Love Just Ain't Enough (BOOK TWO)

TWELVE: CHASE

Buong araw akong lutang sa opisina. Nag half-day ang ibang staff at kahit gusto ko mang umuwi ay ayokong iwang mag-isa si Dette. She’s vulnerable and weak. To say that she’s devastated is an understatement from what she’s feeling right now. If I were in her situation, I would’ve gone mad. When her relationship failed, she was upset and heartbroken. But now that her company is going down to the drain as well, it’s all too much for her to take.

She locked herself in her private room. From time to time, I have been checking on her. She doesn’t have a suicidal tendency, but nobody knows what running in her head.

At dahil diyan kaya mas lalong nagngingitngit ang kalooban ko kay Alejandro. I will definitely sue him for causing everyone’s emotional breakdown! How dare him to blackmail me! Hindi ako bibigay sa gusto niya! I will find ways to help Dette to keep the company afloat. Kung kailangan naming magmakaawa ulit sa mga client namin na bigyan pa kami ng isa pang pagkakataon, gagawin ko. I’d rather kneel in front of them not bend my knees for Alejandro’s whims!

I glanced at the wall clock. It’s five past five o’clock. There’s nothing else to do. With a heavy heart, I cleared my table and took my bag. I walked towards Dette’s office door. It seems like she doesn’t have plans of leaving anytime soon.

Kumatok ako. “Dette? Early dinner tayo? My treat.”

She didn’t reply. I pressed my ear against the door. Mga kaluskos ang aking tanging narinig. I sighed in relief. At least, there’s a sign of life in there.

Nilakasan ko ang pagkatok. “Dette?”

Moments later, I heard footsteps. She opened the door and glared at me. Her phone was cradled between her shoulder and ear. Her hands holding some papers or documents.

She signaled me to keep quiet and I just shrugged my shoulders. She gestured me to take a seat. I nodded.

Pansin ko kaagad ang nagkalat na mga papel sa mesa at sahig. Some of her file drawers were half-opened. Parang dinaanan ng bagyo ang kanyang opisina.

“Alright, Sir. Yes, Sir. I will expect your email, Sir. Thank you.” Humugot ito ng malalim na hininga when she finally ended the call. Ako ay nakamaang lamang sa kanya. What’s her deal?

When Dette finally faced me, there’s a huge grin plastered on her face. Kinilabutan ako sa paraan ng ngisi niyang iyon. I could sense something bad is going to happen. That wicked grin. I have a bad feeling about it.

“I’m selling the agency, Bea!” She exclaimed happily.

What the hell?

“You what?!”

“I’m selling the agency! Actually, for me, it has been sold since we already have a verbal agreement. All I have to do is to sign the papers to make it official.”

I couldn’t process the words coming out from her mouth. Am I really hearing her right?

“What’s going on here, Dette? How did you come up with that decision?” I asked in disbelief. Kaninang umaga lang ay panay ang ngawa nito sa akin dahil hindi nito kayang mawala ang agency tapos ngayon, tuwang tuwa pa ito na ibinalitang ibebenta niya? The woman has probably gone insane.

“Mr. Salvatore is really my life-saver.” Her eyes sparkled as she clasped her hands like a prayer.

Muntik na akong mahulog sa upuan. “Sinnnnooooo????”

“Mr. Salvatore, duh. His lawyer called me, and we talked like more than an hour or so. He came with an offer that I could not refuse. He wants to be a silent owner while the agency run as-is. Ang maganda pa dun, wala siyang babaguhin sa policy ng agency at wala rin siyang tatanggalin na empleyado. Ang tanging magbabago lang ay ang SGC na ang new parent’s company ng VIP agency at hindi na ako. Mr. Salvatore will only need the weekly update na ipipresenta mo, by the way, sa kanya. You know, about numbers and strategies and the likes. You know what I mean.” She said in a calm and casual voice.

“I don’t know what you mean, Dette.” Madiin kong bigkas. God, my hands are itching to throw her anything I could reach from here. I’m so angry!

“At ano yun, ako ang magpriprisinta sa kanya?”

She nodded. “Yup. You heard me right. Sabi niya, he will have a weekly meeting with you in private para pag-usapan ang mga dapat pag-usapan tungkol sa agency.”

