Borrowed Time

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Charity Gala

"Ma'am, I've already contacted Miss Patricia. Ihahatid ng assistant niya mamaya sa condo niyo ang long gown."

"I'll leave early today, okay? Just place the remaining papers to be signed on my table," sabi ko at bumalik na sa ginagawa ko.

I was busy doing some paperworks. Kailangang matapos ko 'to para wala na akong poproblemahin mamaya.

I still have a charity gala to attend in Shangri-La. Hindi makakapunta sina Mommy kasi may inaasikaso sila sa Thailand kaya ako ang pinakiusapan nilang magrepresent ng kompanya mamaya.

It's been so long since I last attended a party kaya pumayag na ako. Besides, there will be a lot of entrepreneurs and celebrities. It's a good shot at making connections. Mabuti na nga lang at nandiyan si Patricia para magawan kaagad ako ng damit. My Mom just told me about the party yesterday kaya we have no choice but to rush my dress.

"Good afternoon, Emily," inangat ko ang ulo ko at nakita si Miguel. "Lunch?"

He smiled and went inside my office. "Mamaya na ako. Kailangan ko pang tapusin 'to."

"Come on, Em. Kain na tayo. Samahan mo ko."

"May ginagawa nga ako. Kumain ka ng mag-isa."

"I'll treat you at Macy's," he smiled widely. "We'll order your favorite medium steak."

I rolled my eyes. "I'll just go get my bag."

"Yes! I know you can't resist Macy's."

Sabay kaming lumabas ng office ko. He's walking beside me and we just talk about random things. Hindi ko pinansin ang mga tingin ng iba at dumiretso na lang sa sasakyan ni Miguel sa parking lot.

He opened the door for me. I went inside then umikot siya para makapasok na sa driver seat. Hindi nagtagal ay nakarating na kami sa Macy's. Pumasok kami at nag-order ng pagkain. Nakaupo sa harap ko si Miguel.

"Congrats! I heard the ad was a success," he said while looking straight into my eyes.

Miguel actually looks good. He has black almond eyes, strong jaw and red lips.

Kung hindi lang kaibigan ang trato ko sa kaniya baka naging boyfriend ko na 'to. But on the other hand, huwag na lang. Mahirap magkaboyfriend na playboy. Maaga akong tatanda sa mga babae nila.

"Thank you."

"I have a favor to ask."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "What is it?"

"I was invited to a charity gala and I don't have a date."

Tinaas ko ang kilay ko. So?

"Can you be my date later? Please," nagsusumamo ang mga matang tinignan niya ako.

I nodded and said yes tutal wala naman akong kasama mamaya. It's better to be with him than go there alone.

Dumating na ang mga order namin. We ordered steak, caesar salad, and orange juice. Hiniwa ni Miguel ang steak and I was about to do mine nang pinagpalit niya ang pinggan namin.

"Here. Eat up, Emily."

"Hala. Huwag na. Kaya ko naman." Pinigilan niya ako ng tangkang ibalik ko ang pinggan niya.

"Sige na. Kainin mo na 'yan."

Hindi na ako nagreklamo pa at kumain na lang. Pagkatapos naming kumain ay bumalik kami sa kompanya. I still have a few remaining papers to be reviewed tapos uuwi na 'ko before 3 PM. Kailangan ko pang mag-ayos para hindi ma-late.