The Way To His Heart (The Starving Squad #3)

Chapter 24: One Day

Not long after that call, Mona received another call from Felix. He was wondering if he could take her out to dinner. She wanted to. Alam niyang nakapangako na siya rito na paglalaanan niya ito ng panahon, but she still has some things to do.

So, he compromised and brought takeouts instead. Kaya lang, nang marinig ng mga kasama niyang dadalhan siya ng pagkain ni Felix, nagsimulang mag-ingay ang mga ito. So, Felix, in his attempt to impress her employees, brought food again for everyone.

"You didn't have to do that," she told him. Sa isang tabi sila pumwesto habang masayang nag-aagawan ng pagkain ang mga empleyado niya. The guys were so happy they got free food again.

"I have to. I want to be on everyone's good side," nakangiting sagot ni Felix.

"They already like you."

Masaya ang mga ito para sa kanya dahil may boyfriend na siya. Pero kung nagkataong hindi gusto ng mga ito ang naging boyfriend niya, they'll surely tell her. So far, puro papuri pa lang para kay Felix ang naririnig niya mula sa mga empleyado.

Felix smiled and held her free hand. "By the way, do you like hiking?"

"Tangang tanong ba 'yan?" Hello. If she likes hiking, then she should be thin by now. Exercise and outdoor activities just don't agree with her.

Tumawa ito. "So, ayaw mong mag-hike?"

"Why are you asking? Aayain mo ba akong mag-hiking?"

"Well, if you don't want to hike, then we'll find something else to do."

Umiling siya. "Hindi na. I already promised Fresia that I'm going."

He raised an eyebrow. "Inaya ka nya?"

"Yeah. Inaya ko rin si Aika so tatlo kaming pupunta."

"Triple date?"

"We're kinda hoping for that," she said with a sheepish grin. "Pero wala akong pang-hike. Hindi naman kasi ako mahilig sa gano'n, e."

"Don't worry. I'll help you buy them."

"Kelan?"

"Bukas?"

Napaisip siya. "Nakapag-Christmas shopping ka na ba? If you want, pwede nating isabay 'yon."

Kuminang ang mga mata nito, which she found amusing because all the guys she knew hate shopping.

"Hindi ka masyadong busy bukas? Can I have you for a day?"

Oh... so that's why. She bit her lip, eyebrows furrowing in deep thought. What's her schedule again tomorrow? As far as her calendar's concerned, she'll be super busy until February. But maybe... maybe she could spare a day for him. Kung ito nga, nakapaglalaan ng oras para sa kanya, bakit hindi niya magagawa para rito? Isang araw lang naman.

She wrinkled her nose and answered, "Hmm. Maybe for a half."

--

At dahil halos alas onse pa nagbubukas ang mga shopping mall, napagdesisyunan nilang dalawang sa tanghali na lang pumunta. She went really early to work to get things done before going out. Bago pumatak ang alas dose, pinatitigil na siya ni Tatay Ben sa pagtatrabaho.

"Mag-ayos ka na. Maya-maya lang, darating na si Felix."

"Sabi nyo maganda na 'ko. Bakit pa ako mag-aayos?" nakanguso niyang tanong.

Napakamot ng batok ang matanda.

"Syempre, Boss, para mas maganda ka mamaya!" sagot ni Tess. "Magdi-date kayo. Kailangang presintable."