Blank Pages

Nine

On Thursday afternoon, Richard leaves the office early so he can catch Maine before she takes off for the night from Coleen's store. As he approaches the store, he can see her through the window, and he slows down his pace and eventually halts just outside the door to watch her for a minute.

She is standing behind the counter, looking sweet in a pale yellow off-shoulder t-shirt that sets off her honey-colored skin. Her tempting full lips are curved in a wide smile as she chats with one of the sales assistants—Richard suddenly shakes his head. Just friends, remember? He admonishes himself sternly before putting his hand out and pushing the heavy glass door open.

Maine is laughing at something the sales assistant said when she sees Richard—that now-familiar musical sound echoing melodically through the small store—and a slightly uncomfortable expression spreads across her features, the laughter dying on her lips. The sales assistant immediately senses the tension in the air, coughs unconvincingly, and scurries off to the other end of the room, ostensibly to straighten out some crystal figurines on a shelf (which are actually already perfectly aligned.)

Richard clears his throat and nervously tugs at his left earlobe. "Hey," he greets Maine awkwardly.

"Hey," she says quietly back.

"Listen, gusto ko lang mag sorry for...the other night—"

"No, no," she hurriedly interrupts. "Ako ang dapat mag sorry. I shouldn't have...I think I gave you mixed signals—"

"Hindi, ako yung nag assume—"

"Pero ako yung—"

Richard puts a hand up to stop her, now chuckling sheepishly. "Wait. Let's not argue over who gets to shoulder the blame. Let's just say...there was a slight misunderstanding, but everything's clear now, and I'd like to start over if we can. Okay lang ba?"

She wavers for a minute, chewing on her lower lip. Then she smiles at him warmly and nods. "Sure. We can start over," she agrees shyly, and Richard breathes a sigh of relief.

"Great," he exclaims, grinning. "So...friends?"

"Friends."

"Thank you, Maine."

"No, thank you for understanding. And I really am sorry."

"Forget about it, okay?" He says firmly. "So I was wondering if I—as your new friend—could take you to see a friendly movie tonight? Sagot ko na rin yung friendly popcorn. What do you say?"

At this, she hesitates again. "Ohhh," she falters, sounding genuinely regretful. "I can't tonight. I—I have to be somewhere..."

"Ah sige, no problem. Rain check?" He replies breezily, careful not to show his disappointment.

"Sure. Thanks for the offer, though."

"Anytime." He knows this is his cue to wrap things up and leave, but before he can stop himself, he blurts out, "Malayo ba yung pupuntahan mo? Pwede kitang ipag drive kung gusto mo."

Maine pauses, tilts her head slightly to the side, and purses her lips thoughtfully. "Actually...you could come with me if you want...?"

He doesn't need to be invited twice.

**********

As they walk towards his car in the parking lot, he notices again how particularly lovely she looks, and casually remarks, "You look nice today. Bagay sayo yung ganyang kulay na damit."

"Oh? Salamat. I actually made this shirt myself."

"Di nga?" He is seriously impressed. "Wow. Painter, musician, baker, and now fashion designer? Is there anything you can't do?"