Sailing Against the Tides (CS #1)

Chapter 9

"Saan mo nalaman? Stalker ka 'no," pagbibiro ko.

"I heard from someone, Livy," iling niya.

Ngumiti ako. "Yes, it's a cruise line. But only my parents are fan of the sea and ships."

His forehead creased. "Why aren't you interested?"

"I wasn't," tumigil ako sa pagkain at tinignan siya. "Not until I met a future ship captain," malandi akong ngumiti.

Nikolo placed his tongue inwardly at the side of his cheek. The corner of his lips raised, understanding what I meant by that.

"And isa pa, Dad will pass the business to me. I'm their only child and no one's taking over so I have to do it. Good thing I wanted to take up a business related course."

He nodded.

"I'm still learning to love the sea, ships and matters about it which are inclined to the cruise line company," pagkukwento ko habang tahimik naman siyang nakikinig. He looked so attentive so I continued telling him more.

"I'll help you love the sea," Niko smirked.

Hmm. "Okay, teach me how to sail against the tides too, then," pagtango ko. We both looked at each other, making me chuckle while he smiles.

The smile did not leave my lips when he leaned back at his seat. Pero nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko nang may lumapit sa tabi ni Niko. It was the woman a while ago.

"Nikolo?"

I saw Nikolo look at whoever called his name. He looked confused as if trying to remember who it is. Nako girl, hindi ka matandaan.

"It's Tifanny, hi! We met once at Port of Manila, remember?" Ang tinis ng boses. Pero maganda. She's wearing a tight dress.

Napasimangot ako nang mapansin ang dalawang malalaking bundok na nasa dibdib niya. Wala sa sariling napasulyap ako sa dibdib ko. I bit my lip. Kalahati lang ata size nung akin kumpara sa kanya.

Nikolo did not respond so I looked at him. I saw him biting his lip as if trying to stop a laugh. He looked away from me. Tumikhim siya. Ngumuso ako.

Seryoso niyang tinignan 'yung babae. "I'm sorry I can't remember," he carefully said.

There it is. The disappointment that crossed the girl's face. Isang beses lang nagkakilala, ano aasahan mo girl? Buti pa ako, natandaan.

"Well it's good to see you again. Are you still working at Manila port?" Hala siya, pinapahaba usapan.

Niko nodded. He looked as if he already wants to finish the conversation. I can see from my peripheral vision how he glanced at me. But I was pretending to be busy with my food.

"Why are you here? Off duty?" She asked.

I looked at her boobs again. I sighed and took a sip at my wine. Masama kong tinignan ang steak ko. Nakatulog siguro ako sa kuwarto nung nagpaulan sila ng boob grower.

Nikolo cleared his throat again. Nag-angat ako ng tingin para makita lang siyang nakatingin sa akin, nagpipigil na naman ng mahinang tawa. I glared at him and he bit his lip.

The girl laughed flirtatiously at him. "Why are you laughing ba?" She giggled. "Nahihiya tuloy ako."

My eyes dilated at what I heard. Tumaas ang kilay ko pero sa lamesa ko ibinaling ang tingin ko. I took a slice of my steak.