Gabbie's POV
We'd had a great conversation, but eventually we went up to our rooms. Even though our orders had long run out, the stories kept going. After a while, we all agreed to take a break. Meynard and Jhay walked with us first, still chatting. Meanwhile, Sir Miguel and I were walking quietly behind them.
I didn't know why, but something about that silence between us made my heart flutter. Lately, we'd grown comfortable talking, even laughing at jokes. But now… it felt different. I hesitated to speak; afraid he might just be tired—that I was reading too much into the quiet.
Then, just before the elevator opened—
"Uhm… Gabie, c-can I invite you to dinner sometime? If you're free?" he asked softly, just loud enough for me to hear.
My heart skipped. "Huh? Uh… um…" My brain scrambled for words while my chest thudded like a drum.
"Wait, did I hear that right? Did he just ask me out to dinner? Maybe I imagined it? What if I didn't? What if it's real? Do I say yes? But won't that make me look too easy? What if I say no and he thinks I'm too hard to get? Omg!"
"No pressure," he added gently. "But if you'd like to go, just message me. I'll give you, my number."
I gave him a nervous smile. "I—I'm sorry, I'm just surprised. I didn't think anyone would ask me to dinner. It's… it's a first for me."
Before I could say more, the elevator doors opened. We all fell quiet. Someone sneezed behind us, breaking the tension.
"Ahem... besh, maybe you want to press our floor?" Jhay teased.
"Ay! Yes, sorry!" I blurted, quickly pressing the button for the eighteenth floor.
"Oh? So, we're on consecutive floors." Meynard noted, and I gave him a brief smile.
"We'll get off with you," Jhay said.
"What's your room number?" Meynard asked.
"1508," Jhay replied.
Sir Miguel looked toward me and spoke softly again. "Alright, we'll go ahead. Good night."
"Good night," I answered, and Jhay echoed it too.
Once inside the room, Jhay told me he was going to shower before bed. I turned on the TV and sat down, still replaying what just happened.
Then—a knock. I frowned, curious. I peeked through the peephole—and my heart leapt.
"Sir Miguel?"
I opened the door quickly. "Sir?"
"Ah, sorry to bother you. I just forgot to give you my number earlier," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh—of course! Wait, I'll just grab my phone."
I rushed to get it from the bed and handed it to him. I watched as he typed, then saved his number.
"Is it okay if I just call my phone from here, so you can save my number too?"
My face was burning. "S-Sure," I stammered, hands suddenly warm. My cheeks were definitely red now. He really came just to give me his number—I couldn't believe it.
"That's it. I've saved yours too. Thanks. Good night, Gabie."
I stood there speechless as he slowly walked back toward the elevator. He glanced at me one last time before turning the corner. Only then did I close the door.
For a few seconds, I just stood frozen. Then I looked at my phone. His number was still in the call log.
I threw myself onto the bed, clutching my phone. I didn't even bother watching the TV anymore.
I felt like a salted worm—writhing with giddiness. I covered my mouth to muffle my squeal. "This is it. This is really happening. My crush likes me back!"
While waiting for Jhay, I logged in online—thanks to the free WiFi. I just scrolled through my newsfeed, watching random videos. I rarely post, but tonight, I needed to calm down.
Eventually, Jhay finished, and I took a quick shower too. I had work tomorrow, after all.
I fell asleep easily—not just because of the soft bed and the cool aircon, but because of the giddiness still blooming in my chest. It had been a long day… but a good one. And though I hadn't told Jhay what happened yet, I wanted to savor this moment for myself a little longer. I knew that once I told him, there'd be no stopping the teasing and squealing.
Miggy's POV
"I'm telling you; I wasn't wrong!" I was stunned to see Meynard already in the elevator, waiting for me. I didn't expect him to follow me.
I opened my mouth to speak, but he beat me to it.
"Shhh… I know, bro. Don't even try to reason your way out of this. My eyes saw everything," he said, pointing to both of them dramatically before letting out a laugh. I felt my face heat up from the embarrassment.
"Yes! Fine! You're right! Happy now?" I said defensively, trying to save face, but he didn't even flinch at my tone.
"Yieee! My big brother's acting like a teenager! Look at you—your face is as red as a tomato!" he teased gleefully as we rode the elevator back up.
