My Playboy

Eight

Chapter 8           

Heart beats

Loise

Bumaba na ako sa 35th floor para masimulan na naming ng tuluyan ni Mariel yung project. Pagdating ko dun, nandun yung boss daw namin, “Loise! Come here, may dinidiscuss sa’kin si Chip about the project.” Chip? Ah! I remember, yun yung name niya.

“So what about the project?” I asked them, sitting at the couch kung nasaan si Mariel. Yung Chip nakaupo sa swivel ni Mariel.

“As I was saying, ‘Back to School’ ang theme natin for this month. You don’t have to worry about the models. EMA has many models, from infants to adults. You’ll meet the kids, which will be the models, tomorrow.” The Chip continued. I can’t help but stare at him. Right now, he’s not like the playboy I met, but a very professional businessman. I’m impressed, at the same time, intimidated. Gush! Sa kanya lang ako naintimidate ng ganto ha. “Do you have any question or anything to say, Miss Escareal?” that’s when I snapped back to reality.

“N-nothing..” Sagot ko na namumula. Leche! Did he saw me staring?!

“Okay, that’s all for now.” He said turning his back to us. “One more thing, we’ll be meeting the models tomorrow at the studio. I’ll just text the time and place to you, Miss Escareal.” He noted before leaving.

Humarap sakin si Mariel at, “OMG! May number ka ni Chip?!” she asked, halatang kinikilig. Napairap naman ako, “I don’t have his number! Di kami close no!” sabi ko habang padarag na tumayo at umupo sa swivel ko. I need to focus on my work!

**

Day 2 of this project and I’m looking forward to this day. I’m seeing the kids! Hihi. Tinext na sakin ni Chip – oo, Chip na lang daw sabi ni Mariel. Sabi sa kanya kahapon bago ko dumating. – kung saan yung place. 9AM pa naman yun. So far, 7:30 pa lang ng umaga kaya may halos 1 hour and 30 mins pa ko. Pero huh, parang familiar yung number ni Chip. Kasi parang nagtext na sakin yung number na yun eh, pero duh I care. Bumaba na ako,

“Hi sweetie! Goodmorning!” mom greeted me. I kissed her cheeks, sit down and started eating.

“Si Kuya ma?” I asked her.

“Naliligo na yata.” She answered with a smile. “How’s the project so far?” she asked trying to start a conversation. I answered her and continued telling about the work hanggang sa dumating si Kuya na nakabihis na.

“You ain’t coming to work today?” he asked me sipping his coffee. “Nope, sa studio daw kami sabi ni Chip.” I answered habang naghuling subo, and I’m done.

“How’s Chip?” mom asked me, smiling. I was taken aback by her question. “Nah, nevermind. I know you’re still not close to him—“

“Mom! She’s preparing. Loise, umakyat ka na. Mag-prepare ka na. Mag-e-eight na.” kuya said while glaring at mommy who’s grinning insanely, on the other hand.

**

We’re on our way to Makati. Malapit nang mag-nine but I already informed the boss that we might be late. Ma-traffic kasi.

“Wala ka bang dalang heels or flats? Parang ang casual kasi ng soot mo, a dress and sneakers.” Mariel asked randomly. I turned to her and, “Bakit? What’s wrong with these?” I asked looking at my Keds. Okay naman ah? She answered, “Oh, what’s my point. Nevermind. Go na”

Nakarating kami ng halos magna-9:30 na. May lumapit samin na isang staff, “Ma’am, kayo po ba si Miss Loise?” I answered, “Oo, where are—“ hindi ako natapos sa pagsasalita kasi sumingit na siya. “Ay ma’am! Kanina pa po mainit ulo ni Sir Chip! Hinahanap ka po” sabi niya at walang sabi-sabing hinila ako papunta sa isang room.

Kumatok muna sya ng dalawang beses bago naming narinig ang boses ni Chip na halatang naiirita na. “Sir, andito na ho si Ma’am Loise.” The staff said before pushing me inside the room. Doon, nakita ko ang iritadong mukha ni Chip – pero gwapo pa din, leche. Mas na-define yata ang panga nya na ngayon ay nakakuyom na. – hawak –hawak ang ilang papel na nakatingin sakin.

“Stop staring. Bakit ngayon ka lang? Ang tagal mo!” he exclaimed. Napaatras naman ako. Never in my life I get intimidated like this! Ngayon lang! Sa kanya lang. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat and answered, “Matraffic nga di ba. You think I’m lying?” I raised my brow at nakipagtitigan sa kanya. “Fine, let’s go meet the kids.” He said and stood up from his chair, dragging me by the hand. Dugdug. Dugdug. What was that?

**

“Okay, hi kids! I’m Ate Mariel and this is Ate Loise.” Pagbabati ni Mariel sa mga bata. They’re so cute! Nakakawala ng bad vibes. “Hello po.” They answered in chorus. Napatingin ako kay Chip na nakatingin din sa mga bata. Nung napatingin siya sakin, umiwas ako ng tingin. Shit! Strike two na ko! Lumapit na lang ako sa isa sa mga bata and asked her kung anong pangalan niya. Nakita kong lumapit din si Chip sa isang batang lalaki naman.

“My name’s Deana, you’re so pretty Ate Loise.” she answered me with a smile. “You too” I told her. “What’s his name, ate? He’s gwapo” she asked me pointing at Chip. “You like him?” I asked her, then she blushed then nodded. I chuckled. I looked at Chip and the little boy he’s talking to and they’re arguing about something. Parehas nakakunot ang noo nila eh. Lumapit kami ni Deana sa kanila.

“I like her! She can’t be your girlfriend. She—“ napatigil yung batang lalaki sa pagsasalita nang dumating kami. Tumingin siya sakin na namumula. I smiled at him, “What’s your problem, buddy?” I asked.

“He told me you’re his girlfriend.” He answered pouting, pointing at Chip. Dugdug, dugdug. Damn heart! “She’s my girlfriend, so you can’t like her. Besides, you’re too young for her.” Chip stated as if it’s a fact. Mas bumilis yung heartbeat ko. Is this even normal? Fck.