***

“HERE have some snacks.” Uncle Chuck placed a large plate of lasagna on their table.

“Now my diet’s ruined,” Yvonne said, craving.

“Diet? What’s that?” Jonie teased.

“Thank you, Uncle,” Nari said. “Um, Uncle…” Nari smiled anxiously. “How was the customer I spluttered beer on the face last night?”

“What?” Yvonne and Jonie exclaimed in chorus. “You spluttered beer on someone’s face?”

Nari covered her ears with her hands. Why do they have to speak altogether?

“Don’t worry. He did not get mad. I gave him lasagna for free and ask for an apology,” Uncle Chuck replied. “You’re unbelievable, Nari. How could you do that to a handsome man like him?”

“Handsome man?” Jonie asked, eyes wide.

“No way,” Yvonne said in disbelief.

“He was the same man I met outside the restroom when I got drunk. I panicked when I saw him, and it so happened that I have a beer in my mouth. I spat it on him.” Recalling that incident made Nari want to knock her head. “Instead of apologizing, I ran away. It’s really embarrassing when I actually prayed that I would not see him again.”

“Do you think it’s possible? Of course, you will see each other again because he likes the food here. Why do you think he keeps coming back?” Uncle Chuck said.

“Are you sure he was not mad at me, Uncle?”

“He wasn’t mad, believe me. He asked me if you are okay, and I told him you are single.”

Nari’s eyes grew wide.

“Uncle!”

*

“ATE, are you sure you want to accept this job? Mrs. Martinez is not your boss anymore. You might get stressed instead,” Yñigo said during breakfast.

“Yes, I am,” Nari replied, smiling. “It will only be for two weeks. Ate Maggie said that I will get high compensation and a bonus. I will use the money to fund our business.”

“I’ll have your word on that.”

“I’m gonna be late,” Nari said and finished her coffee.

“It’s still early, Ate.”

“Traffic does not have a schedule.”

“Whatever.” Yñigo shook his head and sipped his coffee. “Your body still longed for your former job,” he remarked.

Nari smiled and finally stood up.

“I’m gonna go brush my teeth now.”

***

"ATE MAGGIE!"

Nari was grinning widely as Maggie came into view in the lobby. She stood up from her seat and met her. She was with a little boy whom she guessed was only around three or four years old.

“What’s up?” Maggie hugged her tightly. “You look blooming. You’re getting a lot of sleep these days, aren’t you?”

They both laughed.

“I’m glad you noticed,” Nari joked. “Do I look just fine?” She motioned herself. She wore a plain, black V-neck dress and black closed shoes. She also tied her hair into a neat ponytail.

“You look perfect. Is that your CV?” Maggie referred to the folder in her hand.

“Yes, it is.”

“Good! Let’s go. I told Sir James I won't take long.”

“Auntie Maggie!”

Their attention turned to the little boy.

“This boy is so handsome,” Nari couldn’t help mentioning.

His cheeks were fluffy, his eyes were brown, and his lashes were curly.

“This is Sir James’ son. He’s insisting on coming with me when he found out I’m going to his Uncle Jai.”

“Is he always here?” she asked, smiling.

“Well, sometimes, with his mother.” Maggie was referring to her boss’s second wife. “Jameson, why don’t you introduce yourself?”

“Hewow! I’m Jameson. I’m three years old. I’ll turn four next year. What’s your name?”

“I’m Nari. I’m… nevermind years old. I’m glad to meet you.”

Maggie laughed.

"I'm glad to meet you, too!" Jameson replied.

“What are you going to do in your uncle’s office?” she asked fondly.

“I’m gonna poop there!”

Nari’s eyes widened when she turned to Maggie. Did she hear it correctly? Maggie just laughed.

“Well, it happens all the time whenever he’s in Sir Jai’s office.”

"And he washes my poopoo, too," Jameson said matter-of-factly. "He said it's ‘eww.’ He wants to put me back into my Mama’s tummy. I don't know what that means."

Nari giggled. “You have a cool uncle, Jameson.”

"He is. He said my Mama is pretty. And then I show him this." He showed Nari his cute fist. "Only my dada calls Mama 'pretty'."

Well, he’s definitely right.

"Can we be friends?" she asked.

"Yeah, sure. Let's go."

“`You want me to carry you, Jameson?” Maggie offered.

"I'm fine, Tita Maggie. I can walk." Jameson crossed his little arms across his chest and walked ahead. He really knew his way around here.

Nari and Maggie could only look at each other.

*

MAGGIE knocked twice, and a man in a formal suit opened the door for them.

“I’m with her now, Mike,” she informed.

Mike smiled at them, and he opened the door wider.

“You’re Nari?” he asked. Nari nodded. “Please come in.”

Jameson quickly ran inside the office.

“Tito Jai! Where are you?”

“You’re here again?” said a familiar, fruity voice.

Nari was stunned for a moment. It felt like she heard the voice before. She just couldn’t remember where and when.

“Mr. Yap. Maggie is already here, and she’s with your temporary assistant,” Mike informed after closing the door. “Please don’t do your best, so I still have a job when I return,” Mike joked at Nari.

Nari laughed.

“You can count on me.”

“Tito Jai, come out!” Jameson called in a high-pitched voice. “I have a friend to introduce to you. She’s pretty. You’ll look good together.”

Nari blushed as she and Maggie looked at each other.

“Jameson likes you. Good job,” she teased.

Nari laughed it off. And the smile on her face suddenly disappeared when Jameson’s ‘Uncle Jai’ finally came out from another door. She brought the folder to her mouth as her jaw dropped.

“Is that her?” The man looked at her, his beautiful eyes not blinking.

"Yes! Her name is Nari!" Jameson answered cheerfully. "She's nevermind years old!"

I’m doomed.