Chapter 2

POV: Monte

His grandfather wanted him and Almira to get married, unaware that they were no longer together. This morning, as he descended, he heard his grandfather asking Ericka to prepare coffee. He approached when the woman left.

"Good morning, Lolo," he said, taking a seat beside him.

"How was your sleep in your own house?" his grandfather teased.

"Lolo, I came back, and your question sounds sarcastic."

"You're too sensitive," his grandfather chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Coffee?"

"You're already having Ericka prepare it; she probably brought a thermos."

"When is your wedding with Almira?"

"Lolo, I'm not ready to get married."

"You're at the right age, Monte. I want to see some little ones running around before I leave this world."

"What if I just adopt?" he joked.

"Ah, this kid is crazy," his grandfather playfully slapped his hand. "That's not good."

"Just kidding."

"I want Almira. You've been dating her since college, and she comes from a prominent family. It would be better if you marry her. She's beautiful, and your children will surely be stunning."

"Oh no, lolo, are we dogs that need to be bred?"

"You're really philosophical, Monte. Perhaps you're like that in the office too. How will your subordinates respect you if you're like that?"

"I'm different with you. You're the only one I can be affectionate with." Since his sister's disappearance, he became distant from people. Even with Ericka, their conversations were strictly business.

Almira's family had many connections, especially in politics. However, he wasn't ready for marriage, and Almira was not the one he wanted as a wife. He was still investigating what truly happened to his sister, and he felt Almira was somehow involved.

Their conversation halted as they heard the sound of Ericka's heels. They turned to look at her, and Monte wondered about her peculiar attire—long skirt and raised hair, making him curious about its length.

This quiet person seemed to have changed. Montana often observed them at the office, always with a smile now. His contemplation was interrupted when he was called by Señor.

"Will you have coffee, Monte? Ericka has been asking you for a while now," the old man tapped him.

"Yes, please," he replied, avoiding eye contact. Did she notice that he was looking at her? Embarrassing, he hoped she wouldn't think he was being inappropriate.

"Any creamer?" the woman asked.

"Half a teaspoon," he responded.

As the food arrived, they were surprised by the abundance. Even Ericka seemed taken aback.

"Señor, do we have a visitor?" Ericka asked.

"No, hija, it's your first day, so I prepared your favorite dishes. I'm sure you don't get to cook like this at home," Señor said with a smile.

"Oh, I might gain too much weight here..."

"That's okay; you'll still be beautiful even if you gain weight."

They laughed together, and Montana, just observing, could easily mistake them for a father and daughter. If he didn't know them and his grandfather, he might believe the rumors he hears. But he knows his grandfather deeply loved his late grandmother. After her death, he rarely saw his grandfather at home; he went straight to the cemetery after work.

"Oh, Monte, something's wrong?" Señor asked.

"Nothing, Lolo... let's eat," he said, slightly embarrassed. He let the two go first and get their food before he did.

Having home-cooked meals is truly something he missed. He initially resisted returning home to avoid memories of his younger sister, but his grandfather's affection convinced him to come back.

He realized that his grandfather, in old age, seemed to seek the care of loved ones. His mother was alone, and his father was no longer in their lives, leaving them with few close relatives. While he had second cousins, he rarely interacted with them as most were abroad. He mainly conversed with friends.

Ericka thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp dish. If she didn't have a napkin on her clothes, they might be stained with moisture. She laughed because his grandfather imitated her. She smiled when Señor asked where she learned such table manners.

When his grandfather suggested Monte try it too, he attempted to eat with his hands. However, he noticed this woman was different, and he found himself noticing many things about her. Although she wasn't his usual type, there seemed to be a unique attraction. He excused himself, Ericka offered to go with him, he refused to and asked her to finish eating.

As he left, he saw Mang Turing tending to the car.

"What happened?" he asked the elderly man with his back turned.

"Senyorito, it's you. There's an oil leak; it needs to be taken to the casa."