Maybe You & I

21

DAN

"Good morning Sir."

"Dan, it was nice of you to come." Atty Escudero shook my hand and told the maids to bring my bag to my cottage. He then led me to the side garden where breakfast is being served. Mrs. Escudero is mixing the salad and looked up when we entered. Their children were both busy with their phones. I don't see the oldest. Probably not here. Oh well.

"Dan, it was nice for you to come despite what happened 5 years ago."
Mrs. Escudero said. She came to shake my hand. Her husband looked at her puzzled.

"No worries about it Ma'am."

Mrs. Escudero still look young and beautiful. Allie got her mouth from her dad and the rest from her Mom. I was wondering, where she is. And why the hell am I looking for her.

"Allie is in Manila right now. She's busy with her restaurant. She's actually going to start one."

I nodded at her information. Kunwari di ako interesado. What I am interested in is, is she still available?

Atty Escudero must have felt my uneasiness when his wife was talking about Allir and I was glad he rescued me.

"I heard that you are a mean golf player, Dan."

"But not as good as you Sir."

"Well I bet you can give me a run for my money. We'll go to the driving range after breakfast."

"Oh, I don't thibknso Mister. Dan just got here from Manila and you are sypposed to ley him take a rest this morning."

"Okay, how about this afternoon?"

"And when is Dan going home to Manila?"

"I have to be in Manila Sunday evening Ma'am. I have to attend a family meeting. Business."

"See! He's going to drive back home and you're going to tire him."

"It's okay Ma'am. I can hit some balls before going back home "

"That's my man! See Mommy, I choose well."

"Whatever."

Mrs. Escudero smiled at me and served the breakfast. Ano naman kaya iniisip niya? Maybe she's thinking of sending her daughter to Timbukto so I won't be able to go near her. Ang tingin yata niya sa akin masamang impluwensiya eh. She must be thinking that I am not good for her daughter. Kung  alam mo lang Ma'am.

The morning went well actually. Atty Escudero brought me to their stable. He showed me the horses of Allie. Yung kabayo ng every family and they are training one horse that they bought from Saudi Arabia.  Sabi niya regalo niya Kay Allie for her graduation.

"She just graduated from College. And she loves horses. Alam ko na bibigyan na naman siya ng Lolo niya ng regalo na mas mahal sa akin. Palaging ganun. Pero okay lang kasi she always say na my gift is the best. Kahit pampalubag loob na lang yun. I actually do not compete for her attention. You probably know the real score between her biological dad and I."

"I actually do not know sir."

"One day you will know about it."

Actually I know but I am not going to spoil your day or squeal on your daughter. I am giving you that dignity. And I have so high regard for you for being the man that you are.

"Okay Sir."

We talked about business and about his family. His dreams for the partnership and also for his children. He said that he supports Allie in everything that she wants to do. We talked about her, her siblings and yes he asked about me too.

"When are you getting married soon? I saw in the news that you are already engaged with the daughter of Senator..."

"I have not asked anyone to be my wife Sir. Marriage is out of the question right now."

"Oh you are a hard fish to catch."

 I smiled.

He signed the papers.

We were in his study finishing the contract when we heard a chopper landing nearby. I looked at him and he just shook his head.

"Allie"

She's here? Damn it Daniel, act like you don't care at all. Just be cool. You have not seen her for how long? When was the last time you saw her?

As we were finishing everything and about to leave the office, Allie rushed in and went to hug her father.

"Daddy! I am so mad at you. Why did you leave me in Manila, ayan tuloy kinausap ako ni Gramps and he wanted me to do something again. She even said it after he gave me my graduation gift."

"Uhhhm Allie, we have a visitor."

"Huh?"

And she turned to me and surprise registered on her face.

"Dan?" she whispered.

"Hi Allie."

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