19: Pink Notes

SAM'S POV

I shook my head as I eyed the sign board na nasa harapan ng establishment.

'La Café Mosses'

Mosses.. So dumami na pala sila ngayon after ten years.. Buti nalang hindi nagmukhang mossy forest ang lugar na'to with its new name. In plural form.

While smirking, papasok na sana ako when some familiar woman in delivery outfit got out of the door with two bags of foods in her hands. Though her long hair was hidden under her cap, I can still clearly recognize her.

"Suzanne?"

That made her halted saka tumingin sa'kin with furrowed brows, but then smiled when recognition hit her.

"Sam!" She exclaimed saka dali-daling lumapit sa'kin, causing me to smile at her reaction.

Happy to see her act like nothing traumatic had happened to her the other day.

"Ano palang ginagawa mo rito? Kakain ka ba? Libre nalang kita!"

I chuckled with her incessant questions. Damn. I didn't know she could act like this.

"May imemeet lang akong tao rito, at di mo na'ko dapat ilibre dahil kumain na'ko before I even came here.." I stated while smiling at her.

She just nodded and smiled at me.

"Then next time na lang siguro, may idedeliver pa rin kasi ako.."

"Oh, dito ka na pala nagtatrabaho? I thought sa catering services?"

"Part time job ko lang 'yon, Sam, gaya ng trabaho ko dito. Delivery girl ang peg." She said then grinned like it was nothing hard for her.

Tama lang na nakulong na ang manyakis na Fredericong 'yon. This woman was able to continue her life.

I just smiled at her then glanced at my watch.

"Ah kailangan ko ng umalis, Sam. May idedeliver pa'ko. See you next time lang. "

Tumango na lamang ako when she said that since it was already quarter to twelve and not long, nandito na si Mr. Vista.

"Sige. Baka dumating na rin kasi 'yong imemeet ko rito. Ingat nalang."

She just nodded with a grin saka naglakad na patungo sa motorbike na nakapark sa gilid ng establishment.

And when she disappeared through the busy road, pumasok na'ko sa lugar na 'yon and then find some vacant table sa may dulo, just enough for Mr. Vista to easily spot me pagpasok palang nito.

Hindi naman kalakihan ang lugar na'to but they've got lots of customers at buti nalang, may kaaalis lang na customers so I was able to get a table. With malls and offices around this establishment, these number of customers were expected at this this time of the day. 

With its vintage accessories and hanging plants malapit sa bawat glass walls, its interior designs surely bring warm and enlivening atmosphere. Perfect for someone na gustong magrelax.

Pag-upo ko palang, may waitress agad na lumapit sa'kin.

"Ano pong order nyo ma'am?" She greeted while smiling at me.

Pinili ko nalang ang milktea saka agad ng umalis ang waitress and then in just a few minutes, my order arrived. And good thing that before twelve, Mr. Vista had appeared in his black suit and suitcase, looking like some lawyer who was meeting his client.

When he spotted me, agad na itong kumaway sa'kin. Letting me know that he's the one I was meeting here for.

So he already know my face, kahit ngayon ko palang ito nakita.

I just nodded at him while studying him as he walked towards my table. With his slim built, wrinkled face and some white hairs on his head, halatang matanda na nga ito but with how stiffed his body as he walked towards me, mukhang mas malakas pa yata ito sa kalabaw.

"I'm Ricky Vista, Ms. Romero. Finally we meet." He greeted nang makalapit sya as he held out his hand for a handshake.

And Finally I can turn you down now, personally.

Smiling tightly, I just nodded and shook his hand.

"Have a sit, Mr. Vista." I invited while gesturing to the vacant seat na nasa kabila ng sa'kin.

"Sure, sure. Thank you." Then he sat while placing his suit case sa sahig, just beside the foot of the table.

And when he settled himself, he smiled while folding his hands on the table, looking like wanted to get down to his business.

Then good for me.

"So now, Ms. Romero. Hindi na'ko magpapaliguy-ligoy pa, matagal ka na talaga naming gustong makausap about your property, 'yong dating bahay nyo."

