Chapter 2
‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’

The atmosphere turned chilly as soon as Richard left to fetch Celeste a drink. Celeste can’t believe that Richard is taken. The last time she checked he was very much single, and eligible. How come, suddenly, Cristina Rose’s best friend is his girlfriend! The last time she also heard, this girl doesn’t have a boyfriend. Hmmm, something is not adding up, she mused.

“Maya, I don’t think you and Richard are really in a relationship.” She told Maya in a challenging voice. “Di ba, wala ka namang boyfriend?”

Maya looked at Celeste and raised her eyebrow. “Hmmm, I don’t think I need to prove it, answer it, nor am I obligated to make an explanation to you, Celeste.”

“Ha, so hindi nga totoo?”  Celeste insisted, unable to read between the lines.

Naku, this girl, dense, Maya thought, “Kailangan ko pa bang sabihin na wala siyang pakialam sa buhay ko. That it’s none of her business whether Richard and I are a couple or not. Mabuti na lang pinalaki akong tama ng mga magulang ko!”

Richard approached Maya and Celeste and asked, “What is not true, Celeste?”

“Ha, wala. Thanks for the drinks.” Celeste grabbed the drink and then without even a thank you, fled to where her friends are.

“What was that all about, Maya?” Richard asked, puzzled. “Parang inaaway ka ni Celeste, ha.”

“Naku, wala iyon, Mr. Lim. Masyado ka kasing guwapo. Hayan, na-disappoint ang isang member ng fans club mo nang malamang may ‘girlfriend’ ka na.” Maya teased Richard. For some reason, she feel comfortable doing that. Feeling ni Maya matagal na talaga silang magkakilala. She surmised, it was because Cris has been telling her about her cousin for as long as she could remember.

“Hindi nga? Bakit ganoon ang face ni Celeste pag-alis. Saka, wala akong fans club. I’m just a guy, wearing glasses, ordinary chinito nga eh.” Richard insisted.

“Mr. Richard Lim, are you fishing for a compliment? Kailan ka huling tumingin sa salamin? Guwapo ka kaya. Parang si Clark Kent or si Richard Gere.” Maya blurted before she can stop herself. Ooops, she silently castigated herself, me and me verbalizing my thoughts again! Maya Dela Rosa, hayan ka na naman!

“Hmmm, so ako ang pinag-uusapan niyo talaga ni Cris kanina?” Richard grinned. Gotcha, Maya, he thought.

For some reason, Richard likes teasing Maya. He likes Maya, period. Magaan ang loob niya sa kaibigan na ito ni Cris. It felt like he had known her a long time. Richard guessed, it maybe because Cris has told him about her a lot. Aside from the fact that he felt like he knows her thought process through her blog that he got into reading despite his busy schedule. Saka, admit it Richard, he mused, attracted ka sa kanya, unang kita pa lang at hindi mo alam na siya ang friend ng cousin mo!

“Errrr, ah, yeah.” Maya admitted, blushing. “Kasi sabi ni Cris, parang ang close natin kaagad. Nagulat siya kasi normally raw aloof ka and suplado sa mga girl.”

Richard smiled at Maya. He likes that she is very honest, artless, not coy, unlike some girls, who for some reasons, were running after him and doing stuffs that sometimes raised even his eyebrows, so very bold, just to attract his attention. Maya is not like that. With her, he feels like a regular guy, not the way other girls see him.

“Well, she is correct. It takes me a while to warm up to someone, lalo na sa mga girl. For reason I can’t fully explain and despite our taxi run in, magaan ang loob ko sa iyo. Iba ka!”

“Iba ako, in what way?” Maya asked, suddenly very curious, wanting him to elaboarate.

But instead of replying to her, Richard gave her a mysterious, lopsided smile that made her heart beat faster, then changed the topic. “So, what was it again with Celeste?”

Maya let it passed too. She felt he meant to say something but stopped himself.

“Well, kailangan mo yata ng dagdag na strategy. I don’t think she was convinced that we are boyfriend and girlfriend.” Maya explained as she sipped the wine Richard got for her.

“Hmmm, kailangan pa niya ng dagdag na proof ha. Come, let’s convince her some more, my Honeybun.” Richard said, half-teasing Maya.

“Babe, nakakarami ka na ha.” Maya threw back at Richard, smiling, then blushing a bit, remembering him holding her hand and kissing it. “Saka mahirap i-convince ang taong may blinders, parang sa horse lang. They only can see one thing or only see the things they want to see.”

