Strings in the Beginning (Abrupt Series #2)

EPISODE 07

Merong ginanap na lunch meeting ang isang bagong marketing company, at malapit lang sila rito sa Cucina. They just want to experience a Italian cuisine at pumapatok daw kasi ang pangalan ng restaurant namin sa buong lugar. At dahil sa sulit ang naging asikaso namin sa kanila ay nung mag-picture taking ay tinawag kaming dalawa ni Conrad.

It wasn't anything new to me. Whenever customers are satisfied, this is the usual way they show their appreciation. Through a photo and a bit of recognition.

"Why were you laughing a while ago?" Conrad asked, his voice curious but with a hint of amusement in it.

I glanced at him before looking back at the waiters who were now tidying up the long table na ginamit. They were folding napkins and clearing empty glasses, preparing for the next set of guests.

"W-wala naman," I quickly replied, my voice a bit too fast, trying to brush it off.

He raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly closer. "This is the first time I've heard you laugh in front of me, and yet, I didn't even crack a joke."

His words lingered in the air, soft but pointed, as if he was quietly trying to figure me out.

Ano bang gusto niya sabihin ko? Na may nagbe-bet sa kanya na dalawang babae doon at parang gusto agad siya pakasalan? Tsismoso masyado.

"Kanina, may dalawang babae na nag-uusap, tinatanong kung kasal ka na raw," I started. "Natawa lang din ako kanina, kasi 'yung isa parang gusto iparinig sa 'yo na single siya. You should've heard it, I'm sure it would've made you laugh too."

I paused and looked at him, noticing his gaze was fixed on me, serious but interested. I was trying to read between the lines, but all I could do was shyly glance away, feeling a little awkward. Natapos na ang paglilinis ng mga waitstaff namin at sign na rin 'yon upang bumalik ng kusina.

"I haven't heard anything," he said with a soft laugh. "Siguro dahil abala ako sa pakikipag-kwentuhan sa director."

I nodded in understanding, keeping quiet. Just as I was about to turn to leave, I heard him again.

"I'm not married yet," he said, his voice carrying a seriousness that caught me off guard. "Marriage isn't on my radar right now. I'm focused on finishing my master's degree and running this restaurant."

Lumingon ako sa kanya at bahagyang ngumiti ng nag-aatubili kasabay nang pag-tango. Hindi na ako nagiwan pa ng salita dahil parang nagiging komportable na siya. Tinalikuran ko na ito at walang iniwan na kahit anong paalam.

He asked. Nagtanong siya kaya sinagot ko, at pakiramdam ko rin na hindi niya ako titigilan sa mga tanong niya kapag nasa loob na kami ng kitchen. Ngayong gabi rin ang pag-ta-try namin ng isang dish na dadalhin sa expose at posibleng hindi siya umuwi.

"Alam kong hindi mo ako bibiguin sa lasa ng gagawin niyo, Nate. And don't forget na ipatikim kay Sir Conrad ang mga ginawa niyo ngayong gabi," bilin ni Chef Oli, sabay abot ng merong kumpiyansang ngiti sa labi.

"Of course, Chef. I have our team to help me achieve this. Thank you for trusting me, Chef Oli." My voice hinted at determination as if sealing a pact between us.

Nagpalitan kami ng ngiti ni Chef Oli bago siya mabilis na tumalikod at lumapit sa may-ari ng restaurant, si Sir Conrad. Sa pagpasok nito, parang sinindihan ang alarma na lahat ng nasa paligid dahil nagmadaling pumunta sa kanya-kanyang station ang mga kitchen staff.

I watched for a second as Chef Oli leaned in to greet Sir Conrad, his gestures calm but deliberate. I didn't join him. May bagay akong dapat asikasuhin.

Minartsa ko ang mga paa ko papasok ng pantry, determined to grab everything I needed to create the perfect Tagliatelle al Ragù. The pantry smelled of fresh produce and dried spices, a familiar medley of scents that stirred my focus.