Bullshit! In private?! I highly doubt it if it will be just purely business we’re going to tackle!

“Bakit ako at hindi ikaw? You’re the manager, for Christ’s sake!” Hindi ko na maitago ang irita sa aking boses.

“I can’t. At isa pa, karaniwang empleyado na lamang ako mula ngayon. And one more thing, he wants you to do the job. You know the nature of our agency, Bea. This will be just a piece of cake for you. Ayoko rin munang makipag-associate sa mga kilalang tao dahil nahihiya din ako. I don’t want to put the agency’s reputation in a bad light. You know, with all the drama and scandal. Story of my life.” Kinumpas nito ang kamay sa hangin.

I rolled my eyes at her and this time, I really gave her my scowling face. Pantay naman na daw kami eh so I can b***h at her, yes?

Dette gave me a light laugh. “Now that’s the Bea I’ve been wanting to see all this time. Your dark side. Your bitchy and edgy side. I got use of you being nice to everyone. It’s nice to see you rolling your eyes at me.”

I hissed at her. “Because we’re friends, Dette. And you annoy me for real this time. I…I don’t think I like this idea at all. I’m not comfortable with Mr. Salvatore, let alone speak with him in private.”

It was her turn to roll her eyes. “Bakit naman? You seemed close. I mean, I do think he got hots for you. The way he looked at you during the convention. Parang nagpipigil lang ito sa kanyang damdamin. I don’t know but that was my impression. Sigurado kang hindi kayo magkakakilala?”

“Siguradong-sigurado!” My high-pitched voice filled the small room.

Lumabi ito. She sat on her seat. “I still have one more thing to say though.” She cleared her throat.

Another one! Great!

“We will meet him on Monday. He already booked a table for us at a high-class restaurant. He’ll fly to America tomorrow and be back before Monday morning.”

America? Oh. Probably to meet his honey Olivia. Whoever that woman is. He’s keeping his promise to her, I see. Sweet. Don’t you dare cry in pain, heart. All these time, hindi ka pa sanay?

“Wait. Did you say, ‘we’”?

She pointed at herself and then she pointed at me. “The two of us will meet him for the signing of contract.”

“Why do I have to tag along?” Nagtaas ako ng kilay. This is getting ridiculous!

“Girl, you’re still my assistant. And I need your presence. It would be awkward if it’s just the two of us there.”

“See? Di ba, awkward? That’s my point!” Tumayo ako at nagsalin ng tubig sa baso. This whole talk is making me thirsty and hungry.

“You have to be there to remind me he’s our new boss because, you know, I might do something stupid.”

“Like what?” Isn’t this whole thing already stupid?

“Like I might strip in front of him the moment our eyes meet. God, that delicious man is every woman’s fantasy.”

Nabuga ko ang tubig na nasa aking bibig. Agad kong inabot ang tissue na nasa gilid at nagpunas ng mukha at sa dibdib.

“Okay ka lang?”

“Ikaw, okay ka lang?” I talked back. “My God, Dette. Hindi ko alam na pinagnanasahan mo pala ang taong yun.”

“Bakit ikaw, hindi? Oh, c’mon Bea. Hindi ako maniniwala na walang pumipintig diyan sa puson mo tuwing nakikita si Mr. Salvatore. When he held you, you didn’t flinch a bit?”

I avoided her eyes, and I will avoid her question. The hell I will answer that. And I thought she’s done praising him, but she has more to say.

“If I need to jack off in the night, all I have to do is to think of him f*****g me.” Kumagat-labi ito at tumanaw sa kawalan.

Eww.

“You need to gurgle some holy water, Dette.” Ang sabi ko at umiwas ng tingin sa kanya. My cheeks getting hot. This woman has no shame.

“Shut up. Don’t act as if you’re still a virgin. And stop being hypocrite. I will not believe you if you say you haven’t touch yourself when you’re alone in the dark.”

Nope. I cry.

“I’m hungry. Hindi ka pa ba uuwi?” Change topic, please.

Nagkabit balikat ito at nag-umpisang niligpit ang mga papel na nagkalat sa mesa. “Mauna ka na. My crappy of a husband will wait for me in our house to talk.”

Thank God she didn’t force her question down my throat. “I see. I’ll get going then.”

