Skipper

31| Morning Serenade

TRICIA

"Lady Tricia, the meeting was about to begin in five minutes," Laila reminded me then politely excused herself.

I took a deep breath and reminded myself where I am. I need to focus. I am Tricia, the businesswoman, not Tricia, the annoyed wife.

I looked beside me when someone placed a cup of tea in front of me. Nakita ko si Justin na seryosong nakadungaw sa akin.

"Thanks," mahinang usal ko at agad na kinuha ang tasa.

Kahapon lang kami nakabalik mula sa Pangasinan. Gusto ko pa sanang bumisita na muna sa bahay pero may kailangan nang asikasuhin si Skipper sa G&S kaya tumuloy na lang din ako dito sa AGC. Makikipag-dinner na lang ako kila Mommy at Daddy mamaya. Nasabihan ko naman na din si Skipper.

I raised from my chair then looked out the window. It was a lazy Monday morning. Hindi ko alam kung bakit off ang mood ko ngayon. Ang alam ko lang ay naiinis na ako sa sariliko dahil ang clingy ko na.

Maybe I need a business trip?

When I'm done with my tea, I went to the conference room. Nagpatawag ako ng meeting dahil kailangan ko ng update mula sa department heads. I've been gone for two weeks and so much can happen in the company within that time. Alam ko naman na hindi lahat ay kayang i-update sa akin ni Laila.

"How's your vacation?" Carrack smirked at me.

As usual, hindi ko s'ya pinansin.

"Oh wow. Ganyan ba kapag kinakasal? Pasungit nang pasungit? Hindi ba masaya ang married life n'yo?" halakhak ni Carrack at nilagpasan na ako.

Umirap na lang ako sa kawala kaysa ang intindihin ang pinsan ko.

Trey attended the meeting as well and he looks... mad?

Aside from Trey's crumpled face, the meeting went just like any other meeting. It lasted for hours and it was almost lunch time when it ended.

"Wanna eat out?" I invited my cousin.

Trey nodded. "I am meeting with Tyler. Gusto mo ba'ng sumama?"

"Sure," I replied immediately.

Mas mabuti nang kumain ako kasama ang mga pinsan ko. Hindi na ako sanay kumain nang mag-isa.

Trey drove the car for me. Sinabihan ko si Justin na kumain na kasama ang iba pa. He doesn't have to worry about me because I'm with Trey and his men. Kasama ko din naman si Trey pabalik ng AGC.

Tyler was with his wife.

"Hi! Long time no see," Cady greeted in her usual friendly tone. Tumayo pa s'ya at yumakap sa akin nang makalapit kami ni Trey.

I hugged Cady back then kissed her cheek. I didn't fight the urge to caress her baby bump. "Our little Amante," I giggled.

Trey pulled a chair for me then kissed Cady as well before he sat beside me.

"I hope you don't mind if I tag along with my husband," Cady smiled. Inalalayan s'ya ni Kuya Tyler pabalik sa pag-upo. I can't help but smile at my cousin's gentleness with his wife. He's acting as if it's their first pregnancy.

I shook my head. "No. I'm actually glad that you're here. Sumama lang din naman ako kay Trey."

Trey and Tyler talked about business while Cady and I talked about her pregnancy. It was over three in the afternoon nang matapos kami. Inihatid pa namin ni Trey ang mag-asawa sa sasakyan nila bago kami tumungo sa sasakyan ni Trey.

Orlon, Trey's head security opened the door for me. Mabilis na nagpasalamat ako sa kanya at pumasok na sa sasakyan. Agad na ini-start ni Trey ang makina ng sasakyan nang makaupo s'ya sa tabi ko.