No Strings Attached

-16-

Nilingon niya ako, "Dito lang ako, huwag kang OA. Napaghahalataan kang gusto mo akong andito eh." She smiled sheepishly. I looked away and kept myself from blushing in embarrassment. Narinig ko ang pagtawa niya kaya tiningnan ko siya. Nakaupo na siya sa couch ng office ko.

"Diyan ka lang? Will you be okay?" tanong ko. As much as I want her here, I don't want to bore the hell out of her. Alam ko namang may pagka-boring ang buhay ko. Unlike her life which is full of thrill and surpises.

Tumango lang siya bago humiga ng tuluyan sa couch. Hindi na lang ako umimik as I tried to hide my smile.

Her presence in my office was enlightening actually. I continued with my work and I would glance at her, every now and then, as she reads the newspaper.

Hindi ko alam pero ang gaan sa pakiramdam. It's as if, this is how things should work―Eleanor and I―together. It's as if she's my girlfriend who'll visit my office every other day, looking all lovely and happy, as I work with the usual. It's so good having Eleanor around.

"Ngiting-ngiti ka diyan." My lips pursed as I switched my gaze from my laptop to her. Nakakaloko ang tingin niya sakin. Mataman ko siyang tiningnan, "I'm just happy." I told her.

"Wow, new word. Buti naman at nagiging happy ka na diyan." She chuckled with her own joke and I shot her a glare. Bumaling na lang uli ako sa trabaho ko. Hindi na din naman umimik si Eleanor, probably remembering na sinabi niyang hindi niya muna ako gagambalain habang nagtatrabaho.

Madali ko din namang nagawa ang trabaho ko. I realized na ganun pala talaga kung masaya ka, magaan lang para sayo ang lahat.

***

"So, are you done yet?" Napatingin ako kay Eleanor na katatayo lang galing sa pagkakahiga niya sa couch ng office ko. She stretched for a bit before looking at me with her questions eyes.

I glanced at my wrist watch before saying, "I'm done. Maybe I can entertain you already but for now, would you mind having lunch with me?" I stood from my swivel chair and cocked my head to the side.

She feigned a gasp, "Did you just ask me out for lunch, huh? Chance Lucas Sandoval?" Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay bago ayusin ang dress niya.

Napangiti naman ako, "Why? Is there something wrong with that? May mali ba sa sinabi ko?" I smirked.

Eleanor rolled her eyes, "Don't be ridiculous. Ang panget lang ng moves mo. If I know better, gusto mo lang talaga akong kasama." I placed my hands in my pocket to hide my smile.

She knows better then, I guess. Of course I would want to spend my time with her kahit saan pa yan.

"Don't flatter yourself too much, Eleanor." I told her. Tiningnan niya lang ako ng masama.

I heaved a sigh, "So are you coming or not?" She rolled her eyes again before clinging her hand around my arm as she stood beside me.

"Let's go!" She laughed. Napailing na lang ako at sabay kaming lumabas ng office. I pretended not to see Claire's knowing, but taunting smile when she saw us together. I also pretended not to notice the curious looks my employees gave me as we continued walking. Not that I care anyway.

Napatingin ako kay Eleanor and she seemed to never mind about the stares. Mukhang wala talaga siyang pakealam sa ibang tao at sa mga sinasabi nila. This made me smile for some reason.

Dun uli kami kumain sa restaurant na pinagdalhan sakin ni Eleanor just a few days ago. We had the usual and it was magical. Having lunch with her was like the most natural thing to do and I knew I wanted to get used to it.

"So," She started as she ate slowly, "I still have to choose another girl for you. I have to make sure she'll be there this time. Don't worry, I'm trying." She smiled and I frowned. Hindi ko alam kung bakit gustong-gusto niyang mangyari yun. I'm thankful she's concerned, na gusto niyang maka-move on ako (not that I haven't moved on yet) pero I don't think I'm into dating other girls for now.