“Don’t forget, we’ll meet Mr. Salvatore on Monday, twelve noon.”

“Oh, trust me, I’m excited to meet him. I can’t wait for Monday to come.” Umirap ako sa hangin at tumalikod na sa kanya.

“Don’t you dare think I haven’t noticed you didn’t answer my question, Bea.”

My steps halted and threw her a glance. Her focus was on her papers and didn’t bother to raise her head.

“Whatever.” I replied before I continued walking out of her office.

I’m so furious and pissed right now! Alejandro kept changing his plans and I couldn’t keep up. Great god, I don’t know how I am going to fight against him. He sure knows how to play his game! This day is one of worst days of my life! All thanks to him!

Akala ko ay wala nang mas nakakagulat sa ibinalita ni Dette, meron pa pala. Dahil pagdating ko sa aming apartment, sinalubong ako ng mas nakakagulat at nakakalungkot na balita.

Sa sala ay nasumpungan ko si lola at si Nadine na nakaupo sa sofa. Si Mrs. Henarez ay naupo sa tapat nila. Si Faye naman ay nasa dining table at busy sa pagko-color ng kanyang drawing book.

“Mrs. Henarez, napadalaw kayo?” Nilapag ko ang bag sa bakanteng silya. Lumapit ako kay lola upang magmano. Lumapit ako kay Faye para halikan ang ibabaw ng ulo nito. She raised her head to beam at me.

“Buti nga at naabutan mo pa ako, Bea. Paalis na sana ako.”

“Ano ang maipaglilingkod ko sa inyo, Mrs. Henarez?”

Isang beses lamang sa isang buwan kung ito ay magpunta dito sa apartment at iyon ay para kunin ang buwanang renta namin. Sa Tagum na kasi ito nakatira kapiling ang kanyang bunsong anak.

She sighed. “Yun nga. Nasabi ko na sa lola mo ang sadya ko. Balak kong ibenta ang apartment na ito sa halagang dalawang milyon, Bea. May prospect buyer na ako. Pero kung may pambili kayo ay sa inyo ko ito ibebenta. Malapit ang loob ko sa inyong mag-anak dahil bukod sa ilang taon na kayo dito naninirahan ay naaalagaan nyo rin ang bahay. Kung hindi ko lang talaga kailangan ng pera para sa operasyon ng aking anak ay hindi ko sana ito ipagbibili. Ang sobra sa pera ay gagamitin kong pambili ng sakahan. Mas gusto ko na rin kasing manirahan sa probinsiya.”  Mahabang paliwanag nito.

I slumped down in my seat. I was shocked by what I heard but I’m too tired to even react or mutter a word. My eyes landed at my grandmother who looked at me with concern in her eyes. Lumaylay din ang balikat ni Nadine at mamasa-masa ang mga mata nito.

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga. “Naiintindihan ko, Mrs. Henarez. Napamahal na sa amin ang apartment na ito at masakit mang tanggapin ay wala kaming magagawa. Wala akong dalawang milyon sa bangko.” Sinabayan ko iyon ng bahaw na tawa. Hindi pa nga aabot ng isang daaang libong piso ang meron ako. “Mga ilang buwan pa po ba ang ititira namin dito? Hahanap nalang po kami ng malilipatan.”

She nodded in approval. “Dalawang buwan, Bea. Pasensiya na talaga kayo. Marami pa namang nagpaparenta diyan. Alam kong makakahanap agad kayo ng matitirhan.”

“Pwede ko po bang malaman kung sino ang prospect buyer n’yo?” Malaman ko lang na may kinalaman si Alejandro dito ay tinitiyak kong mapapatay ko ito kapag nagkaharap kaming dalawa.

Bakas ang gulat sa kanyang mukha. She tilted her head to the side. “Pinsan ng asawa ko. Matagal na silang naninirahan sa ibang bansa at gusto nilang makahanap ng property dito sa Davao na maaari nilang tirhan kapag nauwi silang buong mag-anak.”

Marahang tumango ako. Mabuti naman at walang kinalaman ang lalake dito dahil isusumpa ko talaga siya kapag nagkataon.

Nang makaalis na si Mrs.Henarez, lumapit si lola sa akin.