“Sabagay. Hay naku, bayaan na nga natin siya. Baka naman hindi na masyadong mag-cross ang paths namin ngayong Cris is leaving for good.” He said, resigned. “Thank you for your help Maya. I really appreciate it.” Then he put his hand on top of Maya’s, affectionately.

Maya was not sure what to do. Like the kiss in her hand, earlier, she decided to ignore this one, and the feeling it evoked in her. Bakit naman kasi kumakabog ang dibdib niya rito sa pinsan ni Cris, all of a sudden.

“Naku, wala lang iyon.” She replied. “Let’s eat na.”

“Wala lang iyon, as in wala?” Richard asked, looking at Maya intently. “Ganoon, wala lang pala ako.”

“Ricky Lim, ang kulit mo.” Maya said as she touched Richard in the arm, unconsciously. “What I meant was, it was okay. I was happy to help. Hayan, English na para in two languages na. Mas madaling intindihin. I can also probably say in Spanish, though my Spanish is a bit rusty from lack of use!” She teased.

“No need na, Maya. Thank you very much again.”Richard smiled happily.

Maya smiled back, sweetly. They looked at each other a bit more, then as if they got self-conscious, looked at their food at the same time and started eating. They also chatted like two people who have known each other very long. They were like in a world of their own, too focused on each other.

Unknown to them, Cristina was observing them from a distance and happy at what she is seeing. Kanina pa ang dalawang ito ah. Ah, love, sweet love, she thought. Siguro, ganito ang pakiramdam ni Cupid, she said then shook herself out of her flight of fancy. She hopes her cousin and best friend will end up together. But she will let things take its course. She is just happy that they finally met, that their paths finally crossed through her. Hanggang doon na lang siya. Her cousin needs someone like Maya and she thinks, Richard is what Maya needed. But everything is completely up to them, to act on the feelings she is seeing, but maybe they are still unaware of.

Cristina was just about to head to some of her other guests, when she felt giant splats on her arms. Naku, uulan! Mabuti she had a contingency plan for this. With the weather being unpredictable these days, she made provisions for such an eventuality.

“Guys, guys! Mukhang uulan. Doon na tayo sa loob.” She told everyone, mostly her closest colleagues at the public relations firm where she work, well except Celeste, then Richard, and Maya, her best friend since college.

Everyone started moving inside, with their drinks.

“Maya, let’s go.” Richard said as he went to Maya’s side to assist her from getting up. “Just bring your drinks. If we get hungry pa, I’m sure we can find something to eat from Tita Susan’s kitchen.”

“Okay. Thanks.” Maya said, getting her glass.

They started walking towards the house. Maya almost jumped when she felt Richard’s hand on her elbow, assisting her over the grass and the uneven surface that made her wedges-clad feet wobbly. Gentleman talaga, she thought.

The guests ended up in the spacious living room of the Uys, which was made larger as Cristina had the sliding doors that let to the veranda, opened. It was nice and quite inviting. One can see the rain falling heavily from the veranda. Maya likes the rain, well, err, when she was just inside the house. She does not like getting caught in the rain.

“Since, mukhang matatagalan pang tumila ang ulan, and since umuulan na rin lang, videoke na lang tayo.” Cristina told everyone. She and her friends at work like to go to sing-along bars, where they rent a videoke room, to unwind, usually on Fridays, and especially after a very stressful week.

Most people agreed, except Richard. He groaned, and whispered his sentiments to Maya. “Arrrrgh, videoke! Here we go again.”

“Bakit, hindi ka kumakanta? Boses palaka ka?” Maya asked smiling at his expression. Parang bibitayin ang hitsura ni Richard.

“Hindi ah. I’m not boses palaka! ” He quickly said. “I just hate singing in public. Lalo na sa videoke. Pero I do naman. Ayoko namang maging wet blanket.”

“Hmmm, then I have to hear it, to believe it na hindi ka boses palaka.” Maya enjoys teasing Richard too.

“Ha, ha, ha, is that a challenge, Ms. Dela Rosa? Game. Pero bago ako, ikaw muna. Kailangan ko ring marinig kung papasa sa The Voice iyang boses mo!”

“You’re on. Wait ka lang, Mr. Lim.” Maya said. She likes to sing, hwag lang dancing, at doon parehong kaliwa ang paa niya.

