If I See You Again

Chapter 24 Steven

Steven's Pov

I stood frozen in place as I hear Luisa spoke.

"Is this how a customer should be treated?" She looked around and stopped at the other table where a woman in glittering gown, shouting with richness by just looking at her jewelry is seated opposite an equally dressed man. Then turned to Courtney.

"If that woman over there happens to be in my position right now, would you do the same?" She pursed her lips for a smirked.

I can't believe I am looking at this version of Luisa Channel right now. Full of grace and confidence. Ibang-iba sa Luisa Channel na kilala ko noon. She was so introvert back then kaya iilan lang ang kaibigan niya. Tapos noong iniwasan na niya ako, tanging sina Penny at Marie nalang talaga ang kasa-kasama niya. I used to wonder kung bakit isang araw bigla nalang siyang umiwas sa akin. Hanggang sa mabanggit ni Yaya Madel ang isang hapong pagbibilliard namin nina Nathan at naabotan niya raw na nakapako sa tinatayuan sa likod ng pintuan ng billiard hall si Luisa Channel noon. Then I realized she must have heard if not partly maaring lahat ng pinag-usapan namin kaya siguro siya umiwas sa akin. Pero it was years back then already noong sinabi sa akin ni Yaya Madel iyon. I am here sa States na habang si Luisa nama'y nanatili sa Pilipinas. Ayokong mag assume that she decided to stay there for the same reason why she's  avoiding me. I wanted so bad to fly back and talk to her but I was not given a chance. And I heard busy din siya kaya hindi ko na ipinilt pa ang planong pagbisita sa kanya.

"Ms. Norman, were you not trained to separate personal issues from your work? Were you not taught on how to compartmentalize your emotions. That the moment you enter the door, no... the moment you step on this building's area, you are to leave anything, any baggage that are not related to your work." Bumaling siya sa akin.

"Now I don't really know what's the fuss between you two, but please have the decency to settle it somewhere else. Not at your workplace. What an example you are showing to your subordinates." Naiiling na turan ni Luisa.

"What is it to you? What do you care? Who the hell you think you are?"At talagang humirit pa itong si Courtney. Lahat ng punto ni Luisa ay bullseye na nga hindi parin talaga nadadala.

"Are you really asking me that Ms. Norman? Didn't I just ask if you were trained to call your customers inappropriate names? Tsk!" Bumaling ulit siya sa akin at naiiling.

"I am too disappointed Steven, how were you training your staffs here?" I could clearly see her disappointments. "I think I better leave." Naiiling niyang kinuha ang kanyang pouch.

Kinuyom ko ang aking kamao as I looked at Courtney with disgust. Pasalamat talaga siya at hindi nagpakilala si Luisa at sinisante siya ng di oras...

Pero akala ko lang pala iyon dahil bago tuloyang tumalikod si Luisa ay hinarap niyang muli si Courtney.

"You were asking who the hell am I right Ms. Norman? Well let me introduce myself to you." At para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig when I saw a ghost of smile from Luisa's lips. I hope I'm wrong.

"You see, I don't usually introduce myself with random people but since you're an employee here I might as well do..." pinabibitin pa talaga nito.

"My name is Luisa Channel Garcia Rodriguez. Restaurante de Lucha. Lu for Luisa and Cha for Channel. Am I right Steven?" At makahulugan akong tinitigan na nagpatango sa akin in approval.

Kitang-kita ko kung paano namilog ang mga mata ni Courtney hanggang sa unti-unti itong lumamlam at natubig.

"Oh, you bet baby, I am your boss' boss. And why do I care? Of course I should, because someday I might be handling this business together with Steven here, your EX-boyfriend?" Whoa! Isa is that really you? Am I really hearing you say those words?