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Chapter 21

Althea's POV

Few months past, Alex and I became friends. She's very elusive with others, but to me, she's transparent. Ako lang ata ang may kayang makipag-biruan sa kanya. She's like a female version of Gordon Ramsay, still hot. We haven't talk about personal life yet, just about work and current situations.

I mentioned my interest in cooking and she's been teaching me some, and to repay her she asked if I can teach her how to play a guitar which I happily agree, more time to bond for us.

I feel comfortable when she's around, I can't say it feels home because she's not Jade. Oh my Jade. I haven't think about her when I'm at RK.

Is this cheating?

Are you mad my Love?

I know how jealous you are when I spent time with others.

I missed you, you're still my Great love, Jade.

My thoughts before leaving home. Our home.

Kararating ko lang ng RK, I received a message from Boss Oscar that he's here to talk. Oo nga pala, hindi pa ko nakakasagot sa huling na pagusapan namin.

May oras pa naman bago ang tugtog namin kaya siya muna ang pinuntahan ko.

"Good Evening Sir. Am I late?" Paunang bati ko.

"No Althea, please have a sit. Order something, I'm sorry, nauna nakong nag-order, naririnig ko na kasi itong lugar na to, totoo naman pala ang kwento. Their food is very-- I can't think of a word to describe." pangiti niyang sabi, na ikinabigla ko. Ngayon ko lang ata siya narinig mag-compliment ng food.

"Yes po Sir, I got hooked with this place too. The Chef is very-- I cant find the words too." Gusto ko sanang ibida si Alex pero naalala ko, kamukha nga pala niya si Jade kaya hindi ko na rin itinuloy pa.

"Anyway Iha, have you think about it?"

"Honestly, I haven't sir. Paul is like a brother to me. And he's not gonna change even you marry him to others. That's he is, please try to understand him." sagot kong pinanglisik ng mata niya. Hindi ako natatakot, wala naman akong dapat katakutan.

Ilang minutong katahimikan, nagbuntong hininga lang muna siya. Nagpakalma ng sarili, alam ko ang expression niyang ganito. Tuwing may hinihiling si Jade na labag sa loob niya. Ganito siya.

"I have a proposal, work for me again, Althea. Flexible hours. Manage your own time. Do what pleases you." Kung ito ang kapalit para tigilan muna niya si Paul, gagawin ko.

"I'll see what I can do Sir. Give me atleast a week to sort things out. I'll be going now. Let me treat you this dinner. Take care." Nakipagkamay ako sa kanya dahil mukhang business deal naman ang pinagusapan namin.

"There's another one, If Paul wants to go out, I'm only allowing it when it's with you. Have a great night Althea." He smiled feeling he tricked me.

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I became the Adviser, Bassist and of course Teacher/Student of Alex everyday. She's been very supportive, she tries to drive me when she got time (like most of the time.) She asked if what I want to eat so she can prepare for it.

Nakaka-halata na nga sila Kath tungkol sa closeness namin ni Chef. Kahit magstart sila ng small talk laging end of convo ang sagutan niya. Maybe she's an introvert like me kaya nagkapalagayan kami ng loob. I mean, mutual understanding, like same feeling. Kahit paano ko describe bakit parang may malisya. Haaay

I asked Kean to accept the opportunity he's been given but not with me. I can't be in two business world. Corporate and showbiz. Naintindihan naman niya, dahil private din akong tao. Kasali pa rin ako sa banda pero hindi pag gumawa na sila ng album.

Nawala ang concentration ko sa lakas ng katok mula sa pinto ng opisina ko. "Come in."

"Kaya ayoko ng kumakatok, ang tagal niyo sumagot." Reklamo ni Paul, kaya nginitian ko lang siya at umiling.

"G, Thank you for doing this, it's nice to have you back pero I told you to say No to Dada. Don't overdo yourself." I know he's feeling guilty, this is the only way so he can atleast have a freedom.

"You're my brother Paul, if there's I can do to help, I will do it. Besides, wala na kaya akong ipon kailangan ko na ulit magtrabaho." I joked. I don't want to make a big deal out of this.

We fist bump as a sign of understanding. Saktong pumasok naman si Gab,"Ano yan, kayo lang." At naki-bump na rin siya.

"Shobe, pinapunta ako ni Dada to invite you for family dinner sa Runner's Kitchen daw. What time are you playing?" Tanong niya na kina-kaba ko.

"Ahya, she's so good. Ibang Althea ang makikita mo pag nasa stage siya." - Paul

"I-I'm not playing tonight, I have prior commitment na but I can come to dinner if it's 7pm?" I actually canceled my gig tonight dahil may trade test ako with Alex and she asked me to go for wine tasting. It's not a date, she's just a good mentor.

"Sure, sakto lang sa time. Grabe pala don ang hirap mag booked ng reservations no, I've heard about the Chef, even Dada praise the food. Does he really not accepting compliments in person?" Kunot nuong tanong niya.

"She has reasons why . ." I'm trying to explain Alex's side pero itong si Paul hindi napigilang magtanong ng makahulugan.

"What? She?!" He smirked.

"Babae talaga ang nagconcept non? Wow, just wow." tanong rin ni Gab hindi naintindihan ang tanong ni Paul, buti nalang.

"SHE IS." I smirked back to Paul like I'm confirming what he's been thinking.

He knows my friendship with the chef, naging bukambibig ko rin kasi pag nagkikita kami. Hindi ko lang nasabi na isa siyang babae at kamukha ni Jade. Paano kung magkita kita sila?

I haven't talked about Jade with Alex, why should I right? But I think it's time. For the sake of both parties.