The workings days has come , Tim has been back since the project is wrapping up. Aware that Pam will not be present at work, he took updates from Jim. In the afternoon he decided to call on Dindin over the local extension in the office.
"Hello Mr. Connor, how can I help?" Dindin spoke to his assistant and knew that the call is coming from him.
"Hi Dindin, how is everything with Shanghai project, it has launched publicly. Which flight is she taking on Thursday?"
"She is taking Wednesday flight instead of Thursday but it's going Taiwan."
Tim was surprised but managed not to sound like one over the phone, "oh so this pushed through, alright. Thanks." By plan Lissy should be back by Thursday, he know she is actively working to close the Taiwan deal too but is not expecting that she will not have plans to return to headquarters. He took his phone out and messaged Lissy.
'Honey which flight are you taking this Thursday, send me details. I will pick you up.'
Tim finished reading one proposal and signed some document before he got an answer from Lissy.
Lissy: It's CI212 ETA is 4PM.
Tim: See you then. I love you.
Lissy: See you, love you.
Everything feels okay but Tim is wondering why Lissy confirmed the Thursday schedule knowing that he is flying directly to Taiwan from Shanghai. What is she up to? There is still 3 more days to know.
He had to attend the second to the last steering committee meeting for the project before closure. He prepared to leave in time for the meeting to start.
The meeting has been facilitated by Jim and everything flowed as expected. He is a seasoned project manger and could easily cover Pam since he is aware of the plan and is very much involved in the project. They will have the celebration to close the project in weeks' time given the successful deployment last weekend.
One of the Directors commented, "Too bad Pamela is not around. Hope she gets well soon."
"I think she is better now. "Jim replied with smile.
The middle-aged lady member of the steering committee added, "she should stop dieting. She is pretty and sexy enough. I don't understand the women of this generation why they wanted to be skinny. I hope she makes it on the celebration and closing."
"I also hope before she gets her Sydney assignment."
This is news to Tim. Although he know Pam is based in Singapore and goes to other countries as assigned, he is not aware of that Sydney assignment.
"Wow is she having a big project with an Australian company?" the lady continued to ask.
"Nope, the office is setting up and she will be helping. She will work in the capacity of Country Director I think. Everyone is wishing to be assigned there but it was offered to her."
Without sounding surprised and bitter Tim joined the conversation, "that is good. Exciting times ahead of Pam."
"Yeah but too bad the Singapore office will lose one of the bests. If everything works fine, she might immigrate to Sydney."
Another bombed is dropped. This lady is always good at finding refuge from another country. This time its farther away. Tim walked back in his office in deep thoughts. Despite her gloomy situation, Pam managed to shine in her job. She is proud of this lady. At the same time, he felt lost or rather empty.
Mid-week has come. It's Wednesday and there was no mention of any changes in Lissy's travel plan. He has been waiting for her to confirm the changes. He once again initiated a message. He can see that she is active on messaging app.
Tim: How are you honey? Is there any restaurant you want to have dinner tomorrow?
Without waiting for too long, he saw the word 'typing' on the app. This means she is crafting a response. However, it took her more than two minutes to get a reply.
Lissy: Hey honey, I am good. There is sudden change of plan. I am flying Taiwan today. It was too abrupt didn't have time to tell you until you messaged.
Sudden...abrupt…It was hard for Tim to understand these words as he spoked to Dindin last Monday. Clearly, she is planned to go to Taiwan but she kept it unknown to him until now. Then two messages came in.
Lissy: I miss you, I let you know when I will be back.
There's got to be a good reason for all this Lissy. Don't disappoint me. He responded with simple 'take care'. Another message came in.
X: I am joining the crew in Taiwan. Lin Bin is also joining. Staying at Grand Hyatt.
Earlier to confirm the Taiwan engagement he messaged X. Some information like this will be handy. At this point, if Lissy is wavering because of priorities her will gladly give her time. He would not mind waiting for them to finally settle but if she is not committed to marry him it is another thing.
At the airport in Shanghai, Lissy and Li Bin is ready to board their flight to Taipei. Given their status they are flying business class while the rest will be in economy seats. They were assigned seats on the same row.
Over the past days the time spent with Li Bin was some of the happy and fulfilling days. She finds him very intellectual and real gentleman not to mention the vast opportunities in front of her given his reach and connections.
"Its good to have your family and even your fiancé's supporting you at work." Li Bin admires how dedicated is Lissy not to mention she is smart and a beauty.
"My family have been supporting me with my passion and dreams since I was young. Tim understands my work. He has his priorities and I have mine too."
"He is so lucky to have you. I wonder how he manages that you are too far from him." Li Bin smiled as he said this.
Lissy is mesmerized with his words. "When you are both working for corporate this is a given. You need to work hard for things to work and happen." How good it would be if one can manage his own company with full resources. Brilliant plans can be crafted and executed.
"The girl who will fall for you will be equally lucky Li Bin." She sweetly smiled and returned the good words.
"I will look for your twin sister."
"Unfortunately, I am only daughter in the family." Lissy chuckled, all the hints are well received. Seems like Li Bin is really interested in her personally not just professionally. For some reasons everything about Li Bin is making her excited.