Earlier, instead of getting off on our floor, I stayed in the elevator to follow Gabie. I wanted to ask for her number. What I didn't realize was that Meynard had followed me.
I got off the elevator first and walked to our room, Meynard trailing behind. He unlocked the door since he had the key card. I thought maybe he'd let it go.
But of course, he didn't.
"You're unbelievable! There's something you're not telling me. I tell you everything, and now you're keeping secrets? I thought we were open with each other," he said, trying to sound wounded.
"I was going to tell you. You just beat me to it," I muttered.
"So, it's true?"
"Yes!"
"Wooo! If I hadn't followed you earlier, you still wouldn't have said anything! Guilty!" he said, melodramatic as always.
"Because you're so loud! I knew you'd tease me non-stop if I told you right away," I admitted.
"Aha! You're just scared to get roasted! How shallow, bro," he said, still playing it up.
I didn't bother answering. I just headed into the bathroom to shower, thinking I'd talk to him after.
"Selfish!" I heard him call out, running around like a child.
When I came out, he was sitting in front of the TV, scrolling through his phone, but he wasn't paying attention to the screen.
"Okay, okay. No more drama. I'll admit it—I waited for today just to talk to her again and ask for her number so I could invite her to dinner. There. Satisfied?" I spoke.
His eyes lit up. "You asked already?"
"Yes. But she didn't say yes or no. She told me to give her time, and that she'd text me once she decides. That's why I followed her before she left, to ask for her number."
"So, did she give it?"
"Yes. We exchanged numbers. I'm just waiting now."
"Then you better have a solid plan for dinner in case she says yes! I have a good feeling about this," he said, already scheming.
"I was thinking somewhere with a nice view, like an overlooking place—but it might be too far. I'm still considering other options," I said.
"Leave the research to me. I'll find the best spots and show you. You handle the rest."
"Deal. But for now, let's get some rest. It's getting late," I said.
I lay down on my bed as he headed into the bathroom. I didn't even notice when he came out—I had already fallen asleep.
***
I woke up feeling light and refreshed. I quickly took a shower and got dressed, only to find Meynard already dressed.
"Why didn't you wake me up?" I asked.
"I was going to, but you beat me to it. I was going to wake you after I got up, just in case I saw you were already awake and rushing to the bathroom," he explained with a smirk.
We didn't waste any time after getting ready. We headed straight down to have breakfast since we both had work later.
"Do you think Gabie and the others will be eating downstairs today?" I asked as we rode the elevator.
"Not sure. I know Gabie's busy this morning, but I don't know what time she gets here. If you want, try texting her and maybe invite her to breakfast. We've still got time, and we won't be late," Meynard suggested.
Hesitant but hopeful, I sent a message just in case they were still around or just waking up. Meynard was right — guessing their plans was impossible.
The elevator doors opened just as I sent the text, and we walked toward the restaurant.
"Go ahead to the restaurant first. I'll just bring the bags to the car," Meynard said, holding our bags.
I nodded and walked in.
I scanned the restaurant but didn't see them anywhere. It was crowded with people busy eating.
As I approached the buffet table, my phone buzzed.
Beep.
From Gabie: "Good morning! We're just coming down now."
My morning brightened instantly.
I quickly replied, Okay, I'm here at the restaurant now. I'll wait for you two.
I waited for her reply before continuing to pick my food, deliberately taking my time so we could eat together.
From Gabie: On our way.
Just as I was about to sit down, Meynard returned with his food.
I didn't start eating, just sipped my coffee, waiting for Gabie and her friends.
Soon, Jhay and another friend entered the restaurant. I waved, and they spotted me immediately, hurrying over to my table.
For the first time, I greeted them.
"Good morning, Sir," they said together.
"Go ahead, help yourselves," I said, nodding toward the buffet. "Meynard is still getting his food."
They smiled and walked toward the table with all the dishes.
Watching Gabie, I whispered to myself, "She's really beautiful. Whatever she wears suits her — even in her school uniform."
The three of them chatted quietly, asking Meynard about the food. A few minutes later, they returned to join me at the table.
We didn't talk much after that — Gabie might be late for her class. For now, I was just happy we got to eat together.