"Halatang interesado nga kayo sa property na 'yon, Mr. Vista. Ano bang meron sa bahay na 'yon that you're really eager to buy that. Hindi naman maganda ang location na 'yon, masyadong malayo sa city."

He nodded with his face turned serious.

"Yes, Ms. Romero at kahit malayo yon sa city, we're still willing to offer you any amount you want na tingin mo enough for that property despite your aunt always turned down our offer."

We? So hindi lang sya ang may pakana ng pag-offer na'to. With straight face, looking at him with my best businesslike face, I nodded at him like I had understood him.

"Yes, she turned you down, Mr. Vista because it's not her property, it's mine to decide kung anong gagawin ko dun."

"Yes, you're right, Ms. Romero but you're still too young before kaya ang auntie mo nalang ang kinausap namin." He defended while nodding his head.

"And since you're in your legal age now, I believe we can settle this one now. Tingin mo, Ms. Romero?" Tanong nito with expectant look in his eyes.

"Kung mabibili nyo ang property na'yon, Mr. Vista,pwede ko bang malaman kung anong gagawin niyo doon?"

"Simple lang naman, Ms. Romero, pagtatayuan ng building but I can't tell you the specific details about it yet dahil hindi pa namin nafifinalized ang bagay na 'yon."

I just nodded at him with understanding, as if giving it a deep thought though that was more than enough reason para hindi ko ibenta yon.

They're going to demolish that house. All of it.. And I would be a total dumb kung papayagan ko yon.

Inhaling a deep breath without cutting my stare at him, I answered him.

"No, Mr. Vista."

His brows suddenly creased, looking at me with confusions.

"No? Do you mean you'r--"

"No as in hindi ko ibebenta ang property na'yon, Mr. Vista. Pumunta lang ako rito to say this personally. I'm sorry."

Hindi agad ito umimik and just stared at me with grim face. But when he had recovered he let out a sigh.

"Ms. Romero, baka gusto mo munang pag-isipan 'to ng mabuti. You know we can offer you with any amount anyone can offer you. So please, pag-isipan mo muna 'to."

Though he sounded desperate, and pleading me to give it a second thought, ayoko pa rin.

"My answer stood still, Mr. Vista. Alam nyo naman siguro na sa parents ko ang property na 'yon and I don't want their only memories na mawala pa sa'kin.. So kung pwede sana, 'wag nyo na'kong pilitin pa dahil hindi na mababago ang sagot ko and I hope you'd understand that."

Nanatili lang itong nakatingin sa'kin with his face giving no emotions away with his pursed lips and clasped hands on the table. As if he was trying to read my thoughts.

But after a few seconds of his silence, hefinally nodded at that though his lips was still in pursed line.

"Hindi na ba talaga namin mababago ang desisyon mo, Ms. Romero?"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at that question.

"Hangga't nabubuhay pa'ko sa mundong 'to, hindi mawawala ang bahay na'yon. Mr. Vista. "

He let out a loud sigh then nodded.

"Okay."

My brows furrowed when he suddenly agreed to it with a nod of his head..

"Since you've finally made up your mind now, then I guess I have to take my leave now, Ms. Romero." He went on saka tumayo then held out his hand again to me na agad ko namang tinanggap ito sabay tayo.

"Thank you for your time, Ms. Romero. Ingat ka nalang."

I just nodded at him and just followed him with my eyes as he rushed outside the café. Hindi man lang ito lumingon-lingon, dirediretso lang ito sa paglalakad with stiffed body until makarating ito sa sasakyan nito.

I know he hadn't like my final answer pero alangan namang pilitin nila 'ko just to get what they want.

Shaking my head, umupo na lamang ako and then scanned the other details inside the Cafe. Napansin kong may enough number of surveillance cameras rito, enough na makita lahat ng mga activity sa loob.

My gaze shifted to the counter where staffs were busy with their customers. And when I spotted their manager at the counter, busy with writing in his diary perhaps, agad na'kong tumayo saka lumapit dito.

