Gwyneth Ayala
Gwyneth Ayala. She really looked familiar.
Maki asked her driver to bring her to Gwyneth. On the way, she saw a huge billboard with Gwyneth’s face. Then another. Kaya pala familiar—ang daming ads ni Gwyneth along EDSA.
Maki checked Gwyneth’s profile. Daughter of a mall owner. Has some resorts. She saw Gwyneth’s number and called her.
“Hi, Gwyneth.”
“Maki. I thought you’d never call.”
“Are you available for lunch?”
“Of course, I’ll make time. But can you drop by my shoot and pick me up?”
Maki agreed, got the address, and soon arrived at an industrial building. Inside was a large warehouse transformed into a whimsical set. There, Gwyneth looked like a fairy in fancy clothes, surrounded by giant flowers.
Gwyneth spotted Maki and signaled for her to wait. “Cut!” the director called, and Gwyneth immediately walked over, hugging and kissing Maki.
“Hey, babe,” she greeted casually.
Maki was surprised—pleasantly. Because, hello, si Gwyneth na yan. Ang ganda niya.
“Can we have lunch?” Maki asked.
“Of course. We can go to your favorite.”
On the ride to the restaurant, Gwyneth was on the phone the entire time, juggling calls from her managers, PR agency, and brand partners. When they arrived at a sleek black tower, Maki followed Gwyneth’s lead to the penthouse. A waiter led them to a table overlooking the Manila skyline.
“Naalala mo ba ito? Ako?” Gwyneth asked.
Maki shook her head. “Actually, no.”
Gwyneth sighed. “We were childhood friends. Our parents were barkadas. Eventually, we got close and became a thing—secretly.”
“Secretly?”
Gwyneth nodded. “I had to keep it a secret. I’m a celebrity, after all.”
“I see,” Maki said. “Are we in love?”
Gwyneth hesitated. “I guess. But… madami ka pa palang ibang girls, as I discovered.”
“Did we ever talk about marrying?” Maki asked.
Gwyneth smiled softly. “You’re sweet, Maki. But business ang buhay mo. And I’m busy with my engagements. That’s always been our struggle—we both have our own hustles. If we get married, will we slow down?”
Maki didn’t have an answer.
“But more than anything. I’m really glad you survived,” Gwyneth continued. “At some point, I got scared losing you. Even if you barely have time, you always made sure I was taken care of. Kaya lang… ikaw mismo, wala masyadong time para sakin.”
Maki held Gwyneth’s hand, looking at her, then at the view.
Just then, a chopper landed on the helipad upstairs.
Gwyneth stood, hugged Maki, and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “I have to go—I have a shoot somewhere.”
“This has been nice, Maki. I hope we have more moments like this.”
Then, she ran to the waiting chopper.
Maki rode her car back, deep in thought.
Do I want a life like that? Barely any quality time? Always on the go?