I wished I could take her to school afterward, but our routes were different.
Luckily, Jhay and I could share a ride home since we traveled the same way. Jhay offered to carry Gabie's bags to their house since it would be a hassle for her to bring everything to school. She only took two books to class — the bigger, heavier ones were left behind.
The rest of the day at the office went as usual — busy with paperwork, presentations, and meetings.
By now, it's part of my routine to call or text Gabriella just to say hello. I'm even planning to visit her this weekend.
We haven't met again since, but I've talked to Tito about telling Mommy about Gabie.
"Lunch first," Meynard said as he entered the office, carrying food.
"Alright, just a minute, I'll finish this," I replied.
Minutes later, during lunch:
"I'm planning to visit Gabriella on Saturday and bring her some groceries. If you get the chance to talk to her, try to find out what groceries she usually buys," I told Meynard.
"Sure, no problem! Has Gabie texted you yet?" he asked, quickly changing the subject.
"Not yet. Maybe she's still busy with her studies. I'll wait and think about it."
"Of course. But like I told you last night, you're strong enough to let it go. You've got this."
"Really? Why do you say that? Did Jhay tell you anything about her?"
"Hmmm, nothing concrete. But I've noticed some things—things I don't fully understand yet. It's mostly positive, though."
I sighed. "I keep wondering what that beautiful creature is thinking. Will she agree? Why hasn't she replied yet? Maybe she's still thinking it over, or she just forgot what I said. Haysss, this is tough."
"Eh, what if she doesn't reply today?" I suddenly asked Meynard, who was drinking water after finishing his food. The truth was, I wasn't confident. What if she really didn't text back? What if she just gave me her number out of obligation?
"Try texting her again. Just ask," Meynard suggested.
"Really? Is it okay to ask again? What if she gets mad at me?" I hesitated.
"It's okay to ask. Come on, do you feel like a teenager? Haven't you been through this before?"
"I don't know… I just lack confidence. I'm afraid I might annoy her. You know how that feels."
"What if I check in with Jhay to find out if Gabie will agree? What do you think?"
"Maybe. I'm nervous just thinking about it," I admitted.
"No worries. I'll text Jhay later. He's been asking about the new projects, maybe his other talents will get to audition too," Meynard explained.
"Alright, just please let me know," I said.
"Will do. And hey, it's me you're talking to, so I got this," he said with a grin.
Our conversation was interrupted by a knock. Meynard quickly stood to open the door.
"Sir! Good afternoon! Sir Miggy, Sir Manuel is here," the assistant announced.
"Uncle! Please come in," I greeted, hugging him warmly.
"Hello, son. Sorry for dropping by so suddenly. I just passed by after taking your Aunt Beth to the coffee shop," he said with a smile.
"That's fine. Would you like some lunch, Uncle?"
"No, I ate with your aunt before I brought her here."
We sat down together as Meynard took a break from eating and left us alone.
"Have you called Gabriella since you first met her?" uncle asked.
"Yes, if I can't talk to her directly, I send her text. I'm planning to visit her this Saturday, and I'll bring groceries then. She seems to trust me a little, and I think she feels comfortable asking me for help when she needs it," I explained.
"That's good. Thank you, son. Even though you were hurt by what happened, now that you've met her, I feel like you're her brother. And you didn't hesitate to accept her."
"Uncle, I don't have a choice, do I? What's done is done, and it can't be changed. I'm not doing this for Daddy — this is what he wanted when he was alive. I also feel sorry for her. I know her life hasn't been easy. Unlike me, who grew up with both parents, she experienced hardship from a young age, not even knowing her father. She's been through things I never did," I said honestly.
"Thank you for understanding, son. Barbara and Gabriel raised you well, to have such a broad heart despite the pain."
"All I really care about now is Mommy. How can we tell her about Gabriella?" I asked, my voice heavy.
"Your aunt has an idea. She can help because they understand each other better."
"Alright. It's up to you to explain things to her, so we can fix this," I said.
Our talk was brief, as I had to prepare for a conference presentation on a new project account. I noticed Aunt Beth was about to return. Tito hadn't mentioned coming here, maybe to avoid suspicion — he rarely visits the office.