When I came near him, I cleared my throat to draw his attention. Agad naman itong nagtaas ng tingin saka ngumiti when he saw me. Medyo matanda na ito with the slightly visible wrinkles in his face but his smiles gives out a warm presence dahil sa natural na ngiti nito.

"Yes? May kailangan po ba kayo ma'am?"

"Tatanungin ko lang sana kung matagal na bang may cctv cameras na nakakabit sa café na'to?." Direct na tanong ko while pointing to the cameras sa loob na sinundan naman nito ng tingin ito saka tumingin sa'kin, now with furrowed brows.

"For 5 years na pagtatrabaho ko rito, may nakakabit na ngang ganyan dito maam." He said while looking at me with questioning eyes, probably kwith me asking that randomly.

"If you don't mind my asking, Bakit nyo po pala naitanong 'to?"

"Nagbabakasakali lang po na baka may nakunan ang camera niyo tungkol sa taong hinahanap ko. Dito kasi siya naglalagi noon, more than ten years ago na."

"More than ten years? Sobrang tagal na nyan ma'am. At di ko alam kung may CCTV na rito sa mga panahon na yon." Sagot nya while shaking his head.

Yes. Sobrang tagal na nga but then ayokong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil dun.

"And five years palang po'ko rito at medyo bago parin po ang ibang mga staffs dito so I don't think masasagot din nila ang tanong nyo."

With disappointed look, I just slowly nodded my head then let out a sigh. Damn. Sino bang pwedeng tanungin ko dito?.

"I'm so sorry talaga ma'am.." He said after a while na hindi ako umimik, probably sensing my disappointment.

Tumango lang ako sa kanya while still in deep thoughts.

Sino bang pwedeng makapagbibigay sa'kin ng tamang info that from the very day na naitayo ang café na'to ay nandito na rin ang taong yon?

Sino nga ba?

A smirk crept into my mouth when an idea came in. Dahilan para tumingin sa'kin ang manager like I had gone out of my sane mind.

Sino nga ba talaga? That someone who can give me an info na kailangan ko and give me an access to their surveillance control room.

"What about the owner of this cafe then? Pwede ko ba siyang makausap ngayon? Importante lang talaga ito.. Kailangan ko lang talaga itong kausapin."

"Hhmm owner?" He started while stroking his chin before he nodded.

"Pwede niyo naman siyang kausapin, ma'am pero hindi siya naglalagi rito and he's out of town for now but he'll be here next Monday."

Oh at least.. Babalik pa ito.

"Thank you for that info, Sir. I guess I'll just come back here by Monday." I said while smiling at him with an understanding nod.

"You're welcome, ma'am. Maiwan ko na muna kayo rito."

When I nodded, tumalikod na agad ito then helped out the other staffs.

Umalis narin agad ako given that lunch time is almost over now at baka mas lalo pang magpuputok ang butsi ng gagong del Fuerong 'yon if I'd come back late again.

Just the thought of him wanting to strangle me habang binabasa ang notes ko, I can't stop myself but smile in amusement.

I'm sure he's earth-sized head was ready to explode with annoyance now and probably killing me many times inside.

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CAMERON'S POV

Mga ilang minuto na itong nakaalis but my mind still lingered on that damn woman.

With the sudden change of her behavior, I think he was into something.

Though I'm quite against with her plan na magpanggap as my employee here, pumayag na lamang ako knowing that she knows what she's doing kahit sakit ito sa ulo.

Shaking my head, I focused back to the project proposals na kasalukuyan kong pinag-aaralan.

I received this proposals yesterday via email from Canada stating their proposal sa company ko to rebuild the large bridge sa lugar nila na nasira ng lindol last month and they want us to do that and even supply the materials.

This is a huge project and I appreciate them for trusting us but I don't think na kailangan kong tanggapin agad 'to without even carefully reviewing this and talk to them personally.

And if I'll accept this one, I have to be almost always be there until the project will be done and I don't like it. Not when my enemies here were just lurking around and waiting for the perfect time to attack me.

Sighing, I folded that folder and then leaned against my seat as I closed my eyes habang pinipisil ang sentido ko, wanted to rest my mind.

