Dumbfounded

The Dinner

Chapter 6

Prudence’s POV

“But why? I don’t understand, Sir” I said.

“Miss Fermantes, don’t get the wrong idea. I’m treating you dinner as an act of apology for what happened earlier. I don’t want people having bad ideas about me. Besides, this is still part of the job, you need to report to me, and I want it over dinner.” Right. Work. Ano ba Prudence? Imagination mo ha. Tss. Said my Inner Bitch. What is her problem?

“Right.” I said.

“So, will you come with me, Prudence?”  Oh, gosh. Is he pleading? A simple ‘sorry’ is enough, but can I take down this man’s offer? Free dinner sa sosyaling resto o luto ni Phoebe? I’d go with the former.

“Apology accepted.” I smiled. He gladly returned it.

We head to his car in the basement. He opened the door for me. He’s such a gentleman. He revved up the engine. On our way, we didn’t talk. I just looked through the window, aware that beside me is a glorious-looking man and he’s treating me dinner. As we reached our destination, I  looked at him wearily, thinking about how I look.

“Is something wrong?” He asked me. I looked at myself. I heard him sigh.He took off his jacket and handed it to me. I’m reluctant at first, but I took it anyway.

“Turn around.” He commanded. Huh? What’s he gonna do? I turnd away and gasp by the touch of his hand on my hair, I’m shocked. He chuckled. OMG.

“Relax, Miss Fermantes.” He said, he continued to work on my hair which he’s done into a beautiful French twist.

“Face me” Face him, I did.

“Thank you.” I muttered. “You’re most welcome, Miss Fermantes.” He eyed me then leaned in closer, he’s about to touch my face. I shut my eyes closed. He took off my glasses and then told me to open my eyes. So, I did. He gazed at me for a moment.  I felt my cheeks turn red-hot. Hindi ako sanay ng ganito. Ang gwapo gwapo ng kaharap ko tapos inayusan niya pa ako in the last minute.

I blinked multiple times at first. “I won’t be able to see clearly.” I said.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine, I got you.” He gave my arms an assuring squeeze. I nodded.  OMG. Hindi ko kinakaya. I feel like floating. Is he always like this when apologizing?

We head for the door where an attendant greeted us.

“Good Evening, Sir Collins, Ma’am. This way, please.” he said. Oh cool, napansin niya ako.

We were taken to our seats and I can’t help but to observe the place. It looks marvelous! The chandelier, lahat ng kumakain nakamoda. Nahiya tuloy ako. I see Marvel gazing at me. Lalo akong nahiya. First time ko sa ganitong lugar.

“Marvel! Bro, how are you?” said a guy in a dark suit.

“Hey Karl, I’m grand. You?” Marvel answered.

“Mighty fine, So, who is this beautiful girl?” He said looking at me. Me? Beautiful?

“This is Miss Prudence Fermantes, my…friend.” Friend? Well that escalated quickly.   “Prudence, this is my friend, Karl Berrenechaea, the owner of this restaurant. “

“Please, call me Karl” sabi nung guy. Cute siya, in fairness.

“Prudence. Pleased to meet you.” I said, extending my hand for a shake. Karl took it, and then kissed my hand, which kinda surprised me. I looked at Marvel, he raised his eyebrow briefly.