“Okay, sinong mauuna.” Cris asked her guests.

They all shouted na, “Ikaw muna”, then clapped. Cristina has a very good voice. Pang-Aiza Seguerra level, sabi ng mga friend niya.

“Okay, okay, just to jumpstart this videoke session.” She said smiling. She sang ‘Miss You Like Crazy’. Everyone clapped when she was done as she sounded like Aiza talaga. “Thank you guys, and I would like to take this opportunity also to thank you guys for coming to my despedida. O sino nang susunod.”

“Time to shine, Ms. Dela Rosa.” Richard said as he elbowed Maya gently.

“Okay, fine, fine, Mr. Lim, watch out.” But before Maya can go and get the mic, Celeste beat her to it. She actually saw Maya and Richard exchanging sweet nothings and she also saw Richard cajoling Maya to sing. Pues, mas magaling ako, she said to herself, makikita mo Mr. Lim.

Maya just looked at Richard and shrugged. Then Cris said,  “Okay, it’s Celeste’s turn, first. Then next is my best friend Maya’s turn. She and me go back a long way, as you know.” She handed the mic to Celeste.

Celeste chose “Wrecking Ball” and she started singing it out with a lot of feelings, looking at Richard all the time, vamping it out for him. She sounded like a drunk version of Miley Cyrus!

Richard and Maya thought that Celeste’s one shot of vodka was already followed by several others. Richard just hoped that she wouldn’t embarrass herself. Maya on the other hand, pity the girl, actually. She just wish that Celeste is nice, and not so bitchy, sometimes. She shrugged as she does not really know Celeste that well. Maybe, she is a good person naman, masyado lang fixated kay Richard.

Celeste finished her song, bowed unsteadily. But instead of giving the mic to Maya, she left it on the center table and went back to her friends.

“Break a leg, Maya.” Richard said. “Go, go, go Honeybun.” He suddenly blurted out, opps! But since he did, pinanindigan na niya. He cheered Maya more, while everyone looked at him.

Cris was slack-jawed, thinking, what’s going on na ba with Kuya Ricky and Maya? Sila na ba? Sandali ko lang iniwan ah, she thought.

Maya blushed, but forged on, looking at Richard as if to say, naku Richard Lim, what did you do? But she decided to ride along. Nandiyan na iyan eh, panindigan na lang. Pretend lang naman for the night and for a good cause. She will just explain to Cris what happened.

“Thank you, Babe!  She smiled too sweetly at Richard, who thought, Uh, oh, he better be ready to appease Maya later. Then she started singing her favorite song.

Time, I’ve been passing time, watching trains go by
All of my life lying on the sand, watching seabirds fly
Wishing there would be someone waiting home for me
Something’s telling me it might be you
It’s telling me it might be you, all of my life

Richard listened to Maya sing, mesmerized.

Maya sang the song from the heart. She does not need to look at the lyrics on the screen to sing this song. For some reason, this song calls to her. She also looked at Richard as if there is a magnet pulling her to him. Her heart galloped with the expression she is seeing on his face. She gulped and forged on.

Looking back as lovers go walking past all of my life
Wondering how they met and what makes it last
If I found the place, would I recognize the face?
Something’s telling me it might be you
Yeah, it’s telling me it might be you

So many quiet walks to take
So many dreams to wake
And we’ve so much love to make
Oh, I think we’ve gonna need some time
Maybe all we need is time

And it’s telling me it might be you all of my life….

“I hope you like it, Babe.”  Maya said with a teasing smile, trying to control the butterflies in her stomach with the way Richard was looking at her. Then as is if an imp possessed her she announced, “Now, my Babe is gonna sing for all of you.” Then she gave the mic to Richard.

Cristina almost fainted with surprise when her cousin rose from the sofa where he was sitting cozily with Maya, smiled sweetly at her best friend, then got the mic. Her cousin! Her Kuya Ricky hates singing in public! Tapos, ‘Babe’, ‘Honeybun’???? These two have a lot of things to answer for later.

“Thank you, Honeybun!” He gave Maya a lopsided smile. Then started singing. The girls felt like swooning. Celeste gnashed her teeth in envy. Maya felt her heart somersaulted as he only had eyes for her when he sang ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, which she also happened to like a lot as one of her Dad’s favorite singer was Andy Williams. His love of old music rubbed off her.