“Umuwi na lang tayo sa Palawan, Beverly. Dun sa bahay natin sa isla, walang magpapalayas sa atin doon. Kung magtatagal tayo dito sa siyudad, hindi tayo aasenso dahil ang mahal ng mga bilihin dito. Bukod pa doon ay magbabayad na naman tayo ng renta. Kung itatabi natin ang pera para sa renta, makakaipon tayo.” Ani nito.

I glanced at Nadine. Malungkot na tumango ito sa akin.

“Kahit napamahal na sa akin ang siyudad ate, mas mainam pa rin na bumalik tayo sa isla. Sa sentro nalang ako magpapatuloy ng pag-aaral at magbo-boarding house na lang din ako. Hindi naman hamak mas mura ang renta doon kesa dito.”

Ngumiti ako sa kanila. “Hayaan n’yo at pag-iisipan ko. Magpapalit lang ako ng pambahay, la, tapos maghapunan na tayo. Kanina pa ako gutom.”

Pagpasok ko sa kwarto ay nanghihinang napasandal ako sa pintuan. Minasahe ko ang aking batok at napapapikit na lamang ako. Sunod-sunod ang pagdating ng mga problema. Ang agency, ang panggigipit ni Alejandto, pagkatapos ay itong apartment.

“Lord, paunti-unti lang po sana at mahina ang kalaban.” Usal ko sa hangin. Sobrang hina na kahit gusto ko mang humingi ng tulong sa iba ay wala rin naman akong matatakbuhan. Walang masasandalan.

Ayokong banggitin ang problemang ito kay Tyler. At kahit pa ipalaam ko sa kanya, wala rin naman itong magagawa sa sitwasyon namin.

Ayokong bumalik sa isla dahil sa dalawang rason. First, the island itself is Alejandro’s fortress. He wants me to go back there. Kung babalik ako, mangangahuluhan lang iyon ng aking pagkatalo. Alejandro will surely manipulate me. Pangalawa at mas kinakatakot ko, baka bumalik si Ate Becky at kunin sa akin si Faye. Hindi ko papayagang mangyari iyon. We are safer here in the big city because it will be difficult for her to find us. Call me selfish, but Faye is my daughter, and she will forever be mine.

Tumihaya ako sa kama. I want a day off. I want to shut off from the world even just for a day. I need a damn breather without worrying about anything. I deserve a rest, don’t I?

I think I am God’s least favorite.

*********

Monday.

I called in sick but Dette just yelled at me in the phone. Sa pagbaba ko ng taxi ay tinanaw ko ang magarang façade ng nasabing restaurant. My heart was in my mouth and I swear I could hear the fast beating of it in my ears.

I glanced at my wristwatch. I’m fifteen minutes early. Mabuti naman. Mas gusto kong ako ang maghintay sa kanila kesa ako ang hintayin nila. Before getting out of the taxi, I texted Dette that I have arrived. She replied telling me to wait outside dahil malapit na daw siya sa area.

Someone honked a horn and I saw Dette’s car pulling to the side of the street. She’s here. Thank God.

Nang makababa ito, she whistled at me. “You look hot, Bea.”

“Back at you.” I refrained myself from glaring at her.

Well, I did prepare for today’s meeting. I want to appear intimidating and cool. I won’t let Alejandro ruffles my feather.

Pareho kaming nakaharap sa restaurant. I was about to speak but Dette beats me.

“Something’s off. Ang tahimik ata. It’s twelve noon!”

Exactly. “Well, you can’t judge a forest just by looking for a few trees. We might as well get our ass inside now. Maaga tayo. I’m sure Mr. Salvatore isn’t here yet.”

She shrugged her shoulders.

Papalapit pa lang kami sa entrance door nang bumukas iyon, a smiling waiter greeted us.

“Hi. We’re here to meet Mr. Alejandro Salvatore?”

“Yes, Ma’am. He’s expecting for your arrival.” He replied.

“Nandito na siya?”

The waiter gazed at me. “Opo.”

Sumulyap ako sa loob. “Bakit walang tao?” Tanong ko ulit.

“Mr. Salvatore reserved the whole restaurant, Miss.” He grinned.

“Of course, he does.” I can’t hide the bitterness in my voice.

Dette nudged me by the shoulder. “He’s freaking Alejandro Salvatore, expect the unexpected.”

