Before Summer Ends

Chapter 1: New Chance at Love

Antoinette POV

"Good morning Ma'am, Sir! Welcome to the Queensland Hotel, how may I help you?" I flustered a welcoming smile at the couple in front of me.

"May vacant suite kayo with jacuzzi?" mataray na tanong sa akin ng babae habang mahigpit na nakahawak sa beywang ng lalaking kasama niya.

"Yes ma'am, check-in po kayo?" I tried to remain courteous before she handed over her debit card.

"48 hours stay." She threw an intent look as I slid the key for the suite room together with her debit card.

"Enjoy your stay Maam, Sir!" She rolled her eyes at hinigit ang braso ng kasama.

I loosen up from my upright posture nang makita ulit si CJ na kakababa lang sa motorsiklo dala ang isang maputing box. The same box na natatanggap ko since last week. Papalapit na siya sa front desk suot ulit ang nakakaasar niyang ngiti halatang iniinis ako.

"Special delivery for Ms. Antoinette!" bungad agad niya sa 'kin sabay patong ng box sa front desk.

"Sagutin mo na kasi 'yang manliligaw mo, consistent eh," singit ni Roxette na kakababa lang mula sa second floor.

"Hindi mo ba talaga siya kilala?" Umiling lang si CJ habang pinipirmahan ko ang form at umalis na rin agad dahil marami pa raw siyang idedeliver.

My jaw almost dropped as I opened the rigid box full of Ferrero Rocher. More chocolates than yesterday. Binasa ko agad ang nakaattach na small card mula sa box. Tanging 'I love you, hope to see you soon. Love, 365' lang ang nakasulat do'n. The digits are familiar pero kahit anong retrieve ko sa utak ko hindi ko talaga maalala kung sino o kung saan ko huling narinig ang 365.

This is really frustrating!

Bumalik agad ako sa postura at itinago ang box sa ilalim ng desk nang nagsidatingan ang mga lalaking nakasuot ng black tuxedo. Imagine, everyday sila may gano'ng entrance kasama ang CEO at secretary. Swear! Maaalibadbaran ka talaga lalo na't nasa front desk ka. Walang alintana akong nagbow kasabay ang ibang mga empleyado pagpasok ni Sir Chase, ang CEO ng Queensland Hotel.

"Ms. Villana, please report to my office. Now!"

Napaangat agad ako ng tingin sa nagsalita. Without a sec, I froze nang mapagtantong si Sir Chase pala 'tong nasa harap ko kasama ang secretary at personal bodyguards niya sa likod. He looked sternly to my co-receptionist signing to take over my spot temporarily.

I clasped my hands between my abdomen para hindi nila mapansin na nanginginig ako sa takot. Her secretary glanced at me and gestured to follow them which I have no choice but to do so. I looked down the floor the whole time I was following them until we entered the elevator and then reached the office.

Dahil sa sobrang kaba, nakailang ulit kong dinasal ang 'Our Father' habang naghihintay na magsalita si Sir Chase. Nagserve ng coffee ang secretary niya sa table pero hindi ko man lang 'yon ginalaw kasi baka ito na ang last day ko sa trabaho.

"Ms. Villana, I want you to have a double date with us this evening."

Nakahinga agad ako ng maluwag ng hindi 'You're fired!' ang narinig ko. Wait, ano raw? Double date? Nabasa naman agad ni Sir ang reaksiyon ko sa sinabi niya kaya sinagot na niya bago pa ko magtanong.

"My date will be my secretary and your date... you will know later. Nadia, take care of her later."

Halatang nagulat rin ang secretary niya kagaya ko. Pinag-aralan ko saglit ang reaction nilang dalawa pero mas natense ako kaya tumango-tango nalang ako na parang kawawang tuta.

Pagkatapos ng duty ay dinala ako ni Ms. Nadia sa isang fashion boutique. Inentertain agad ako ng mga bakla at pinasuot sa akin ang isang baby pink na dress. Above the knee siya, flowing 'yong skirt, tapos sweetheart ang neckline then I partnered it with white heels. Nilagyan din nila ako ng make up at manicure. Katabi ko si Ms. Nadia na kanina pa walang imik. Gusto ko sana siyang tanungin pero tumahimik nalang ako sa tatlong oras na nando'n kami.

6 pm na nang makabalik kami sa hotel, we came 30 mins early. 5th floor ang pinindot ng bodyguard na kasama namin which means sa champagne room ng hotel kami patungo.

Palihim ang excitement ko habang naglalakad dahil first time ko pang makapasok ng champagne room — for exclusive guest lang daw kasi. Napanganga agad ako pagpasok sa champagne room na walang katao-tao.

My mouth formed an 'o' as we entered the elegant room with an exquisite blend of white and gold. Everything was perfectly combined from the couch, chair, table, and mesmerizing chandeliers. So much for the amazement, my lips parted as I fixed my gaze on a familiar person standing 3 meters away from me.

His features became more masculine than the last time we met and that's when we were 15 years old. His jawline became sharper, his chest became broader, and he got fairer and attractive. He approached me without taking my eyes off him and I remained astonished. My heartbeat accelerated, and my mouth couldn't speak but my eyes moistened in shock because of the inexplicable happiness overwhelming me.

I gasped when he kneeled in front of me, holding my hand then said, "I waited for this moment for more than 365 days. Antoinette, can I court you?"

Napaluha ako when he asked me the same question 5 years ago. Back then, I was not ready to risk so I asked him to wait for 365 days but they left the country suddenly. Now I knew who was behind all the sweet love letters and chocolates every day on my front desk. It was Philip, my high school best friend.

"Bakit naman hindi?"

Happiness and sincerity were reflected in his eyes before he stood and threw me a yearning hug. Time has changed us. After all these years, I can't believe that he's still waiting for me. He became a successful artist while I worked on his family's business yet here we are fulfilling the promise we made 5 years ago.

"I miss you so much." His voice was like a fresh rain in my ears, and I smiled as a response. He unlocked himself from me and intertwined our fingers like shoelaces.