You’re just too good to be true
Can’ t take my eyes off you
You’d be like heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much

At long last love has arrived
And I thank God, I’m alive
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off you

Pardon the way that I stare
There’s nothing else to compare
The sight of you leaves me weak
There are no words left to speak

But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it’s real
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off you….

Richard felt the song was very appropriate to what he is feeling at that moment. He always like that song. He bowed when the whole living room erupted into a cheer. He does have a wonderful voice. He smiled, then returned to where Maya was, feeling a bit self-conscious. He hopes she is not too mad at his ‘honeybun’ slip earlier.

“Wow, hindi mo naman sinabi sa akin na pang-Richard Poon level pala ang boses mo.”  Maya said, impressed, at the same time, felt the need to chatter on, to still her gallopping heart with the way he sang. Ayaw naman niyang mag-assume. Saka they just met each other.

Richard laughed. “Pretending lang, hahahaha. Ikaw kaya, ang ganda pala ng boses mo, parang Lea Salonga lang ah.” He bantered. “‘It Might Be You’, it is an old song too. Mahilig ka rin pala sa old songs?”

“Hahahaha, I wish. Pang-banyo lang dapat iyan eh.”  Maya said. “Yes I do like old songs, because of my Dad. Aside from Stephen Bishop, favorite din namin ni Dad si Andy Williams. Isa sa mga favorite kong song niya iyong kinanta mo.”

“Really! I like him as well.” Richard said, then chatted about their favorite songs and singers. The conversation just flowed between them again.

“Maya, I hope you are not too mad about my slip earlier.” Richard ventured after a while. “Sorry.” He said with a sheepish expression.

“Naku, wala iyon. Huwag na nga nating pag-usapan. Ipaliwanag mo na lang sa cousin mo. Hayan, o palapit na siya.” Maya replied, smiling. “Saka, sige na, I will pretend to be your girlfriend for the whole night para tumigil na si Celeste. Basta, this night lang, ha.”

Richard just smiled meaningfully at Maya. He didn’t voice out his agreement, just thanked her a lot. But Maya didn’t notice that since she was too concentrated on explaining to Cris why she and Richard ended up as ‘Honeybun‘ and ‘Babe’.

 

Note: Happy Sunday! 🙂

Note: I was working on this story on the side. It was, sort of, ‘writing itself’. I started this after ‘Doors’ but put it in the back burner. Then, suddenly, I saw it, and just sort of finished this chapter, while I was mulling over the last couple of chapters of LCC, which I still owe you guys. 🙂  I hope you will like this as well. Cheers and good vibes always! 🙂

 

Chapter 1
Paths meeting

Maya was running late. She was supposed to be at her friend Cristina’s house an hour ago. But she woke up late from her nap. Arrggghhh, Maya Dela Rosa, this is what you get from reading romance novels until the wee hours of the morning – a whacked sleeping pattern, she castigated herself! But she can’t help it! She likes getting lost in the lives of her noble and dashing heroes and beautiful and feisty heroines! One day, she told herself, a guy, especially designed by God for her will come along. A loud beep pulled back Maya from her reverie. Oh, a cab, shoot, she will be super late na, she realized as she was jolted back to reality.

She flagged a taxi, at the same time, a tall guy was doing so. They ended up getting into the cab from opposite sides.

“Manong, Sunflower Subdivision in Fairview, please.” They both told the driver.

They looked at each other.

“Hey, this cab is mine.” Maya insisted to the guy whom she noticed for the first time. He is chinito and has eyeglasses. He looks kinda cute, Maya thought, nah, not kinda, he is cute, and not just cute, guwapo! Maybe, around 35 years old, she guessed, or around seven or so years older than her.

“Would you mind getting out, please. I flagged the taxi first. As it is, I am very late na for a a friend’s despedida.” Maya stressed to the guy who was settling comfortably in the cab.

“Oh, that is debatable, since as far as I know, I was the only one who flagged the taxi. Wala naman akong nakitang iba, then suddenly you are here,” the chinito guy countered. “I, too, is running late. I need to be at my cousin’s house. Any other time, miss, I will just say yes to you and give in, but it is really important that I get there too! I am late na rin eh! Please.”

Before things escalated to a full blown ‘taxi fight’, the taxi driver intervened!

