Gabie's POV
"Hey! What are you thinking about? You've been glued to your phone for a while now. Is something wrong? Hmm?" Jhay asked, clearly annoyed.
My heart skipped a beat. Of course he noticed. He always did. He could read me like a book, especially when I was hiding something.
"Oh no. I'm done. He's onto me," I whispered to myself.
"Girl, are you talking to yourself now? I thought you were the advice-giver, but looks like you're the one who needs therapy," he teased.
"It's nothing! What whispering?" I said quickly, trying to act normal.
"Don't lie to me. You're hiding something. I can see it in your eyes—anxiety levels off the charts! Obvious!" He pointed dramatically at my face, so I shut my eyes tight like that would stop him. Good thing Mama had stepped out to deliver an order to our neighborhood. If she were here, I'd be fried.
"Besh it's… it's just…"
"How do I even say this? He's definitely going to scream when he finds out. I'm not ready for that. And Mama—definitely not ready either. I'm not even sure myself!"
"What is it, girl?" Jhay raised a brow, visibly losing patience.
"Promise me first, okay? Don't tell Mama, please. I'm not ready yet. I'm still figuring things out," I whispered. I hadn't even told him the actual thing yet, but I already felt like my knees were giving out.
"Fine, fine. I promise. Now spill it!"
"It's because… umm—"
"Oh my gosh, girl! You've been stalling forever! You're like a movie trailer that never ends!" he snapped.
"Okay, okay! Sorry! It's just… hard to say. Because I still can't believe… my crush asked me to dinner," I finally said in the tiniest voice possible, head bowed, eyes shut, bracing for his reaction.
Then it happened.
"Oh. My. G! OH, MY G!!!" he shrieked, pulling me into a tight hug like I was a stuffed toy.
"Girl, I can't breathe!" I gasped.
"Sorry! Sorry! I got carried away! Who's the crush?!"
"Ugh! First you scream like a banshee, then you ask calmly like nothing happened? You're so annoying sometimes!" I pouted.
He tapped a finger on his nose — his trademark deep-thinking pose.
And then, out of nowhere—
"EHHHHHH!!!"
"Ugh, what now?! You sound like a pig being slaughtered! My ears!" I scolded.
"Sorry, girl! I'm just sooo… happy for you! You're not just getting famous, now your heart's finally getting noticed! You are the moment!"
"Oh, please! Are you sure you even know who I'm talking about?"
"Yes! Yes! And YES!"
"Yeah, right."
"Hello? I'm the one who watches everyone who looks at you. I knew it! The way he looks at you — like he wants to eat you alive!"
"You're so dramatic."
"Excuse me? It's obvious, okay? Don't tell me you haven't noticed how he stares at you?"
"I thought he was just following me with his eyes because I always stare at him first."
"Oh! Don't admit that — you'll fall even harder!"
"Wait… when did he even ask you out? We're always together. How did I not notice?"
"When we were leaving the coffee shop, heading to the elevator."
"Huh? So, what did you say?"
"Nothing… I froze. I didn't know what to say. My heart was pounding like crazy," I said, nervously fidgeting.
"Well, you like him, don't you? So why didn't you say yes right away?"
"Of course I like him! This is my first time ever, girl! And to think it's Sir Miguel we're talking about. He's so handsome! How could I say no?!"
"Exactly! So why didn't you answer him right there?"
"I just… got stunned, besh. Totally speechless."
"And now?"
"He gave me his number. Said I could text him once I made up my mind."
"So, what's the problem?"
"I don't know how to text him. What if I say something wrong? What if I misunderstood what he meant?" I started spiraling again.
"Oh my golly! You know what? I believe in that saying now: 'Smart in school, dumb in love.' You are hopeless! It couldn't be clearer that he likes you too. Why would he give you his number if he didn't?"
"Okay, but how do I text him?" I looked at him like a helpless kitten.
"Just say what you want to say. Tell him you like him too, if you do."
"I'm just really nervous. What if he changes his mind? It's been days. I still haven't texted."
"Don't worry. Someone who's serious about you won't disappear just like that. Have faith, girl."
"Really?"
"Girl, give me your phone. I'll text him myself!"
Before I could react, he grabbed my phone and started typing.
"There! Done. Happy now? You act like it's a thesis when it's just one message!" he said, proud of himself.
"I don't know. I swear, besh, my heart feels like it's going to explode."
"Huh?! That's dangerous! You might have a heart condition," he suddenly said, serious.
I froze. "W-What? Dangerous? Why?!"
"Girl… if you're this paralyzed over one message, and you go speechless every time he's around? You're totally in love, girl!"
I went quiet. His words hit me harder than I expected.
"Why does it feel like this? Will I still be with Mama if something bad happens to me? What about our dreams? The house? The vacation? What if I'm the one who disappears? What happens to Mama then?"
I blinked quickly, trying to hold back tears.
"Girl? Hey! You spaced out again!"
"I was just thinking… what if this is real? I don't want to have a heart problem. We can't afford open-heart surgery. What happens to our dreams? Mama's rest? Our house? What if I die first?"
He looked stunned, maybe even guilty. I bowed my head, trying to hide the shakiness in my voice.
Then suddenly—
"Oh, my G! Girl, no! That's not what I meant! You are so dramatic!"
I stared at him. "Then what did you mean?"
"Girl… you're in trouble because… I think you're falling for him. Like, for real."
My eyes widened. "What?!"
"Girl, how do you still not get it? It's not just a crush anymore. You've got real feelings. Deep ones."
I fell silent. I didn't expect him to say that.
"Not just a crush? Could it really be?"
"Really?" I asked, barely above a whisper.
He smacked his forehead. "You know what? I'm going home. I feel like I'm losing brain cells here. You're hopeless! No wonder you've never had a boyfriend!"