'As you've ordered, Sir. I made sure to do it properly and with a hundred times extra careful..'

When her words echoed in my head, my eyes fluttered open saka tumingin sa mga papers na nasa mesa ko with pink sticky notes on it.

Pink? I didn't know she liked that damn color. I wonder how she had done all these when even my secretary couldn't even complete this task that fast.

But then she's not the typical woman na mahihirapan dito, Cameron..

Shrugging at that, kinuha ko nalang ang first file na nasa pile then took the note.

My brows arched up when I saw what was on that note.

'I'm done..'

You're not, Ms. Javier. Not until I say so. Not until I'm done checking your work.

Shaking me head, ichecheck ko na sana ang file na hawak ko but stop when again, I saw another note sa ibabaw ng sumunod na file.

With furrowed brows, kinuha ko 'yon and then read it.

'blowing some..'

Blowing some?? Ano naman kayang kalokohan to? First, 'I'm done' and now----

I stopped when I spotted another pink note peeking through the pile na dahilan para mas lalo pang kumunot ang noo ko.

So she had made a note not just two but more than that?

Though it's a waste of my time to even read all of that, kinuha ko na lamang 'yon and found out that every file has a note on it and mostly contained with three words only.

Kinuha ko na lahat 'yon then arranged it on the table ng pasunod-sunod and then clenched my teeth when I was able to decode her message.

Goodness.. I didn't know she could really be this difficult!

I inhaled deeply then glanced at the message again with gritted teeth.

'I'm done blowing some dirty earth-dusts off these bloody papers so have fun comparing these shits into your earth-sized head! And please stop giving me some task because I am not here to murder you asshole. I'm only here to help you with nothing but your case! I want to say God bless but my heart and mind wants to say GO FUCK-YOURSELF OFF and let me do my job myself!'

An exasperated groan escaped from me just reading her message. So she's pissed off with it.

Such a difficult and stubborn woman indeed. Well, if she want that, I guess I have to double the her task then. Just to annoy her and at least pay me with the frustrations she had caused me.

With that thought, a smirk crept into my mouth. Enjoying and excited with what was coming to her way.

Tumayo na lamang ako saka tumungo sa sofa on the corner and then sat there. Checking the time in my wristwatch, I adjusted my tie nang makita kong lunch time na but since eating isn't what I wanted to do right now, sumandal na lamang ako sa may upuan then closed my eyes.

Why not comfortably sat here for awhile than think about some stubborn woman..

I just stayed there, feeling relaxed being away from my paperworks for awhile. Pero mga ilang minuto pa lang akong nakakaidlip when some idiot suddenly barged in the door without even knocking.

"Cameron boy!"

A groan of annoyance escaped from me when I heard that damn voice. Nandito na naman ang isa pang sakit sa ulo.

I just glared at him when I saw his face stupidly grinning at me saka umupo sa kabilang upuan, sitting like he was on his own office.

"Ano tong naririnig ko mula sa mga employees mo rito that you have hired some terror looking exotic beauty, Cam? Nabaliw ka na ba kay Samanthat to even hire someone with same description as her? Dios mio, Cam! Aminin mo nalang kasing gusto mo sya!"

I think it was better to ignore this aashole and just get back to my peaceful world.

With that thought, Ipinikit ko nalang uli ang mga mata ko, ignoring him groaning in protest.

"Come on, Cam. I'm here to listen your excuses on why you've hired someone like her. Spill it out now. Fate would surely be upset with you dahil dun. Gosh! I hadn't even thought about you to be like thhiso, Cam!"

Go fucked-yourself off, assho---

I stopped that thought when I'm starting to imitate her expressions. That woman! Even now that I'm having my siesta, she kept appearing in my head every chance she could get! At kung 'di lang sana dumating ang tarantandong Liam na'to, nakapagpahinga na sana ako kahit sandali lang!

"Cam, you know what? Ba't di mo nalang ipatira sa bahay mo si Sam?"

Agad na tumaas ang kilay ko when he had spout that nonsense.