“Mam, Sir, ipagpaumanhin niyo po, makialam na po ako. Suggestion lang po, pareho naman po yata kayo ng pupuntahang subdivision, bakit hindi na lang po kayo magsabay para mabilis na tayo. Pagkatapos po kasi nitong biyahe na ito, gagarahe na ako.” The taxi driver suggested. “Promise, cross my heart, no extra charge, at saka safe kayo pareho makakarating sa paroroonan niyo, lalo na po ikaw, Mam.”

Maya was just about to tell the driver that she will think about it, when the chinito guy spoke.

“How about it Ms….?” The chinito guy said. “I’m Richard Lim, and here’s my driver’s license to prove that is really my name and that it is safe for you to ride with me. In fact, you can hold on to that until we reach our destination. You can even took a picture of my license and send it to your friend so you will feel safe.”

Maya took the driver’s license. Looked at it closely, then gave it back to her ‘taxi-mate’.

“No need to take a photo, sige na nga, and please, hwag kang loloko-loko, may pepper spray ako sa bag ko.” Maya rummaged in her bag, got hold of the pepper spray and showed it to the chinito guy.

“Saka, Mam, heto po ang ID ko para mas makampante kayo.” The driver offered Maya his ID.

Might as well, Maya thought, mahirap na sa panahong ito. Mabuti na ang nag-iingat. She took a picture of the driver’s ID, the name and plate number of the taxi and sent it to Cristina via MMS, with a short text saying that she will just explain things later. She didn’t ask for Richard’s license back to take a photo, the less she talk to him the better. Besides, she does not think na magkakilala sila or magkakutsaba sila ng taxi driver.

Throughout the more than one hour trip, Maya looked out of the window, holding her pepper spray, seemingly more interested in the passing sceneries than her taxi companion. The truth was she was just trying to distract herself. She was very much aware of him. Not only he is gwapo, mabango pa and looks so neat in his blue polo shirt, jeans and loafers. She is also attracted to guys with glasses. Parang si Superman lang.

Richard on the other hand, was very curious about this girl he ended up sharing a cab with. She refused to give him her name. But she is beautiful, with her heart-shaped face and slim built. But he tried to dampen his curiousity and awareness of her. Suplada eh, he mused. Hindi niya talaga nakitang pumara rin ng taxi ang beautiful girl na katabi niya. Baka masyado lang siyang na-focus sa paghahanap ng empty taxi at the same time, inis sa cousin niya na hindi nagbalik ng car niya on time.

When the taxi was near the subdivision, Maya gave the taxi specific directions as to where she is going.

“Wait, wait, you are going to 1145 Blue Street?” Richard asked with a tinge of surprise. “I’m also going there. Despedida ng cousin ko.”

Maya looked at him closely, remember the name he told her and then….

“Oh my, oh my, OMG, you are Kuya Ricky, Cristina’s cousin!” Maya blurted out, suddenly remembering Cris telling her many times about her favorite cousin who manages his family’s businesses – from an airline, to magazine publications, and shipping. He returned to the country after several years of living in the States, and for some reason, they have not crossed path before, except this time, considering Maya met most of Cristina’s cousins who are very close to her.

“Hello, Kuya Ricky, errr, Richard, I’m Maya dela Rosa, Cris’s best friend and….

“….and her travel blogger friend who also freelances as a travel writer for some magazines.” Richard finished for her, grinning. He also noticed how really very lovely his cousin’s friend is, especially when she blushed and offered him a tentative, shy smile.

“Yes, and she mentioned it din pala to you!” Maya said, smiling more confidently now.

“She did, and I also read some of the pieces you have written. They were very engaging and you really have a knack in taking your readers to the places you have been!” Richard said as they walked towards the gate of his cousin’s house. He had admired Maya’s work and has recently followed her travel blog, Viajera.

“Really, thank you!” Maya said. She really likes Cristina’s cousin.

“Sorry about earlier, Maya. I really didn’t see you flagging the taxi at the same time. Saka medyo low na ang patience when I flagged the taxi.” Richard smiled sheepishly. “But I don’t regret ended up sharing a taxi ride with you. It was interesting and surely livened up my dull day.”

Maya also smiled at Richard. “Naku, wala iyon. It happens. Sorry nasupladahan kita. Nagmamadali rin kasi ako. It turned out, pareho pa pala tayo ng pupuntahan. Tapos kulang pa ako sa tulog since I was puyat. Kung hindi ko nga lang matanggihan ang cousin mo, I would have stayed at home and sleep.”

