"Besh, what should I wear on my date with Sir Miguel?" I asked Jhay as we walked toward the jeep stop. We'd just come from a studio meeting with a photographer for next week's shoot.
"It depends on where you're having dinner."
"So… it's okay if I ask him?" I hesitated.
"Of course. "So, you can plan what to wear."
"Isn't that… kind of embarrassing?"
"No. That's normal. You need to know the vibe."
"Or maybe I should just prepare something that can go either way—casual but could pass as formal?"
Jhay nodded. "That works too."
I sighed. "I'm also stressing about what I'm gonna reason out to Mama. I'm not ready to tell her yet. Not until I know how the date goes."
"Don't worry too much," Jhay said, nudging my shoulder. "Let me make a call. I got you."
I already knew who he was calling before he even dialed.
"Hello? Good evening," he said into the phone, strutting a little as he walked. "I just wanted to ask something about Gabie's dinner date with Sir Miguel. Is it formal or casual? She's just making sure she dresses appropriately she doesn't want to be embarrassed.
I cringed a little, pretending not to listen. But I was grateful.
"She didn't want to ask directly, so I did it instead." he added with his usual flair. There's no b*llsh*t here, promise.
He gave me a thumbs-up mid-call, but I didn't know what it meant.
"Ah, okay, got it. Thanks. Crystal clear."
As soon as he hung up, he turned to me, grinning wide. "Okay! Casual dress is fine—as long as you're comfortable. Oh, and Meynard will pick us up from school since there's still class that day."
"What? Us?" I raised a brow.
"Well, technically, it's still your date. But Sir Miguel said so you don't feel awkward, Meynard and I will go too—but we'll sit at a different table so you two have privacy."
My jaw dropped. "Beshie, you're too much. You're truly a child of God! Imagine—a manager of an ad agency invited you on a dinner date. You go, girl!" I laughed at his theatrics.
"So," he grinned, "are we buying a dress or not? Mall's still open."
"Okay, let's go. I just need to make sure I brought my card. First date ever—I want to be ready," I said with a nervous laugh.
"Let's go shopping!" he declared, strutting dramatically ahead of me. I rolled my eyes, giggling as we walked. People stared, but we didn't care. The mall was just around the corner anyway.
"Besh, don't pick anything too revealing. You know that's not me," I warned.
"Wow, big words for someone who wore a backless dress at the product launch," he teased.
"That was different! It was a major event."
"What's the difference? You'd wear that in front of a huge crowd, but now you're shy just 'cause it's a dinner for two?"
"That's not what I mean. I just want to wear something simple… something that won't make it look like I tried too hard. It's so shameful if I overdress and he thinks I'm… you know…"
"What? That you like him?"
"Exactly. I mean, yes, I like him—but I don't want to come off like I'm too into him. That's weird."
Jhay groaned. "You're not attending a baptismal ceremony—it's a dinner date! You don't normally wear dresses like that, so what's the big deal if you wear one now?"
"I just want to be myself. If he sees me in a simple dress and loses interest, then at least I'll know early on, right?"
"You're impossible," he said, side-eyeing the plain beige dress I picked first. It was short-sleeved, V-neck, and knee-length—cute but safe.
After circling the mall for nearly an hour, we finally agreed on a flowy black dress—three-fourth sleeves, pleated, and knee-length. Classy, simple, and still me.
I didn't need new shoes. I had a pair that would match.
Jhay took the paper bag from me.
"Thank you, besh," I said softly. "Is there anything I can get you to repay you?"
"Nothing. I don't need anything," he said dramatically. "What matters most to me is that you're happy."
I laughed. "You're so dramatic."
"Seriously! It's me who should thank you. Lately, all your gigs are helping me support my family."
"Besh, you're the one finding those gigs for me. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even be doing print ads or commercials."
"Fine, fine. We're both awesome. Let's stop being dramatic," he grinned.
After he dropped me off at our house, he headed home—just a short jeep ride away.
"Ma! I'm home!" I called out as I opened the door.
But Mama didn't respond. She sat on the sofa, eyes fixed on the TV screen—but it wasn't even on.
"Ma?" I walked closer and gently tapped her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
She jolted slightly, then forced a smile. "Huh? Yes, yes. You're home. Have you eaten? I'll make you something—"
"Ma," I interrupted gently. "You didn't even hear me come in. You were zoned out. Are you sure everything's okay?"
"I'm fine, anak. Maybe I'm just tired. The heat was bad earlier while I was out delivering."
I nodded, but I didn't believe her. Her eyes were restless, and she wouldn't meet my gaze.
"You sure?"
"Of course, honey," she said again, this time with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Ma, it's just the two of us. If there's something wrong, please don't keep it to yourself. You know I'm always here for you."
I sat beside her, placing a hand on her arm.
She stayed quiet.
Lately, I'd noticed how often I caught her lost in thought—so deeply, she didn't even notice me unless I touched her. That wasn't like Mama. She was always present. Always sharp.
Something was bothering her.
And whatever it was… she wasn't ready to tell me yet.
So, I waited.
And hoped she would be… someday soon.
Miggy's POV
"Bro, I got a message from Jhay earlier," Meynard said, peeking into my office. "He was asking where you and Gabie are having dinner."
"Oh? Why?"