The hell I'd let her live in my place! I'm not crazy enough to even do that absurdity. I should be at peace if she'll stay far from me.

"That way masosolo mo sya and then you can work together so well.. Hmm.. Although she will beat you for sure if you even try to make a move on her but you can still do it Cam. Bibigay din yon, she's still a woman after all---"

"She's not just some typical woman like your women, Liam so stop giving me some stupid advice when you yourself don't know how to treat women the right way." Putol ko na rito with my eyes still closed when I've had enough of him.

I heard him chuckled at that.

"Oh geez, so now you're defending her, Cam! This is good news then! No one would ever accused you again that you prefer men than women!"

My eyes snapped open at the hear of that and then glared at him.

"What if I'd kill you right now just to shut you up, Liam? How 'bout that then?" I growled at him with a promising voice.

The asshole just waved his hand off while nodding his head like he had understood me.

This idiot!

"Oh I know you'd say that, Cam. With how hot tempered you are but damn it Cameron! The hot investigator's working for you! Why not just take this as your chance to get closed with her? What about---ouch!"

He faked a cry then laughed when I threw a pillow at his face, now so annoyed with him.

"Shut your damn mouth, Liam! I'm trying to rest my mind here but then you're disturbing me!!" I muttered under my breath as I glared at him with utter irritation.

"Okay, okay. I understand wala ka sa mood to take my advice sa ngayon because you're tired." He said when his laugh died down.

"Kahit hindi pa'ko pagod ngayon, I would never take your stupid advice, Liam!" I snapped at him while still eyeing him with murderous glare.

He nodded then waved his hand again.

"Yeah, yeah. You can take your rest now."

i just stared at him for awhile, eyeing him with unconvinced look.

"What?? Ba't ganyan ka makatingin sa'kin, Cam? Don't tell me you're hatching a plan now on how to dispatch me?"

I smirked when he said that saka tumango-tango habang nakatingin parin rito.

Yes why not?? Para mawala na ang isa sa mga asungot sa buhay ko.

Seeing the look on my face, agad na kumunot ang noo nya while eyeing me with suspicious eyes.

"Cam, I don't like that look on your face now..Itigil mo na yan.." Warning nya sakin which I just answered with a chuckle, amused with the funny look on his face.

He just rolled his eyes saka tumayo,

"And now you're laughing at me, Cam.." He said with a shrug of his shoulder saka naglakad-lakad palapit sa bintana, overlooking the busy city.

I sighed and just ignored him saka sumandal uli sa upuan sabay pikit ng mga mata ko.

I inwardly smiled with satisfaction nang hindi na ito nagsalita pa and just remained silent but I can still hear his slow light foot steps.

Probably in deep thoughts.

Then good.

Mga ilang minuto palang ang nakakaraan when I suddenly heard him laughed again. Groaning, I glanced at his way and found him sitting on my chair while still laughing.

"Liam? Can you shut your mouth now? Nagpapa---"

"Oh shit, Cam! Your earth-sized head and GO FUCK-YOURSELF OFF?? Oh Gods! This was just so epic, Cam!!" Then again, he laughed while clutching his stomach.

My eyes squeezed shut as I clenched my teeth with utter annoyance.

Damn it! I forgot those pink notes! And now this idiot had read it!

"Cam? Ano na naman kaya ang ginawa mo Kay Sam for her to even give you this pink notes? Ininis mo na naman ba? hmm?" He teased in between his laugh.

Though I'd like to hit him on his face now but hearing him said that made me wonder kung bakit nito alam na galing kay Samantha 'yon. Wala namang nakasulat dun stating it was from her.

"How did you know na sa kanya galing 'yan, Liam?"

He just shook his head saka inayos ang necktie nya while stupidly grinning at me.

"Cam, sino pa ba sa tingin mo ang pwedeng gumawa sa'yo nito? Only that badass investigator, Cam! no one else." Then again, he laughed.

Yes. Only that damn woman!

"Cam, ano ba kasing---"

He suddenly shut his mouth nang bigla na lamang tumunog ang intercom sa mesa ko. With a smirk, he asnwered it without even asking for my permission.