“Well, I’m glad you really exerted the effort to be here, otherwise, hindi kita makikilala.” Richard said, giving Maya a heartstopping lopsided smile.

While they were grinning and taking a closer look at each other, laughing at their earlier experience, someone called them.

“Kuya Ricky, Maya, at last, nagpakita rin kayo. Late as always!” Cris said. “Teka, sabay kayo, and magkakilala pala kayo?”

“Bes, sorry I’m late, alam mo naman ako and my bad habits when I get hooked on a book. Hindi ko mabitawan hanggang madaling-araw.” Maya explained. “Hindi kami magkakilala nitong si Richard. Nag-agawan kami sa isang taxi diyan sa may Eastwood dahil sa kamamadaling makarating dito. Tinamad akong mag-drive eh. Hindi ko naman akalaing mahirap mag-taxi. I forgot na it is a Saturday and payday pa kahapon.”

“Hello, cousin. Sorry I’m late rin. Luke borrowed my car and until the time I was leaving, hindi pa ibinabalik. Hay, and he didn’t even text. I’m a bit worried nga rin, but knowing our cousin, he will surface, apologetic. Wala rin si Mang Lem, ipinagmaneho si Mama kaya hindi ko napapunta sa condo to driver me here. Had a hard time looking for a cab. Tapos inagawan pa ako ni Maya!”. He explained and at the same time, also teased Maya about it.

“Hindi kaya, nauna talaga ako ah. Buti nga ang nice ko, isinabay kita, kundi lagot ka dito sa pinsan mong matampuhin!” Maya countered.

“Eh ako kaya…”

“Hindi kaya”…..

“Hep, hep, Kuya Ricky, Maya, stop na. Baka kung saan pa mauwi ang asaran niyo. Sabi ko na magkakasundo kayong dalawa.” Cris refereed between the two. She also notice the sparks flying, even if these two are not aware of it yet! Sabi na nga ba eh. She is right! “And Maya, iyon pala ang ibig sabihin ng MMS mo kanina.”

“Tara na nga pasok na kayo sa loob at ng makapag-dinner na. For sure, gutom na kayong dalawa. “ Cris told her cousin and her best friend.

“Maya, let’s go na nga. Napagod ako kaka-argue sa iyo sa taxi. Tapos you were suplada pa, ignored me the whole time!” Richard jested as he escorted Maya in the garden of Cristina’s sprawling house. Cristina is moving to the States for good. She will get married to her long-time American boyfriend.

“Grabe ka, ang bait ko kaya!” Maya bantered back. “What happened to your car and is Luke, Luke Andrew? I met him once.”

“Yes, one and the same. May pupuntahan daw siyang importante at medyo mahirap mag-commute, hayun he borrowed my car. His is in the casa, getting a periodic check.” Richard explain as he and Maya went to the buffet table to get some food.

Richard directed Maya to one of the empty tables in the garden after they got food. He pulled the seat for her.

Wow, gentleman, Maya thought.

“Maya, what would you like to drink? I will go get us some drinks.” Richard asked Maya.

“Hmmm, white wine please.” Maya replied. “Thank you, Richard.”

“Okay, white wine it is. And please call me Ricky.” He told Maya before he walked to the bar.

“Parang magkasundong-magkasundo kayo agad ng pinsan ko.” Cris remarked as she sat beside Maya. “Normally, aloof iyan, saka suplado. Kasi naman kung maka-flirt ang mga girl sa kanya.”

“Talaga. Well, in fairness, guwapo iyang si Richard….” Before Maya can finished Richard returned with their drinks.

“Guwapo? Sino? “ Richard asked, and Maya blushed. “Wala, si Richard Yap, doon sa Be Careful With My Heart na TV series,” was the first thing that Maya thought of saying. She just blurted it out.

“Hmmm, sino ba iyon?  Maybe I should check online. Kamukha ko raw. Tinatawag na nga akong Ser Chief ng secretary ko.” He said, smiling, teasing his cousin and Maya. He did hear Maya said ‘Richard’ and he believed it is not the actor she mentioned. But he didn’t want to embarass her further. Saka, he does not consider himself guwapo. Pero sure siya ang pinag-uusapan ng magkaibigan na ito.

“Ha, ha, ha, you wish, Kuya Ricky.” Cris teased back her cousin. “In fairness, magkamukha kayo……ng salamin.”

