Encounter (Onze Series #1)

21

I looked away when I felt the awkwardness. Others might be suspicious if we stare at each other for too long. Good thing he also looked away.

"So I'm looking for one," he added. I raised the side of my upper lip, a bit irritated because of what he said.

Wait, he's looking for a girlfriend now? Ha! I still remember how many times he rejected me back then. He was determined to not have a girlfriend years ago. He willingly said we can be 'just friends', and now what? Looking for a girlfriend? Amazing.

Bakit hindi nalang siya mag-tinder?

"Ay, igi-give up mo na lang siya Engineer?" Someone from the other side of the table asked. Napalunok nalang ako dahil do'n.

"I have no choice. She's doing good now, and I should be happy for her." He replied.

"Bobo amputa," Claire whispered beside me.

"Oh, hiring si Engineer!" Masayang pumalakpak ang ibang employees, ang iba naman ay inaasar pa siya.

Isla suddenly cleared her throat loudly so almost everyone diverted their attentions to her.

"Pwede bang mag-apply, Engineer?" She asked, looking at Jared with a smile while playing with her fork.

The other's looked so shocked because of what she asked, even me! Gosh, she's brave, huh.

Claire suddenly hit my side that made me turn my gaze at her. I mouthed her a 'what?' and gave her a glare when she instantly mouthed 'selos' with a playful look on her face.

"Nice one Arch. Domingo!"

I gasped when they started teasing Jared and Isla. Tiningnan ko si Jared na tumatawa at nakikisabay lang sa iba. He suddenly smirked when he caught me staring at him.

"What?" I whispered, confused why he was looking at me like that. Like he was watching my reaction. He didn't answer my question though.

"Sure," He said as he diverted his gaze to Isla. He even smiled really wide.

They started teasing the two. Hindi dapat ako naiinis pero naiinis ako! Mariin kong ini-slice ang steak until it's making an irritating sound from the knife and the plate.

"Kalma, sis," bulong ni Claire at tinapik-tapik pa ang likod ko to calm me down.

"What? I'm peacefully slicing my food. Mind your own business." I told her. It's true naman, I just want to eat! The steak here is not good! Can't even slice it in one go!

The dinner was a torture. I didn't enjoy every single second there. Dapat talaga hindi nalang ako tumuloy kanina. Ako lang ata yung hindi nakikitawa sa kanila. And it was so uncomfortable with Jared being around, in front of me, to be exact.

"Architect Fortes,"

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa braso ni Claire nang marinig ang boses niya. Tumingin muna ako kay Claire, na mukhang gulat din, bago humarap kay Jared.

"Ha?"

I want to slap my self for responding like that!

"How was your tongue?" He asked, concerned. His brows say so.

"Hala, anong ginawa mo sa dila niya?! Ang speed niyo naman! Nag-French kiss kaagad kayo?!" Claire interfered.