Steady Rhythms of Love (Ryker Series #2)

SROL [30]

"Architect, at 10 am po may client ka pong pupunta rito," paalala ni Migo.

Minutes later, just after my preparation for the meeting, a tall, stylish woman with a friendly smile walked in. Natigilan kaagad ako nang mamukhaan ko ang babae.

"Architect!" tuwang-tuwang bati nito. "Oh, sorry! Masyado atang casual 'yon. It was just nice seeing you again! Do you still remember me? It's Ashley! I'm Kuya Matt's sister!"

"Y-yes." Tumikhim ako bago inalok ang kamay ko. "Nice seeing you again. I didn't know you were my client."

"Right. My friend actually recommended you."

"Pakisabi thank you," sabi ko. "What can I do for you, by the way? Upo ka."

"So, I'm planning to build a rest house. My cousins and I have been dreaming of this for a while. I heard isa raw 'yon sa forte mo. I'd love your touch on this."

"Sure, I'd be happy to help bring your vision to life."

"Well, it's going to be for all of us. A space where we can unwind, host family gatherings, and make new memories. Nakakainis nga kasi ang tagal na naming plano pero ayaw nilang gumalaw! So I took the initiative na."

"I see," I said, trying my best no to sound awkward. "Do you have any particular ideas in mind? Like the style or theme?"

"Yes! We're thinking of something modern with a touch of tropical vibe, maybe floor-to-ceiling windows with lots of natural light and a spacious outdoor area. The men had some ideas about the garden and pool area, so I might loop them in if you're open to it."

"Of course," I said. "I'll make sure everything aligns with the vision you all have for this."

I spent half of my day talking with her kaya naman siya na ang huling naging client ko. The rest ay pina-reschedule ko na lang kay Migo.

"Woah, woah, woah!" Tuwang-tuwang sabi ni Akira nang ikwento ko ang tungkol doon.

Wala naman talaga akong balak ikwento pero hindi ko naman alam na habang nag-uusap palang kami ni Ashley sa opisina ay kinukwento na ni Lorelei ang tungkol doon!

"Right, I've heard about Blade one time about their plan on building a rest house," singit ng kambal ko habang seryoso pa rin ang mukhang nagbabasa sa makapal na librong hawak niya.

Kakauwi niya lang galing duty. He's now a pediatrician. Doctor tuwing weekdays, basketball player tuwing weekends. One year ago when I began talking to other people, nagkaroon sila ng catch up at doon ulit sila nagkita ni Blade.

"Aakyat na ako sa kwarto. I'm tired today—"

"Sus!" nang-aasar na putol sa akin ni Akira. "Iiwas ka lang ulit sa usapan, eh. Miss mo na, Zara Gray?"

I glared at her. "Akira, hindi—"

"Hindi mo miss? Aba dapat lang! Hindi dapat namimiss ang mga taong hindi marunong makinig sa explanation ng iba!"

"You're so loud, Akira," umiiling na reklamo ni Zeke.

Imbes na manahimik ay lumapit lang ito sa lalaki para mas lalong guluhin. Wala namang ibang nagawa si Zeke kung hindi isara ang libro niya at mahinang pinukpok 'yon sa kanya. Mas lalo lamang umingay si Aki dahil doon.

I did different sketched para mabigyan ng options si Ashley. I was reviewing blueprints in my office when my phone buzzed with a call from Ashley. Hindi ko usually binibigay ang personal numbers ko. Lahat iyon dumadaan muna kay Migo pero dahil kahit papaano ay kilala ko naman siya, binigay ko na.

"Architect! I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Ashley's voice came through.

"Hindi naman. May ipapabago or ipapadagdag ka ba?" agad na tanong ko.