Karylle drove to the restaurant and carefully parked her car.
Before stepping out, she opened her iPhone and checked the messages she hadn't opened since early that morning.
1 message from Mom
7:02 AM
Nak, good morning. Are you awake na ba? You want to join us for lunch? I'm with Coco and Zia.
1 message from Yael
8:15 AM
Hon. I'm at your office now. Can we talk? I will be leaving for Cebu. May gig kami.
Her jaw tightened slightly.
2 messages from Sis Anne
9:20 AM
Sis. Morning. I'm at your office. Nasa office ka na ba?
Sis. Remind ko lang we have a wedding photoshoot bukas ha. Baka makalimutan mo. Makakalimutin ka pa naman. lol
1 message from Coleen
11:45 AM
Miss K. Na-text ko na po si Mr. Viceral. Mga 3 PM po kayo magmi-meet sa tabing coffee shop ng office natin.
She locked her phone and stepped out of the car.
Focus on work.
Pagpasok niya sa restaurant, agad siyang sinalubong ng waiter.
"Any reservations, Ma'am?" tanong nito.
"I'm with her."
Napalingon si Karylle.
A tall, moreno, undeniably handsome man stood a few steps away, smiling confidently. She returned the smile and followed him to the table.
"I believe you are Mr. Romeo?" tanong ni K.
"Terrence na lang, Ms. Tatlong-hari," nakangiting sagot nito.
She laughed lightly. "Well, you can call me Karylle, Terrence. Nice meeting you."
Inabot niya ang kanyang kamay.
"Nice meeting you, Karylle." He shook her hand firmly and gently pulled out a chair for her. "Please, have a seat. Waiter..."
Lunch went smoothly. Madali silang nagkalagayan ng loob dahil mapagkuwento si Karylle, and Terrence seemed genuinely interested — not just in her ideas, but in her.
"Well, anyway, let's get to business, Terrence. Saan ba 'yung condo na gusto mong ipaayos? Can you tell me more about it?" tanong ni Karylle.
"The condo is located in Makati City. Infinity Building, 14th floor, door 214," explained Terrence.
"Seriously?" Napakunot-noo siya, then her eyes widened. "That means we're neighbors. And not only that — magkatabi pa tayo. I'm at door 213."
Terrence smiled wider. "That's good to hear, Karylle. Actually, it's not mine. It's for my girlfriend. Surprise ko sa kanya 'to."
There was a tiny pause.
"Buti na lang at nasa tabi lang ng condo mo. Mas madali para sa'yo trabahuhin yung place niya," he added casually.
"Swerte naman ng girlfriend," Karylle said with a polite smile. "Don't worry, I'll make sure perfect ang design. I'll show you our sample drafts para makapili ka. Or do you want customized?"
"I want sana customized. I'll give you the things she likes, then ikaw na bahala mag-conceptualize."
"Yup, ako na bahala, Terrence. You're in good hands. I'll give you my number — just contact me anytime. We'll update you every day."
She checked her wristwatch.
Before Terrence could respond, her phone rang.
"Wait lang, Terrence. I just need to get this."
He nodded and picked up his own phone.
"Hello, sis! Where are you na ba? Dito na kami sa RestoBar sa mall. It's quarter to 3 PM na," sabi ni Anne sa kabilang linya.
"Okay, sis. Wait lang. I'll be on my way. Malapit lang naman dito ang mall sa location ko. Just wait up for me."
"Okay, sis. Take care. Bye."
Pagbalik niya sa table, Terrence was busy texting.
"So, Karylle, I really need to get going. May practice pa kasi ako ng basketball," sabi niya habang tumatayo at inaabot ang kamay.
"Yes, Terrence. Thank you for doing business with us. We'll keep in touch," sagot ni K habang nakikipagkamay.
He smiled one last time before leaving.
For a brief second, she watched him walk away.
Handsome. Successful. Thoughtful.
Taken.
She sighed softly and grabbed her bag.
Another almost.
BINABASA MO ANG
Debris
FanfictionLove is not something the mind understands. It is something the heart remembers. This story is dedicated to the Vicerylle Babies!! to those who believe that friendship can bloom into something deeper, that broken bridges can still be rebuilt, and th...
