My weeks went busier after the graduation. Wala akong sinayang na oras para magpahinga pa, although I promised myself a vacation once everything in my business is settled.
Nandito ako ngayon sa pagtatayuan ng physical shop ng Break O' Clock. I'm just wearing my gray v-neck tee and high-rise mom jeans with a pair of Gucci sneaks that I got from Kuya Vance. Maalikabok sa paligid dahil sa renovation na pinapagawa ko.
The space I got is actually one of our assets. Sapilitan pa ang pagkuha ko dito na hindi libre, Mommy is really persistent to give this as a gift. In the end, wala silang nagawa kung hindi hayaan na bayaran ko hanggang makumpleto.
The location is nice since this is in the center of busy city with the offices around and universities including Palaez University where I graduated. Strategic it is.
"Chloe, are you fine with the designs I sent last week?" Kalen asked.
I met him in Dahlia's, one year ahead siya at ngayon ay licensed architect na. We used to hang out in my third year, since lagi kaming nagkikita sa Dahlia's. Our friendship clicked and the rest is history.
I nodded at him after wiping my sweat on my forehead.
"Yes I really love it. You never failed me sa designs mo, baka naman may discount tayo diyan?" I bargained. Sinusubukan ko lang naman.
"Sabi na nga ba, hindi ako makakawala sa pagkakuripot mo." naiiling niyang saad.
I laughed at him. "Syempre, nagsisimula pa lang naman business ko 'no? Pero biro lang, your designs are world class, my pleasure na pinansin mo pa 'ko Architect,"
He looked around the place while hands on his waist, he then turned to me and ruffled my hair.
"Oo na, ikaw pa ba, malakas ka yata sa'kin. Basta ba ako ang kunin mo sa hotels niyo,"
"Nang-uto ka pa, pero of course, I will recommend you to kuya, consider it done."
We chatted for a bit bago kami nagpaalam sa workers. I only hired three of them, lahat naman ay efficient . My business isn't that big, savings ko at profit sa nakakaraang taon ang ginagastos ko ngayon.
I took my phone out. "Tara nga dito Kalen, documentation lang," tawag ko sa kaniya habang binubuksan ang Instagram.
"Sabihin mo gusto mo lang ako makasama sa selfie, nahiya ka pa!" natatawa niyang saad bago tumabi sa akin.
"Dami mong alam,"
"Malamang nag-aral ako e!" he pinched my cheeks. Pilosopo talaga.
Inakbayan niya ako na tila sinasakal na at tsaka tumingin sa camera. I captured a photo with the messy background behind us.
"So ano ang fine-flex mo? Yung mga semento at alikabok?" pang-aasar niya.
Inirapan ko lang ulit siya bago nilagyan ng filter at caption, 'Work in progress...' and I posted it on my stories. I even tagged him. I just want photos to keep the important highlights of my life.
"Napakadaldal mo Kalen, mauuna na 'ko. I'm just gonna wire you the payment, ingat sila sa iyo!"
I picked up my tote bag from the almost finished nook before walking out of the place, I waved my hand to dismiss him. Narinig ko ang mga halakhak niya habang papalayo.
"Napakapangit ng ugali mo Chloe!" pahabol niyang sigaw.
Natatawa akong nag-drive palayo.
I took a glance at the screen in my car. Lunch time na pala. Nag-takeout na lang ako sa malapit na fastfood bago nagtungo sa supplier ko ng raw materials. I need to restock for the orders.