And just like that, he walked off dramatically, leaving me speechless.
Miggy's POV
I had just stepped out of the conference room after a series of team presentations for the company's new project. I was about to sit in my swivel chair when my phone buzzed with a message.
From Gabie:
Hi! About that—you asked me, yes. 😊
I stared at the message, caught off guard. My heart did a somersault. A mixture of disbelief and excitement hit me like a wave. She said yes.
To Gabie:
Thank you. Let me know when you're free?
I stayed glued to my phone for a few seconds, hoping she'd reply quickly so I could book a dinner reservation. When nothing came, I figured she was busy. I didn't want to be pushy and risk ruining this rare chance. So, I shifted my attention to my laptop and tried to get back to work. Reports to finish. Emails to answer.
The office door opened, but I didn't bother to look up. Only one person barged in without knocking.
"Excuse me, sir," Meynard said.
"Yeah?" I mumbled; eyes still glued to my screen.
"Should I just send you the list of restaurants for your dinner with Gabie, or do you want to check them here on the tablet?"
That got my attention. I looked up and saw him holding out his tablet—the same one he used for everything from schedules to important files.
"Let me see," I said, taking the device. I started scrolling through the options.
"What do you think?" I asked while scanning the photos.
"I'd go for Antipolo or Tagaytay," Meynard said, shrugging. "But it's your date, not mine."
"Wouldn't that be too far for her?"
"Wait—did she already say yes?"
"Yeah. She texted earlier."
"Then why are you overthinking it? Just ask her."
"She hasn't replied to my follow-up about her schedule," I said. "I don't want to seem too eager."
"Then call her. Set things straight so we can finalize a plan. If she can't go far, we'll adjust."
"I don't want to annoy her. What if she's in the middle of something?"
"Okay, okay. I'll call Jhay instead. Maybe I can check with her manager."
I nodded, grateful. While Meynard got on the phone, I tried to focus on my laptop again.
A few minutes later, he returned. "Jhay said it's a go. Even Tagaytay's fine."
"Really? He said that?"
"Yup. Apparently, he and Gabie talked about it earlier."
"What about the schedule?"
"He's checking with her about school and a photoshoot. He'll text once he confirms."
I sighed in relief. "Good. I don't want her manager to think I'm overstepping."
"Jhay's cool. You're lucky. Some managers don't even let their talents date."
"Yeah. That's why I want to be transparent. Jhay can even come along—just at a separate table. I just don't want Gabie or anyone else to think I have hidden intentions."
"Smart move," Meynard said with a knowing look.
I didn't respond. If I did, I'd get pulled into another long conversation, and I had things to finish.
The rest of the workday went by in a blur—presentations, paperwork, and emails. By the time I wrapped up, it was already late afternoon.
I called Mom as usual. I hadn't been able to visit her lately, and daily calls were my only way to stay connected.
I called Mom after work, like I always did. Hearing her voice after a long day helped me breathe easier.
"Hi, Mom. You, okay? Are you sure you're fine?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light, though I couldn't hide the worry completely.
"Of course, sweetheart," she said, and I could almost hear her smiling. "Don't worry. Your aunt Beth's coming by tomorrow again. She's always here when your uncle's busy. And Carla's with me now, so I've got company."
That was a relief. "How was your last therapy session?"
"It went well," she answered. "The doctor said I can start going less often—just once a week now. That's good news, right?"
"Thank God," I said, exhaling. "Just please don't forget your meds, okay?"
She laughed softly. "Don't worry. Carla never lets me forget—she's worse than a nurse!"
I smiled. Carla had always been reliable. "Sorry, Ma. I still can't come home. We're finalizing a new account, and I really can't afford to step away right now."
"It's okay, son. I understand," she said, always so patient with me. Then, quieter, "But I miss you, Miggy. Maybe it's time you settle down? I'd love to have someone else here when you're busy with work."
I groaned. "Oh no. Not this again."
"What?" she teased. "You act like you've got no plans of settling down."
"If it's meant to happen, it'll happen," I said, trying to dodge the topic like I always did. "Okay? I've got to go, Mom. I love you."
"I love you too," she said. "Take care."
As I ended the call, Meynard let out a laugh. "Was that Ma'am Barbs giving you a sermon again?"
"What do you think?" I replied, shaking my head.
He chuckled. "Lemme guess—you rushed the call so you wouldn't have to explain Gabie?"
"Exactly. If I tell her now, she'll want to meet her. And if that happens too soon, Gabie might feel pressured. I don't want to mess this up."
Meynard smirked. "You're scared to lose your shot, huh?"
"Of course, I am. I'm trying to go slow, not push too much. She's still in school. I'm older. I just want to be careful."
As we left the office and headed to the car, Meynard asked, "So, are we still going to Bulacan on Saturday?"
"Yeah. She needs to do some research for her major. I'm thinking of buying her a laptop."
"Oh?"
"She still works on projects at an internet café. I want to make things easier for her."
"That makes sense. Just be clear it's not a big deal. Maybe throw in a printer, too."
"Good idea. We can leave the office early tomorrow to shop for it."
"You're really going all in," Meynard said.
I smiled faintly. "I just want to help."
"Didn't you say she refused your monthly allowance?"
"Yeah. I'm hesitant to bring it up again. She might feel like I'm trying to take over, like her mom."
"Maybe try again this Saturday. Timing's everything."
"I will. Especially since she's graduating soon. I want to offer her a condo or apartment nearby once she finishes school."
"Whoa! Sweet boyfriend vibes. "So, I need to remind myself I'm just an adopted child, huh?"
Meynard teased, laughing as we neared my building.
I just shook my head and laughed. I was used to him by now.