Kiss Of Judas

8

"I suggest you to build the café near the high lands of Tagaytay. The people will be attracted by the astonishing view of Taal lake."

Purgang-purga na 'ko sa mga naririnig. Puro Gotescafé ang pinag-uusapan nila. Ang bago naming negosyo na itatayo sa Tagaytay. I'm not really a fan of coffee since my heart always gets excited whenever I'm having a sip of it.

Pagod akong pumangalumbaba sa kahoy na lamesa at tinignan ang pagkaing hindi ko pa ginagalaw.

My father was confused when he saw me with Lazarus pero hindi na niya iyon pinansin at binati ang kasama ko.

Mamaya talaga ay sasabihin ko ang kamanyakan ni Marasigan!

Si Lazarus ang katabi ko ngayon, kanina pa siya tinatanong ni Tatay tungkol sa suhestiyon niya sa negosyo namin and he is satisfying my father with his answers.

Gustong gusto kong lukutin ang mukha ko sa tuwing nagsasalita si Lazarus.

"What do you think of it, Lazarus?" Ngiti ni Tatay dito.

Umirap ako ng palihim.

Lazarus fixed his coat before standing, "I agree with that, sir. However we need to prioritize the possible expansion of the business. Let us all assume the future and see the different opportunities of the business."

Ows? Talaga?

Lazarus winked at me before sitting.

Aba? Kabado akong tumingin kila Tatay at nagdasal na sana hindi nila 'yon nakita! Fuck his reckless actions!

"How about you my dear Adira? What are your suggestions to our new business?"

Nanigas ako sa kinauupuan nang tawagin ni Tatay ang pangalan ko. All eyes on me and I'm fucking nervous! Bakit naman Adira? Hindi ka naman ganito dati diba?

Pero kahit na dinadaluyan na ako ng nerbyos sa katawan ay nagawa ko pa ring tumayo, I smiled at my dad who's looking proud at me.

"I like the idea of building the café near the high lands of Tagaytay but we must all think if that place is accessible for the commuters. If common vehicles cannot enter the place then it would be hard for the people to go there " Hinawi ko patalikod ang aking buhok habang sinasabi ang mga salitang kusang pumasok sa aking utak.

"So miss Adira, you were saying?" Nakuha ni Mr. Marasigan ang atensyon ko.

"I'm saying that we should atleast place the business near the road. In that case paniguradong tataas ang sales natin."

"Maganda ang lugar na pinili ng team namin, Miss Gotesco." Ani Mr. Marasigan, "Mataas, mahangin, lalo na pagsapit ng gabi. Makikita dito ang lawak ng Tagaytay at iba't-ibang street lights. I don't think the people will still think about what you're saying. Basta maganda, at worth it ipost sa social media accounts ay pupunta sila! Kahit gaano pa kalayo 'yon."

Umigting ang panga ko sa sinabi niya. Nalipat ang tingin ko kay Tatay na para bang hinihintay ang magiging sagot ko sa kanyang kaibigan.

"Architect Diswalla already discussed that to me." Alam kong nahimigan ni Mr. Marasigan ang kamalditahan ng tono ko, "And the place is not convenient to the commuters. If you are pointing out the customers with cars then the space is still not enough to accomodate numerous vehicles. With all due respect sir, we must also think the satisfaction of our markets to the service of our business and also focus on small details like having an ample parking area for those with cars."

"We should not focus only to our standard customers... we should expect more."

Nagulat ako nang biglang sumabat si Lazarus, he is leaning on his chair with his arms crossed.