Be Mine

11

Monday morning was already filled with papers to sign and calls to take. Gary is trying to absorb one thing at a time, but the pile of work does not seem to end. The office is usually extra busy on a Monday as he needed to double check financial reports and take note of the incoming proposals for the clients. He massaged his temples for a bit, trying to relieve the incoming headache that he is feeling. He did not notice that he has an unexpected visitor that entered his office.

"Hi, Baby.."

He looks up and is surprised to see Clara there, "Clara..", he stood up and approached her. Clara gave him a peck on the lips.

"What are you doing here?", as he did not expect her.

"I came to visit you. Do you want to eat lunch? Mukhang pagod ka na."

Gary smiled at her, "I'm okay."

"Busy ka ba? Pwede naman tayo sa malapit na restaurant dito or kahit sa cafeteria na lang."

"Ha?"

"Sorry. Dapat bang tumawag muna ako? I just really want to spend some time with you kasi.", Clara smiles but a bit worried of her visit.

Gary does not know what to feel at Clara's gesture. Two years of not seeing each other and not having her around makes him feel uneasy. He still cannot believe that she is back home and is now giving him time. He was about to answer when the office door opened again.

"Gary, ito na yung –", it was Carlos carrying folders and did not notice that someone else is in the room.

"Caloy?", as Clara noticed him.

Carlos looked up and smiled, "Clara! Nakauwi ka na pala! Kumusta na?"

Clara gave him a buzz on the cheek, "Yes. Nung weekend lang. Sabay kami ni Daddy Greg."

Carlos looks at Gary who is until now speechless, "Naka-uwi na rin pala si Sir Greg."

Clara looks at Gary, "Hindi ba na-mention ni Gary sa'yo?"

Carlos smiled, "Alam mo naman itong asawa mo. Hindi siya madaldal. Anong ginagawa mo dito?"

"Gusto ko sana yayain si Gary for lunch. Alam mo naman na ang tagal ko nawala kaya gusto ko sana bumawi sa kanya. Gusto mo bang sumama sa amin?", Clara invites him.

Carlos looks at Gary and at the same time, Gary gave him a "save-your-friend" look, but Carlos has a different plan.

"Ay, hindi na. May client meeting kasi ako ng lunch, i-aabot ko lang talaga itong folders kay Gary.", he smiles to tease Gary more, "So mag-enjoy na lang kayong dalawa. Alam kong miss mo na si Gary."

Gary sighs at his friend's answer. He has no choice but to go with Clara.

"Sige. Pero next time na mag-invite ako, sasama ka na Caloy, ha?"

"Sure, Clara! Salamat sa invitation mo."

"So tara, Gary?", Clara faced him.

"Um, sure. Sige. I will just tell my secretary."

"Okay, I will just use the bathroom tapos sabay na tayo bumaba ha?"

"Yes, go ahead."

"Bye, Caloy. See you around!", giving Carlos another buzz on the cheek.

"Bye Clara. Ingat kayo."

Clara left the office to use the ladies' room. Carlos puts the folders on Gary's table and looked at his friend.

"Bakit hindi mo sa akin sinabi na umuwi na ang asawa mo? Lalo na yang Daddy mo. Alam mo naman matataranta ang buong opisina kapag biglang sumulpot yun dito."