The Girl From The Coffee Shop 3

Chapter 8

WHENEVER she meets Benjamin, she usually wears her favorite casual look – a simple top and a pair of stylish jeans. And when her mood permits (that's when she's got a good night sleep or she was able to finish her watercolor painting), she'd wear a casual dress, which rarely happens especially these days. And her hair – she keeps it in a bun – all the time. As an interior designer, she knows that she has to look good at all times, especially when meeting prospective clients. Well, she makes an effort to look her best, she's got several conservative but fashionable work attire, which consists of the typical white/grey/black/brown skirts, dresses, blouses, suits and pants.

Kaya naman nang magpakita si Maya sa opisina isang araw na suot ang isang navy blue long sleeve V-neck dress, lahat ng mata ay nakatingin sa kanya. That sophisticated dress is just one of the many business casual attires, together with a number of casual and formal dresses she purchased with the help of Pam and Santi. Sabi nga ni Santi, she needed a wardrobe overhaul – and that's just what she did. Her hair had a makeover as well – instead of a stylish French bun, she just let her soft wavy hair down.

Hindi malaman ni Maya kung mahihiya o matutuwa sa mga komento'ng nakuha niya sa opisina dahil sa simple'ng pagbabago'ng iyon. O, well, hindi iyon 'simple' lang pero ngayon lang niya na-realize na malaki pala talaga ang nagagawa ng itsura ng isang tao at ng paraan ng pagdadala sa sarili.

Mula umaga hanggang hapon ay panay ang biro at compliment na natanggap ni Maya sa opisina.

"Miss Maya, pinapatawag po kayo ni sir Benjamin," seryosong sabi ni Greg sa kanya habang nagliligpit na ng gamit. Paalis na siya noon dahil may dinner sila ni Benjamin nang gabing iyon. They were supposed to meet at Mandy's at seven.

Nagmadali na siyang ligpitin ang mga gamit at sumunod na kay Greg. Kinakabahan siyang sumakay sa elevator at iniisip ang dahilan kung bakit siya pinatawag ng binata. Hindi ba matutuloy ang dinner nila?

Iyon pa rin ang nasa isip ni Maya hanggang sa pagdating sila sa opisina. Benjamin was standing, reading something on the table, wearing his stylish eyeglasses. Agad na ring umalis si Greg at iniwan doon si Maya.

"M-may problema ba?"

"It's true then." Nagtaas ng tingin si Benjamin. Inalis nito ang suot na salamin at matamang tiningnan ang babae sa harap nito.

"W-what's true?" nagtataka'ng tanong ni Maya.

"That a runway model has just entered the building."

Naramdaman ni Maya ang pag-init ng mukha at alam niyang namumula na siya nang mga oras na 'yon. Yumuko siya.

"Now, with that look of yours, you certainly need a bodyguard." nakangiting sabi ni Benjamin. Lumapit ito sa kanya. "And if you keep that up, I'm sure madadagdagan ang mga karibal ko."

Ngayon lang niya naisip na baka iba ang maging impression ng lahat ng 'yon kay Benjamin. "Y-you don't like it?" kinakabahang tanong ni Maya.

"What are you talking about?" Hinawakan ni Benjamin ang magkabila niyang balikat para makatingin siya ng tuwid dito. "I love it. You look stunning...and you made me fall in love with you all over again."

Nag-blush nang husto si Maya dahil sa sinabi ng binata. Especially after he gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

"So, why the sudden change?"

Expected na ni Maya na itatanong iyon ni Benjamin sooner or later pero hindi niya maisip kung ano ang dapat na isagot do'n. Kaya nagkibit-balikat na lang s'ya.

"You did it for me?" narinig niyang muling tanong ng kasintahan. Nang tingnan niya iyon, nakangiti ito.

"Baka kasi-"