"Well, I think Gabie's trying to decide what to wear. Maybe she's worried her outfit won't match the vibe of the place."
"What did you tell him?"
"I said she could wear a casual dress. As long as she's comfortable, it'll be fine."
I raised a brow. "I thought you told them the place. Weren't we going for the surprise?"
"Of course not!" He grinned. "I know you wanted to keep it a secret. For the thrill, right?"
"Exactly."
Meynard smirked like he was proud of himself. "I've known you forever. I already knew you were planning something."
"I didn't say anything," I replied, a little too quickly.
"You didn't have to." He laughed. "And no, I'm not competing with you."
I almost shot back, but I stopped myself. No use dragging the conversation into nonsense. Sometimes, it's exhausting—everyone acting like they're part of my life decisions. Or worse, teasing me non-stop about them.
I just turned back to what I was doing—prepping to leave early. I wanted to stop by the house to greet Mom and Gabriella, then maybe text Gabie if I had time.
The day moved faster than I expected. Meynard was going to pick up Gabie and Jhay while I headed to the restaurant first. It helped that I'd finally convinced Meynard to stop using his motorcycle and take my old car instead. The engine still ran fine, but we'd been checking it just to be sure. Meynard's dad used to be our family driver, so he was familiar with that car inside and out.
"I'll be the one to go ahead," Meynard said while I was buttoning up my polo shirt. "I gave them the finance folder earlier. Gabie said she's getting ready, and Jhay texted me too. I'll pick them up, and we'll meet you there."
"Okay. Thanks, drive safe," I said, fastening the cufflink on my wrist.
"Don't wear yourself out too early," he teased. "You might stink later. Better freshen up—don't let her fall for you because of your cologne!"
I glared at him playfully. "Why does he always have something to say?"
He laughed, gave me a light tap on the shoulder, and finally left me alone so I could finish. I took a quick look at myself in the mirror, fixed my collar, and headed out. I had one last stop—picking up the bouquet I ordered for Gabie.
I arrived at the restaurant a little early, just as planned. It was one of those quiet places with a clear view of the city lights—a favorite for romantic dinners. I'd reserved a spot days ago. The breeze was cool, and the elevation gave a breathtaking view of the skyline. I left the bouquet on the table and stood nearby, not wanting to just sit and wait. The food was ready, just waiting for a signal to be served.
I've been here a few times before, usually for family dinners. But tonight felt different. Special. Maybe it was the effort I put in—or maybe it was because it was her.
Honestly, I didn't expect to feel this way about Gabie. From the moment I met her, there was something unexplainable. I didn't go looking for this, but it found me anyway. And now, I'm here—waiting, nervous, hoping for something I'm not even sure she feels too.
But I've prepared myself. I know things don't always go the way we want. Just because I like her doesn't mean she'll like me back. But if tonight gives me the chance to show her how much she means to me, then it's worth it.
I was pacing near the table again when I got a message: "They're in the parking lot."
My heart started pounding. I rubbed my palms on my pants—they were cold and sweaty at the same time. When I looked up, I saw them walking toward me.
She looked... stunning. The black dress suited her perfectly—simple, elegant, effortless. Her cheeks had a soft blush, her makeup was natural, and her hair framed her face gently.
And then, just as I was about to get lost in admiration—
"Hey! You bored already?" Meynard's voice cut through the moment like a blunt knife.
I cleared my throat. "No. I'm good."
I turned to her. "Good evening," I said, trying to sound calm.
"Hi," she replied softly, her cheeks turning redder.
"She's cute when she blushes."
I tried not to read too much into it. "Stop it. Don't assume anything."
I barely noticed Jhay beside her—my eyes were locked on Gabie. I pulled out a chair for her, and she sat down with a small smile. Meynard and Jhay quietly slipped away to their own table, leaving the two of us alone.
The waiter approached, ready. "I asked them to serve our food once you arrived," I explained. "You might be hungry after the long drive. But if you want to order something else, just let me know."
"Oh no, I'm okay with whatever you picked," she said. "I'm not picky."
There was a pause, the kind that wasn't awkward—just heavy with anticipation.
"So... how have you been?" I asked.
"Good. Just a bit busy with school stuff. Finals are coming up, so lots of requirements and freelance work too."
"Yeah, I remember those days. Feels like ages ago, but I know how overwhelming that can get."
"Thanks for inviting me tonight by the way," she said, her voice quiet.
"I should be the one thanking you for accepting," I replied.
Just then, the food arrived, and the waiter poured red wine into our glasses. I offered a small smile. "Do you drink wine?"
She nodded. "A little."
As we ate, the tension slowly melted away. Like our last coffee shop conversation, talking to her felt easy. She was sharp, thoughtful, and grounded—probably because of everything she'd been through. I knew bits and pieces of her story from Meynard and Jhay, but seeing her now—composed, open, warm—I admired her even more.
She could joke, too. We shared a few laughs between bites, and for a while, I forgot I was nervous. After dinner, I asked if she wanted to see the view from where I'd been waiting earlier.
"It's your first time here, right?" I asked, offering my hand to help her stand.
She nodded, and we both picked up our wine glasses and made our way back to the overlook. The breeze was cooler now, but standing there with her, looking out at the sea of city lights, I felt a strange mix of peace and excitement.
I wasn't sure how the night would end—but for the first time in a long time, I was hoping.