Maya laughed at the cousins banter. “Ricky, let’s eat na nga. Hayaan mo na itong cousin mo at matagal-tagal din nating hindi makikita.” Maya said.

“Oo nga. I will miss you cousin. Di bale, nandoon naman kami sa wedding mo.” Richard said. “For sure, nandoon ka rin Maya since feeling ko ikaw ang maid of honor nitong si Cris.”

“Yes, I will be her maid of honor.” Maya confirmed. “Basta bes, huwag mo sa akin ihahagis ang flowers ha.”

“Why is that? You don’t want to get married yet?” Richard asked, curious.

“Hindi naman. Hindi ko pa kasi natatagpuan ang dream man ko.” Maya said, smiling. “Sayang naman ang flowers kung sa akin lang mapupunta. Baka pang pressed flowers na ang peg, wala pa akong nakikitang groom. Besides, I am not in a hurry naman to find one, I want to enjoy life muna.”

“You’ll never know naman Maya, sis. Baka naman nakilala mo na. Hindi ka pa lang aware na siya na iyon.” Cris said cryptically. Her intuition is strong and she felt something is unfolding before her between her cousin and best friend! “Kasi naman ikaw, sobrang ideal man ang hinahanap mo kababasa mo ng romance novels na iyan. In real life, it is not like that.”

“Ha, ha,ha, Cristina Rose Uy, hindi naman siguro masamang maghanap ng ideal man. Bakit swerte rin naman ang mga guy sa atin. Why set your standards low. Saka, malay mo talaga namang katulad ng mga hero sa favorite books ko ang matagpuan ko. Saka, ikaw nga, natagpuan mo ang dream man mo kay Stephen.” Maya argued good-naturedly with Cristina. “Iyung sinasabi mo na baka nakilala ko na, malabo, wala naman akong nakilala recently, so sino iyong sinasabi mo.”

“Ako…” Richard said suddenly.

“Ikaw….?” Maya gulped, surprised and her heart galloped.

“Ako, hindi ko pa rin nakikita ang only one for me.” Richard finished, not noticing Maya’s surprised expression, nor Cristina’s grin. “But it is a long story bakit hindi ko pa mahanap dati.” He finished cryptically.

“Basta, ang masasabi ko lang Maya Dela Rosa, malalaman mo ang sinasabi ko kapag na-in love ka na ng todo-todo. “Cristina, said and didn’t elaborate anymore. “Kuya Ricky, Maya. Maiwan ko muna kayo rito, enjoy your dinner and each other’s company. Hayun, dumating iyong iba ko pang friends sa work.” Cris said as she waved to a group of ladies, and one of them zeroed in on Richard.

“Naku, nandiyan pala si Celeste!” Richard cringed when he saw the tall, voluptuous girl with Cris. “Maya, sakay ka lang please. I will be forever grateful to you if you do this for me kahit bago lang tayo magkakilala. I think I know how to make her stop pestering me without sounding very ungentlemanly, and without telling her off straight. Kasi kahit paano naman, officemate siya ni Cris.”

“Hi Richard.” Celeste said with a bedroom voice. “So nice to see you here.” She said, when in fact the only reason she was there was the thought that Richard will not miss his favorite cousin’s despedida. She tried to give Richard a beso, but he deflected it.

“Hello, Celeste. Ah yes, I wouldn’t miss my cousin’s despedida for the world.’ He said politely. “Please meet my girlfriend, Maya Dela Rosa.” He said as he interlaced his fingers with a surprised Maya. But she decided to play along. She understood what kind of favor Richard wanted.

“Hi Celeste! I think we met each other once, at Cristina’s office.” Maya said cheerfully, while trying not to feel conscious of the feeling of Richard’s hand in hers. “Babe, get Celeste a drink too.” She told Richard sweetly. Two can play at this pretend game.

Celeste looked at Maya and Richard’s interwined fingers, then she looked at Maya with a barely concealed annoyance. “Yes, Richard,  be a darling, please do get me a shot of vodka. I feel like I need a drink, badly.”

“Honeybun, I will just get the drink, ha.” He told Maya, then to her surprise, he kissed her hand before letting it go. Maya blushed and Celeste gave her a dagger look. Richard grinned on the way to the bar. He was not able to resist teasing Maya that way. He knew, he will pay for it. But he has never felt so alive than at this moment. There’s hope for him after all. Who would have thought!