My lips curled in disgust. Yeah, like promising you a ride or die but he lets you die on your own at the end. A first-class asshole.

Nang tuluyan kaming makapasok sa magarbong restaurant, I looked around. I found him at the far corner facing the floor to ceiling glass wall. One hand shoving inside the front pocket of his expensive slacks while the other holding a phone. He was talking to someone.

He turned towards us as his lips stretched into a smile. His eyes met mine. “Give me a minute.” His deep, husky voice filled the entire room.

I looked away at mas binigyang pansin ang magarang chandelier.

“f**k. He looks hot. My clit is throbbing.” Dette whispered.

“You’re disgusting, Dette. Pull your damn self. You’re about to sell your company na pinaghirapan mong buuin tapos may gana ka pang hangaan ang lalakeng yan na nanggigipit sa’yo?”

“Excuse me. Hindi niya ako ginipit. He was offering some help. Cut me some slacks, Bea. Would you rather want me to close the agency down at tuluyan kayong mawalan ng trabaho?  Sinaalang-alang ko din ang kalagayan ng staffs ko. This is the best for everyone.”

I sighed. She has a point. I’m being irrational here.

“Okay, I get it, Dette. But control your damn hormones. Nakakahiya.”

She chuckled. “Don’t mind me, Bea. I have a huge crush on him. This is how you fangirl, dear.” Her phone rang. Sunod-sunod na mura ang luamabas sa kanyang bibig.

“s**t. I need to take this call. This is from my lawyer. Ikaw na ang bahala kay Mr. Salvatore kung may itatanong man siya. You know what to answer, anyway. I’ll be in a hurry.”

Hindi pa ako nakakasagot ay lumabas na ito ng restaurant. Siya namang paglingon ni Alejandro sa direksiyon ko. Timing is indeed a b***h.

He started walking towards me. “Why are you standing there?” He held my hand and pulled me towards the table in the middle.

He pulled a chair. “Have a seat.”

Pero hindi ako gumalaw. Pumiglas ako sa pagkakahawak niya. “Ano itong ginagawa mo, Mr. Salvatore?”

“Alejandro. Call me Alejandro.” His jaw tightened. “And what do you mean?” Inosenteng tanong pa nito.

I placed my hands on my hips. Now that we’re alone and I don’t give a f**k about the waiters at the corner, sumabog ako.

“Let’s cut the chase, Mr. Salvatore. I am not in my best mood at the moment. My mind in chaos. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now and my patience is as thin as a thread. Now, if you’re planning on pinning me down, sure go ahead. You want me to crumble? You want me to go insane? You want me to beg for your mercy? I will give it all to you. But you will never ever have my full trust again, Mr. Salvatore.”

His eyes darkening as they turned into slits. “I’m only asking you for your time, Bea.”

“My time? You want me to go back to that cursed island and spend time with you? No thanks!”

“Cursed island?” His teeth gritting.

“Yes! That island is cursed!”

“Watch your damn mouth!”

“What do you want from me, Mr. Salvatore? My body? You want me to play fire with you! Deal!”

Alejandro snaked his arms around my waist and pulled me closed to him. His hand gripping my jaw. Eyes held mine. “Baby, if I want your body, I wouldn’t be here wasting my time. I could have you any time I want. I don’t need to exert some efforts because I know you want me too.”

“Then why are you doing this to me!”

“Spend time with me in the island. At least give me a month.”

“Aren’t you being demanding, Sir?”

“That’s why I have to pull shits like this because I know how hard-headed you are. Don’t make me resort to my last option.” He warned me.

“And what is that?”

“To kidnap you and take you wherever I go.” He smirked.

“You can’t do that!”

“Why not?”

“I have a family to feed.”

“I’ll handle the finances.”

“I have a daughter, Mr. Salvatore.” Diin kong sabi.

His brows furrowed. “A daughter?”

“Yes, a daughter.”

Unti-unti niya akong binitawan. “A daughter.” He muttered under his breath. “There’s no way you can bear my child, Bea.” His voice quiet and pained?

“Well, she’s not yours.” Taas-noong sambit ko, di pinansin ang paglatay ng sakit sa puso ko.

“Fuck.” He cursed and turned his back on me.