Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangrila Hotel was half-full when Gavin strode in. It was the big day for LHC – JSL’s birthday celebration and the company’s anniversary party. Everyone was dressed to the nines – the men mostly in tuxedoes, and the ladies in elegant gowns. Gavin left his dance outfit in a small room nearby that was to serve as makeshift dressing room for their dance presentation later.
He looked around and greeted some of the employees milling around the room. He spotted Mang Fredo from maintenance, seated alone near the door.
“Mang Fredo! Ang guwapo natin ah.” Gavin gave the elderly man a firm pat on the shoulder and sat beside him.
Mang Fredo smiled faintly, obviously uncomfortable in his black suit. “Sir Gavin, kayo pala. Ang hirap pala magsuot ng ganitong pormal, ano?”
“Bakit ho mahirap?”, Gavin asked.
The elderly man tugged at his collar. “Ang hirap huminga, sir!”
Gavin laughed. “Tanggalin niyo na lang yung butones sa leeg niyo para mas kumportable. Wala naman makakapansin ho.”
Mang Fredo smiled. “Sige sir. Di kasi tayo sanay sa ganito eh.”
“Minsan lang naman ho yung mga ganitong okasyon.” Gavin explained.
“Kung sa bagay sir… at saka ang gaganda ng mga babae sa atin, ano sir? Mga ‘chicka babes’!” The old man winked.
“Chicka babes?” Gavin laughed at the old man’s choice of words.
“Tulad nitong kararating lang sir… alam ko type niyo itong si ma’am.” Mang Fredo pointed with his lips towards the door.
“Sino ho?” Gavin turned to see for himself.
It was Fran.
She stood by the door, scanning the room, stunningly elegant in her midnight blue strapless gown with her softly-curled hair gathered on one side of her neck.
“Sir?” Mang Fredo interrupted Gavin’s thoughts. He didn’t realize that he was staring. “Lapitan niyo na sir. Kayo din, baka maunahan kayo.”
Gavin laughed softly. “Mang Fredo talaga.” He glanced back at Fran and saw her talking to Raffy.
“Ano sir? Lapitan niyo na!” The old man winked.
Gavin smiled and gave him a pat on the back. “Sige iwan ko muna kayo.”
He stood up, buttoned his coat, and strode purposefully to the two.
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Raffy saw him approaching and extended his hand. “Gavin.”
“Good evening.” Gavin shook his hand and glanced at Fran. “Hello Fran.”
Fran gave him a faint smile. “Hi Gavin.”
“So Raffy, you have a reserved seat over there.” Gavin pointed to the VIP’s table near the center of the ballroom. “I’ll join you later… I just need to talk to Fran.”
“Okay, thanks. Talk to you later, Fran.” Raffy nodded and left them.
Fran turned to Gavin. “What is it?”
