If You Were Mine ✔

NINETEEN

Shortly after our break time bonding moment, Amanda and I became close.

We always share a table together and opened up more about ourselves.

I just didn't open about my kids to her simply because she didn't ask for it and I want to stay private about that part of my life.

I was with Mr. Park and taking notes while listening to him make a conversation with a potential investor here in Ver, Oler, Probar, the Spanish restaurant where Giselle brought me when I just landed from Singapore.

I caught the owner's eye when she roamed her eyes to inspect the place.

I think I remember her before. Her tall built and adorable brown eyes gave it away.

She came with her father that time. And her staff loves her.

She smiled when we made eye contact. I smiled back and returned my attention to our client meeting.

It didn't take long for our orders to arrive. Soon, we were having a pleasant exchange of conversation over a sumptuous meal.

"Hi. How are you enjoying our food?" The lady owner approached our table and was instantly greeted by the gentlemen I was with.

"The food is great!" Mr. Torres praised her while still munching on his garlic bread which comes along his order of pasta that is good for someone with a two person appetite.

"Masarap! Ano nga uli pangalan ko?" Mr. Park said and earned a laugh from me and Mr. Torres.

"Sige po. Enjoy your food, Sir and Ma'am!" The owner said and gave us a smile before she moved on to the other tables.

I noticed how graceful she walks and probably did not worry about a thing in the world.

I sighed and chose to enjoy the food.
Sometimes, people have all the luck.

I excused myself as I went to the restroom.

The waiters and staff were smiling at me as I made my way to the restroom when I unknowingly bumped at the back of a waiter carrying a tray with pitcher half full of water.

Thankfully, the glasses they use are plastic as well as their pitcher so it made me less worried about being wounded because of them toppling over me.

I exhaled when I felt the cold water drenched on my blouse.

"Hala, si Ma'am!" I heard the surprised gasps of the usherettes and waiter.

The waiter who bumped into me revealed a shocked and feigned expression probably thinking that he will be reprimanded later on.

"Ma'am, sorry! Pasensya po!" Paulit ulit na paghihingi ng tawad ng waiter at inabutan ako ng tuwalya.

The lady owner saw my demise and immediately approached me just in time, Mr. Park went to my side.

"Oli, are you okay?" Mr. Park asked as he snaked his arms gently around my waist.

I pulled back careful not to wet himself too.

"Ayos lang po. Medyo nabasa lang ng tubig." I shivered when the aircon kissed my wet arms and blouse.

"Madam! I have a spare blouse inside. I'm sorry about earlier. " The lady owner butted in and met my gaze.

I nodded and looked at Mr. Park.
"Excuse po muna, Sir. Magpapalit lang po ako."

"Mabuti pa nga at baka sipunin ka." Mr. Park said and tapped my back as I joined the considerate owner of the restaurant.

We went inside her small but cozy office and she shyly gave me a blue blouse.

It has Mango written across it on the chest and appears to be fresh from abroad considering the "state side" smell.

"Uh, cr lang ako. " I said and grasped my wet blouse tightly to prevent it from further making my pants wet from the water.

I dried myself up at the restroom before putting on the borrowed shirt.

"Ibabalik ko nalang to pag nalabhan ko na." I told her and smiled.

She shook her head and said,
"It's yours. I apologize for earlier. I'll talk to the waiter who bumped into you."

"No. Kasalanan ko din. Hindi ko napansin na nasa harapan ko sya. I was preoccupied. Wag mo nalang sya pagalitan." I said although I know she will still do so later when we'll leave the place.

"Okay. As you said so. Basta sayo na yang shirt. Hindi ko na din naman nagagamit since I'm all over the place. " She said. " The next time you come here, your order will be on the house."

I smiled in her generosity.
"Thank you, Miss..."

"Leni. Leni Salcedo. " She said and her smile widened as we shook hands.

"I'm Olivia. Olivia Antonio, and the guy earlier was my boss, Mr. Park. Don't get us wrong. We're just friends. He already has a girlfriend. " I said, remembering how Mr. Park became playful with him snaking his arms like a protective boyfriend.

Leni chuckled. "Easy. I'm just introducing myself. I'm not like most people na malisyosa. Although, he does seem quite a charmer himself. " She winked.

I groaned and all I received was a stifled laughter from her.

"Naku. Una na pala ako. May next meeting pa si boss. Salamat, Miss Leni." I said in a hurried tone as I checked my wristwatch.

With my used shirt in my grasp, Leni lead the way out of her office and we found Mr. Park holding my bag as he waited for us at their couch just located at the entrance of the restaurant.

He stood up as he saw us. I thanked him and put my bag on my shoulders.

"Thanks again, Miss Leni." I said and Mr. Park nodded in acknowledgement.