Salubong ang kilay ni El habang nakatitig sa lalaki. She’s expecting to see the same smug and condescending smile he gave her when he finally unraveled her deception. But she didn’t see that on Ace’s face. In fact, what she saw was genuine appreciation.
“I will.” Mildred smiled a bit awkwardly. Guilt was written on her face. “But may I ask why you are thanking him?”
“For helping El,” nakangiting sagot ni Ace, sumulyap sa kanya bago muling tumingin sa kaibigan niya. “Actually, pati sa ‘yo’y gusto kong magpasalamat, ma’am. Ikaw ang unang tumulong kay El noong una tayong nagkita sa Legaspi Village, ‘di ba?”
Nagsulyapan sina Trish at Mildred bago muling tumingin sa lalaking lumapit sa kanila. “Wait. Let me get this straight. You're thanking me and my husband for helping El deceive you?”
Nagkibit-balikat si Ace. “I didn't see it that way, ma'am. I know you didn't do that with the intent of deceiving me; more on ensuring Elamarie's safety.”
“Thanks for understanding.” Mildred answered guiltily. “But still, please accept my apology.”
“Walang dapat ihingi ng apology, ma’am,” nakangiting sagot ni Ace. “Hindi ninyo ako kilala. Natural lang na protektahan ninyo ang kaibigan ninyo. Kung ako ang nasa sitwasyon ninyo’y ‘yon din mismo ang gagawin ko.”
“Right,” nakangiting sagot ni Mildred, nawala na ang pag-aalinlangan sa mukha. “Anyway, you can call me Mildred. ‘Wag nang ma’am.”
“I’m Patricia. You can call me Trish.”
“Ikinagagalak kong makilala kayo. Ako naman si Ace. Ace Ismael.”
“Would you like to join us?” alok ni Mildred.
“You can sit there,” wika ni Trish. Itinuro ang pwestong katabi niya.
Humalukipkip si El. She looked at her friend with annoyance and disbelief. “I can’t believe you two!” Pagkasabi niyon ay binalingan niya si Ace. “You’re early,” El said, annoyed by his sudden appearance. Quarter to eleven pa lang. Alas onse ang usapan nilang oras ng pick-up nito sa kanya.
Ace shrugged. “It always pays to be early.”
“Hindi na ako nagtaka. You’re a bull, after all,” nakangiting sagot ni Mildred. “Sit! Sit!” anito na imuniwestra pang sa tabi niya maupo si Ace.
Imbes na umisod ay nanatili sa pagkakaupo si El. She gave both her friends the death glare, which was answered by giggles.
Susubo na sana ng truffle pasta si Trish nang biglang bumaling kay Mildred. “Wait! Are Capricorn and Taurus compatible?”
“I think so. Capricorn and Taurus are both earth signs. The probability of them being compatible is high since they share similar traits,” Mildred answered, grinning. “But let’s double check.”
Imbes na ituloy ang pagkain ay lumapit pang lalo si Trish kay Mildred at nakisilip sa cellphone nito.
“There! There! Taurus and Capricorn,” ani Trish na siya pang pumindot sa screen ng cellphone ni Mildred. “Skip the article. Mamaya na natin balikan. ‘Yong compatibility percentage muna!”
She’s about to stand up and leave them when Ace places a chair and sits adjacent to her. Nakataas ang kilay na tumingin siya sa lalaki.
Nagkibit-balikat si Ace saka nagsalita, “Interesting topic. I’d love to hear more.”
“Do you really believe this nonsense?” El uttered, annoyed and skeptical.
“I’m really not into that stuff, but I’m willing to listen,” Ace answered, grinning. “I love to learn something new each day. Our compatibility is the best topic for today.”
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MISSION 4: Pleasing You
RomanceThe last thing Elamarie Calma wanted was a controlling freak of a boyfriend. She's a strong, independent, career-oriented woman. She's used to giving orders, not taking them. Captain Ace Ismael would disappear in no time at all if a girl demanded co...
