A Little Bit Of Something (On-Going)

#37

(Cace)

Ms. Luna, the new assistant mechanical engineer came to my office to escalate the issues from her team.

     "I've already checked the equipments from all the hotel's rooms. Here's a report for the ones that are in need of replacement or upgrading. Ito naman ay report sa mga minor incidents that needed to be fixed as soon as possible."

   Napatango ako.

     "You've done it in less than a week. Good job." I gave her a compliment.

     "Ah, yes, Chief." nangiti ito, "Hindi ko rin naman 'to magagawa kung hindi tumulong ang staff ko."

     "You're diligent. Keep it up."

   She continued smiling.

     "I will get back to you later, basahin ko lang muna 'to."

     "Um, yes, Chief. I'll go ahead."

   Tango ang sinagot ko't sa kaharap na laptop ulit ang atensyon, I've then heard her footsteps walking away.

     "Chief."

     "Yes?"

     "The thing is, um.."

     "Bakit?"

     "I just want to personally say thank you for lending your credit card last time. The team and I really enjoyed the welcome dinner. Thank you, Chief."

     "Wala'ng problema."

     "At dahil dun, gusto sana kita'ng e-treat din ng meal. I just want to return the favor. If you don't mind."

     "Sure." I glanced to check what time already is, "Let's do it this lunchtime."

     "Nga..ngayon na, Chief?"

     "Oo."

   She looked shocked.

     "Bakit? Hindi ka ba pwede?"

     "Ah, hindi naman po sa ganun. Pero pwede naman po after work or next time. Baka po busy kayo."

     "Sa bahay ako magdi-dinner mamaya at baka wala na rin ako'ng masyado'ng oras. Huwag na natin e-delay."

   Nangiti ulit ito.

     "Okay, Chief."

     "Let's meet at the hotel's restaurant."

     "Yes, Chief."

—

"Chief, sorry, pinaghintay ko pa tuloy kayo. Um, umorder na po ba kayo?" she looked tensed as she apologized.

     "Hindi pa. Hinintay muna kita."

     "Ho?"

     "Ikaw ang magbabayad, remember?"

     "Ah, o.." she reacted in between chuckles.

     "I'm just kidding. Just relax, hindi naman ako galit."

     "Yes po, sorry po talaga." binuksan naman niya na ang menu.

    "Drop the 'po' for now. It's lunchbreak."

   Tumango-tango ito.

     "Fine. Order anything you want, Chief. It's on me."

     "Okay. Thank you."

     "No worries."

   I've seen the new food on the menu, a fusion of Korean and Filipino food. And somehow, anything about Korea reminds me of one person. Siguro matutuwa 'yun at baka mag-crave siya bigla.