He Was My Cousin

Chapter 50

Chapter 50
Neighborhood

OVER A YEAR LATER

I blinked thrice, astounded with what I've just heard. "Let's date," he repeated as if the first time wasn't enough. "I know we haven't even known each other for a long time but getting to know each other more while dating is also a good thing. If you feel iffy dating at work... my contract with your school's gonna end in time. So, let's test the waters, shall we? Besides, gusto mo naman ako at gusto kita. I can't see any reason not to give this a try."

Doon yata nagising 'yung diwa ko. "Wait," I said, recovered from the shock he gave me. Tumaas ang kilay ko. "I like you? Did I ever say that? What gave you the idea that I like you?"

Ngumiti siya. "I overheard it. You told Shiela I was cute and looking at my picture made you fall for me over and over."

Kumunot ang noo ko tapos bigla kong naalala 'yun no'ng isang linggo. Wow, how could he say that statement without blinking?

I burst out laughing my stomach almost ached. It was his turn to get confused. He was just looking at me, completely clueless to this big mess. I tried starting to explain but I just ended up laughing again!

"Sorry," sabi ko habang nagpupunas ng luha sa katatawa. "Paolo," I finally said.

"Yes?"

"No, I wasn't calling your name. Paolo-that's the name of my boyfriend. I'm sorry about laughing so hard about it but you must have misunderstood what I've said to Shiela. Your names are almost the same, Paulo. I'm pretty sure I was talking about my boyfriend Paolo to Shiela."

Hindi naka-imik si Paulo. He probably heard me when I was talking to Shiela while showing her Paolo's picture from Amira's, Lizel and Francis' daughter, first birthday. I couldn't help but squeal and share it because Paolo was wearing a white unicorn onesie in it!

The silence was interrupted when my phone rang. Sabay pa kaming napatingin ni Paulo sa cellphone kong nasa mesang namamagitan sa'ming dalawa. And as if fate was playing a trick on him, it was Paolo who was calling. My Paolo.

"And this is him..." I said, showing Paulo the name of my caller. "Hey," I answered Paolo's call without leaving the table. "You're still in the Main Office now?"

"Yup. You're coming, ayt? Do you want me to pick you up?" he asked but immediately said, "I'll pick you up. Sa school ka pa?"

"'Wag na. I'm outside. Just finishing--" tinapunan ko ng tingin si Paulo na nasa harap ko, "-- a meeting with our web developer. We'll be done in a bit. Dala ko naman 'yung sasakyan ko. Just wait for me there and while you're at it, prep me some good iced coffee."

"Alright then. Daan mo na rin ako ng dalawang cans ng beer. Forgot to stock up my fridge in the office."

"May patago ka ba sa'kin? Bayad mo, aber?" I teased.

He laughed. "Later. Kiss. Tatlo."

"Tatlo lang?" I said, feigning disappointment. Pumalatak ako at umiling-iling kahit hindi naman niya ako nakikita. I sighed, "Napakakuripot talaga ng mga Ilokano."

Humagalpak siya ng tawa. "Fucking come here already and let me kiss that sassy mouth."

Who's feeling giddy and excited? Definitely me.

I chuckled. "I'll see you in an hour, Paopao."

"An hour?" He growled. "Forty-five minutes," tawad niya. Pumalatak ako. "Alright, alright. I wouldn't delay you any further. Finish that meeting now and come here, okay? I love you."