Love Business

xi

As they drove on their way for dinner. Audrey received a text. She was surprised and almost jump off from her chair as she heard her phone. "Okay ka lang, Audrey?" Patrick asked who was looking at the road.

"Yes, yes. I'm fine. Nagulat lang ako. Hehe." She immediately turned her phone to silent and read the message she got.

Audrey, anak. Basta enjoy ka lang. Nandito lang kami ah? Text ka kapag nagkaproblema. Mahal na mahal ka namin. – Tatay and Nanay.

She smiled while reading the messages. She's so happy that her whole family is very supportive even though it wasn't official yet. She replied.

She put her phone inside her bag and face the road, smiling. Patrick looked at Audrey who was smiling. He thought of asking why and spoke, "You're smiling." 

Audrey looked at Patrick in curiosity. "Who texted? I cannot interpret your smile."

Audrey laughs, "Ah, kasi nagtext kasi pamilya ko na mag-ingat raw tayo." She thought of asking him about this dinner. But she was a bit nervous about what will his answer be. She closed her eyes or awhile, opened it. The car stopped. "Bakit tayo tumigil?" Audrey asked in surprise

"Audrey, naka-stop light." Patrick pointed at the stoplight from above. She laughed in embarrassment. It was a long stop, she thought that this is the right time for her to ask.

"Patrick, may I ask. Is this dinner about work?" He didn't reply. But after some time, Patrick replied bravely. "No."

Audrey was surprised by what Patrick said. She was jumping in excitement but her face looked a bit scared. The green light lit up and Patrick drove again. They both didn't talk until they got to the restaurant Patrick loves the most.

As Patrick opened the car door for Audrey, he handed his hand and Audrey held it. "Good evening, Ma'am, Sir." Audrey smiled to the waiter and Patrick spoke, "Reservation for Mr. Lim," 

The waiter accompanied both of them at a garden. They were the only ones there. Patrick went to Audrey's chair and let her sit. As they both sat down, Patrick coughed while Audrey was looking from down below.

"Audrey, are you okay?" Patrick was a bit nervous by Audrey's gestures. He didn't get a response. He swallowed and started talking.

"I'm sorry if you felt uncomfortable after what I said. I know that it's not a good time but, *sighs* I don't want this conversation to prolong. (held Audrey's hand) I like you, Audrey. From the day we've met and for the past months, we've been working together. I have never felt like this, Audrey. Yes, I have fallen in love with some girls but with you, it is very different."

Audrey was really surprised right after Patrick told the truth. She can't contain her happiness but she doesn't want him to know. There is a part of her that she wants him to be her boyfriend right there and then but the other side says not to. She just looked at Patrick.

"It's okay if you don't want to say anything. Pasensya na at nabigla kita. It's just, I can't hide this for long, what I'm feeling for you, Audrey. Even if I hide this to anyone, they will still notice. I want to court you, Ms. Perez. Can I?"

Audrey smiled, "Okay, Mr. Lim. I am allowing you to court me."

Patrick stood up from his chair and hugged Audrey so tight. "Thank you so much, Audrey!"

They both laughed and started eating. Patrick was so happy and he cannot stop staring at Audrey while eating. On the other hand, Audrey was smiling the whole time. As they stared at each other, they laughed. After eating, Patrick invited him to go home. Audrey doesn't want to go home yet but Patrick insisted because Audrey's family is waiting for her. "Puwede bang mamaya na tayo umuwi? Ayoko muna eh." Audrey begged Patrick and he agreed.

As they went outside the restaurant, Patrick took her hand and intertwined it with his. Audrey looked at his gesture and smiled at Patrick. They started walking beside the bay. Their hands are tight with each other. Both were looking in different directions and happily thinking of the night. They sat near the seaside and started a conversation.

"Ang ganda pala dito." Patrick looked around and smelled the sea air.

"Hindi ka pa ba nakakapunta dito?" Audrey looked in surprise as she saw Patrick smelling the air. She almost laughed.

"Hindi pa eh. Madalas kasi, office at bahay lang ako." He stared at the stars above.

"Alam mo, nakakamiss ito. Ngayon ko lang ulit ginawa ito. Yung magmuni-muni at tumingin lang sa mga bituin. Hindi naman kasi kami taga-Manila. We just moved here. Ang saya-saya nga kasi tuwing gabi, kapag wala kaming magawa ng kapatid at bestfriend ko, nagstay kami sa likod ng bahay at hihiga, titingin lang sa stars." Audrey happily told him.

Patrick was just staring at Audrey. Looking at her beautiful face. He didn't really listen because he was distracted by the view he stares at. After she told the story of their family in their province, Audrey looked at Patrick and asked, "Nakikinig ka ba?"

He stared at her for seconds and responded, "I love you, Audrey. Let me show you how much I do." As he held her hand, Audrey doesn't know how to reply. 

"Diba nga pinayagan na kitang manligaw? :)" She smiled, hoping that her feeling for Patrick would not budge.

"I know. Hindi kita mamadaliin, Audrey. I can wait." Patrick proudly said. 

Audrey was shocked and asked, "Ako? Hihintayin mo? Bakit naman?"

"You are worth the wait." Patrick answered. This made Audrey blush which was noticed by Patrick. She smiled and said, "Ah, halika na. Gabi na oh." She invited him to go home and they walked all the way to Patrick's car.

It was a quiet trip on their way home. As they arrived at Audrey's house. She unbuckled herself from her seat belt and talked. "Thank you, Patrick. I really had a great time."

"Me too, Audrey. Thank you." He kissed Audrey on her cheek and she didn't hesitate. They both bid good night and Patrick drove home.

Audrey came inside her house and went straight to her room. She was relieved that her family was already sleeping. She let go of a tiny screech of happiness and jumped on her bed.

After freshening up, she texted Patrick who arrived from his house at 10:00 PM.

Patrick read her text. He laughed because his house is just a street from Audrey's. But then he replied.

She laid down on her bed and got his message. She replied and went to sleep.