Author's Note: This story is completely fiction.
***
Chapter 2 - Lunch and Revelations
Texas Roadhouse was one of the many restaurants along Bonifacio High Street. Tony suggested it earlier. He was craving for a good steak. He also asked Maria what she wanted to eat, and her answer was a burger. Tony had been doing a lot of research about where to eat not just around the area, but around Manila. Texas Roadhouse had both what they wanted.
Taking just a quick glance at the menu, he knew exactly what to order. It was going to be the Bone-in Rib-eye for him. The largest steak on the menu. He then glanced at Maria who was seated across from him. She had a frown and was biting the bottom part of her lip.
Maria was torn as to what to order. All the burgers looked good. But what she noticed the most was the price. It wasn't her first time at an expensive place. On special occasions or team outings, she would go to places such as Vikings. They offered high end food buffet for less than P900. Now P600 for a burger?!
"Have you decided?" Tony asked.
"Tony, it's all so expensive," she admitted. "I would have been fine with McDonald's."
Tony could only chuckle and shake his head. "She will have the Bacon Cheese Burger, medium well. I will have the Bone-in, medium. One Combo appetizer and a Caesar Salad, please," he told the waitress as he took the menu from Maria.
"Drinks?" the waitress smiled, taking both menus.
"Um... Coke Zero please," Maria replied.
"Mango Shake," Tony replied as well.
"Very well." The waitress then walked away, leaving the two in their booth seats.
"Thank you again, very, very much for the clothes," Maria smiled widely. She gave her Old Navy shopping bag next to her a brief hug. Never had she had such nice clothes.
Tony chuckled again. "It was my pleasure, Maria."
"How will I ever thank you? Repay you?"
Tony raised his hand up. "You saying thanks is good enough. Do not worry."
"You have always been so kind. Even back many years ago. Always giving me my favorite chocolate."
"Have you ever tried the blue Snickers? I mean the one with the blue wrapper."
"Blue?" Maria's eyes widened in shock. "A special kind?"
"Crisper is what it's called. Instead of peanuts, they have the rice crispies. You know, like the cereal."
"Oh! I have never tried that. I have not seen them here."
"I will get you some. I honestly prefer it over the original."
"Really? Well then, I cannot wait to try it." Maria smiled widely from cheek to cheek as she clapped silently.
Tony smiled. Maria was obviously the same Snickers lover.
"So, how many years will you be positioned here?" Maria asked.
Tony gave a slight shrug. "At least 5 years."
"Where is your office? Still the same as before, Ayala Avenue?"
"No. Anta actually relocated a few years ago. Do you know the Net Lima building?"
"Yes. Why but you are not staying in Forbes Park like Mr. Franks before?"
"It was offered." Forbes Park was the most expensive village in the country. It was right at the edge of Bonifacio Global City, or BGC as it was called. Obviously they where in it. The company normally paid for the rent anyhow. "But I don't have a family like him," he admitted. "So I opted for a condo nearby. And when I retire, I might want to buy it."
"You are not married?" That was surprising news for Maria.
"Divorced, no kids." Tony sighed. "Amber. She was too career focused. What about you?" Now was the time to get some needed questions answered.
"Me?" Maria frowned. "My life is a boring story."
"Well then who is Randy?" Tony questioned. "I heard you grumble his name as you were texting him earlier. A boyfriend? Husband?"
"Randy?" Maria then laughed.
Tony was about to ask why, but was interrupted when the waitress arrived with their drinks and appetizers.
"He is a gay guy," Maria informed him. "We are renting an apartment together. Also, we work together on the same team."
"Surely you have a boyfriend."
"No. Never. Never been kissed either," she confessed. "Like I said, my life is boring."