Two Less Lonely People (A JLC-BA Fanfic)

Chapter 10

The two months that followed were filled with bliss for Alex and Mina. Bliss doesn't even come close to describing how content both felt being with each other. Looking forward to their weekends together was the essence of existing each and every day of the week.

It was a Saturday and their afternoons were usually spent at the farm as per Mina's request.

Alex taught Mina the ins and outs of managing the flower farm. He saw Mina's enthusiasm in learning the cut flower industry and realized she was perfect to take the helm of managing it.

Alex saw Mina walking a client to her SUV after the farm hands had loaded the flowers she ordered for a wedding reception in Manila celebrating the golden wedding anniversary of her parents. "I hope your parents, especially your mother, will love the flowers." Mina told the lady.

"Oh I'm sure they will. The selection of flowers you gave me was a perfect mix, Ms. Mina." She gushed, holding both of Mina's hands in appreciation.

They both turned to see Alex coming down to meet them. "Thank you, sir for the free bunch of roses and lilies Ms. Mina made for Mama's bouquet." The lady said as she shook hands with Alex.

Alex smiled as he put his arm around Mina's waist. "Don't thank me, thank her. She practically twisted my arm until I said yes to the free blooms." The three of them laughed as Mina smirked at Alex.

"Thank you, Ms. Mina." She hugged her before taking off. "I will be calling on you again soon for flowers for the Rotarian ball next month." She called out before she boarded her car. Alex and Mina waved as the car made its way to the farm gate.

"Soon you will take care of the farm while I try to get back into law practice." Alex told Mina as they turned to go back to his office.

Alex was an associate in the law firm established by his father and his college friends. He was one of the top corporate lawyers of Santos, Rodriguez and Santos law firm until his hibernation 8 years ago. His new-found interest in building a future with Mina roused his passion to go back to the practice of his profession. He would start out as a neophyte lawyer again, preparing documents and doing the rounds of the courts. He was optimistic that in time he can go back to where he left off.

"Would you like that, Mins?" Alex asked.

Mina's eyes widened with glee. "Really, Alex? Can I really do that?" Mina squealed with delight as Alex nodded in approval. She wrapped her arms around his neck jumping with joy. "Oh, I would love to! I promise I will take good care of the farm."

"This is going to be a full time job. What about your work at Phoenix?" Alex asked.

"I will resign. I only took the job because I wanted to work closer to where Francis was. Besides, I'm bored." Mina replied.

"Ok then, so how soon can you start working for me, Ms. Carmina Reyes?" Alex said as he sat upright in his swivel chair folding his arms across his chest.

Joining in on his repartee, Mina sat on the chair opposite him and replied, "Sir, I need to tender my resignation with Phoenix and serve the regulation 30-days notice before I could start here."

"Good, that is fine with me. You can start on the 15th of next month then." Alex quipped still keeping up with the act.

"Ehem" Mina cleared her throat. "Shouldn't you be discussing my compensation package sir?"

"Oh yes of course. You will receive a five-figure monthly salary plus the usual benefits; also, a one bedroom condo unit at The Wind Residences with a beautiful view of Taal lake. You like that, don't you?" Alex said flashing his charming smile. Then he leaned from across the table and looked at Mina with an impish grin. "The condo package, however, includes the boss." Alex whispered.

"Ooooh, I would love that!" Mina cooed and they both laughed throwing mischievous glances at each other.

"Come here." Alex beckoned at Mina to come to his side.

Mina obliged and she sat on his lap. They kissed momentarily and instinctively locked in a tight embrace with only their breathing audible between them.

"I love you, Mins." Alex murmured.

"I love you, too" Mina sighed.

"I can't bear to be away from you Mina. Will you stay with me here in Tagaytay? I can take you to work in the morning and fetch you in the afternoon." Alex nuzzled his head in Mina's neck.

"Alex, that's a lot of work for you, coming and going. Mina replied and paused awhile before proceeding. "Besides, I'm thinking Tita Ching would not approve of me completely moving in with you. I swear she raises an eyebrow whenever I tell her I'm spending the weekend here." She smiled.

Alex suddenly felt embarrassed with what he just proposed. "I'm sorry I didn't think of Tita Ching and you, of course, Mins. I was inconsiderate and only thought of myself. I'm sorry babe." Alex apologized.

"It's alright, babe." Mina said as she planted a kiss on Alex lips. "I would like that too. It feels empty coming home on weekdays knowing you won't be there. Let's give it some time for my family, especially Tita Ching to adjust to our situation." Mina kissed Alex again reassuring him that all is well.

Alex responded to Mina's kisses with fervor. Oh, how he loved this woman so much! Alex thought. I cannot live without her anymore. He decided he will ask Mina to marry him.