"Good noon, Sir. May tao pong naghihintay dito sa labas, food delivery daw po. Papa--"

"Papasukin mo na sya."

My brows furrowed in confusions nang marinig ko yon from my receptionist.

"Food delivery? Hindi naman ako umorder ng---"

"I did, Cam. Before I came here. Of course, gutom na'ko and besides, hindi ka pa siguro kumakain. Ang sweet ko 'di ba?" He said while shrugging, as if he was talking to his stupid employee.

This asshole!

I was about to retort at him but stopped when the door had suddenly opened then came Levi, one of my receptionists. Followed by the petite young woman wearing a black cap on his head and pink jacket with a bag of foods her hands.

"A delivery for Cameron Del...Fuero"

My brow arched up when she trailed off once her eyes focused on Liam na nasa upuan ko who just stupidly staring at the delivery woman with a smirk.

I wonder kung ano namang kalokohan ang iniisip ng taong 'to, staring at the woman like some pervert maliciously eyeing his prey.

Groaning, I shrugged those thoughts off and glanced at him.

"Liam? Why don't you pay that now since ikaw naman talaga ang umorder nyan?"

He just grinned saka tumingin sa'kin sabay tayo sa upuan ko.

"Of course, Cam. I know you're always in a tight situation kahit hindi naman."

"Buti naman alam mo, Liam." I answered while smirking, satisfied that he really knows me.

Agad na nitong binayaran 'yon with I think more than what was needed.

"Keep the change, sweetie." Saad nito sabay kindat sa babae which she just returned with a roll in her eyes and took her leave.

The action made me smirked while shaking my head, amused with his 'wa-epek' attempt to flirt with her.

Now I know na hindi lahat ng babae, papatulan ang gagong 'to.

And I think I had already met that woman before but I can't just point it out where..

"Wa epek ang charm mo sweetie." I teased pagkalapit nito sa'kin with the foods in his hands.

Ngumisi lang ito then placed the foods on the table saka umupo sa kabilang upuan.

"Oh, hindi pa sa ngayon but I know, bibigay din 'yon sa'kin.."

My brow shot up when he said that, sounding like he was determined to make that woman fall on his charm.

"Ano bang meron sa delivery woman na yon, Liam? She's too young for you so you better stop whatever plan you have for that woman."

"Oh, just go fuck-yourself off, Cam!"

A loud growl sounded from me when he mimicked those line from the notes.

"You better shut your mouth before I'd throw you out of here!" I warned while glaring at him with great contempt.

He just grinned while taking out the box of foods from the bag.

"Wag mo na kasing alamin, Cam. I'm just having fun with her feisty attitude. Halos nilumpo nga ko ng babaeng 'yon before we've rescued her before."

"We've rescued before?"

The asshole just rolled his eyes and sighed.

"She's that same woman na kasama ni Samantha sa police station noong isang araw.."

That poor woman?

I just slowly nodded in understanding when I finally remembered that woman.

"You better stop your plan now, Liam. You know Samantha won't like it a bit once she'd found out about it. She had even took a fight just to save that woman from those perverts kaya hindi ako magtataka kung ganun din ang gagawin niya sa'yo. Maybe much more worse than those perverts had suffered."

"No. She won't, Cam if you'll just shut your mouth."

"Shall I call her now then to make sure that? You know I can be a pester as well if I had to."

A scowl instantly appeared on his face when I challenged that. Looking at me with protest.

"Please tell me you're not serious, Cam."

I just smirked at him and fished out my phone from under my coat. Causing his scowl deepened. Probably knowing na hindi siya sasantuhin ng babaeng 'yon.

"Fine! I'll stop! Basta 'wag mo lang sasabihin sa kanya ang tungkol dito."

I grinned when he had finally said that while slowly nodding his head.

"Madali ka naman palang kausap e.. Kain na tayo." Sagot ko na rito while still grinning at him saka ibinulsa ang phone ko.

He just groaned but complied anyway without any complain.

I didn't know 'yon lang pala ang makakapagpatahimik sa tarantadong 'to..

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