg. I'm glad you are able to come on short notice."

"I didn't have anything this afternoon so it's okay."

"Have a seat." Sumandal muna si Mr. Valderama habang hinihintay makaupo si Greg. Simula nang makuha n'ya ang mga litratong nanggaling sa private investigator na kinuha n'ya ay inisip na n'ya kung paano kakausapin ang binata. "Hijo, I want to be straightforward with you."

"Of course, sir."

"I want you out of our account."

"Sir?"

"I don't want you working with my daughter. I don't want you handling our account."

"But sir..."

"You let somebody else handle it or I'll be forced to completely pull out from the company."

"Sir, have I done something to disappoint you? I don't understand."

"No, it's not like that. Sa totoo lang I am very satisfied with the results I've been getting so far."

"So, what seems to be the problem?"

"Ayaw kong nakakatrabaho ka ni Lauren." Nakatingin lang si Greg sa matanda na hindi pa rin naiintindihan ang mga bagay. "Greg, I don't normally do this but I have to for the sake of my family. I have nothing against you as a person. I know you're an honorable man. Kaya lang gusto kong layuan mo ang anak ko bago pa maging komplikado ang lahat. Hindi man aminin ng anak ko but I know she's starting to develop a liking for you. At gusto ko nang putulin 'yun habang hindi pa lumalalim. We've been through a lot emotionally the past year because of the passing of my wife, Lauren's mother. I fear if she continues to work with you she'll end up more attached to you. I can't let her get hurt again... especially when she finds out that you are already with someone else."

"I see..." was all Greg could say.

"Ikakasal ka na pala. Congratulations."

"Thank you, sir."

"And I understand she works in the same company."

"Yes, sir."

"Pero hindi pa s'ya nakikilala ni Lauren?"