*****
The convo Jhake and Alden had before they got drunk out of their wits...
*****
Sabay silang napatingin sa kasamahan nila sa inuman. Kanina pa bagsak ang mga ito sa mesa.
"They lack determination," Alden scoffed and took another bottle of Pilsin for himself.
"Don't say that. Pinapahalagahan ko ang mga empleyado ko. They're not like us who spent adolescence through wild parties and hard liquors."
Alden smiled at the memories. "I almost forgot that part of our life."
"Probably because we have responsibilities that can't be taken lightly."
Alden caught Dei watching them with concern. "You are such a good boss, Jhake. Everyone in MUNDO likes you. I hate it."
Natawa naman si Jhake. "You should start smiling, A. It makes a big difference."
Alden immediately smiled at Dei which made the latter flustered. "Yeah... it does," he muttered, total amusement in his eyes.
Jhake watched what was happening. "A, hindi lang si Dei. Try smiling at everyone too."
"I own an empire, Jhake. Smiling will not intimidate my competition. Smiling will not make my workers competitive. I'm fine with Dei."
"You really like Dei, huh."
"Like?" he scoffed and took a swig of his beer. "Don't degrade my feelings."
Jhake burst out laughing his surprise from Alden's subtle confession and pointed at him like an ignorant kid. Halatang may epekto na 'to sa beer. "You... are... falling! Kris should be here and hear this!"
"Well, Kris is busy making out with his gym equipments," Alden chuckled and massaged his temple. Uni-unting bumibigat ang pilik-mata niya.
"I was actually worried about Dei. You don't do relationship unless there's something good out of it. I thought you're going to treat your relationship with Dei as just another business deal again. Dei's too pure for a heartbreak." Jhake muffled his laughter. "I have no idea you will be the one to fall first!"
He grinned. "Crazy huh. I did not expect it to escalate this quickly. Wait, why are you laughing? You should be mad!"
"I will not meddle on a relationship that seemed to go on an unbreakable path, A. Maging masaya na lang ako sa inyo. I'm sure you can lead her to a comfortable life than I can." Sadness silently crossed his face. "You know how it is with me..."
Alden groaned and tried to ignore the tiny pain in his head. "So I was actually being competitive... for Dei's attention... over you... FOR NOTHING?!"
He laughed. "I am honored to be the subject of your jealousy, A."
"I will probably kick you out of the country if it turns out that Dei has feelings for you."
"If it is, I will have to take her away from you."
"Subukan mo..."
Jhake grinned. "It's not me you should compete with A. Dei reeeeeaaaaaally loves money."
"Good. I have loads of it."
Jhake raised his bottle and Alden followed. After chugging down what was left in their beer bottle, Alden scoffed.
"You would think she'll start noticing me since I am a fucking billionaire. But look who's chasing who?"
"Give her some time, A. Don't expect her to do what you bid her to like an employee. She has her own pace and she always walks on her own path. Even as my secretary."
