DANA
Neil was smiling as he gave me a hug. I was stiff but I let him do it. He was my classmate back in business school and we were together since we were seniors until the first two years of our post-graduation adventures. However, he became so clingy and demanding that I had to break up with him. I didn't want anyone demanding most of my time as I was focused on two things and two things only: business and success. And love? He made me realize that I wasn't really made for one of those.
"yeah, too long. You look… dashing." – I said, eyeing him from head to toe.
I meant that. He was wearing a patterned black tuxedo and a very light pink polo inside. The pants also match the tux. His shoes were the only simple part of his clothing as he was only wearing a plain black one.
"thank you. You look like a head-turner, too. as always." – he commented, looking at me. but specifically on the small triangle on my chest. Some things never change.
Someone's voice boomed through the speakers, welcoming everyone. I didn't know who it was and I still didn't know her when I looked at the stage and saw. The event's hostess was wearing a plain empire-style white dress with gold chains as a belt. I suppressed my laugh. She looked like the curtains coming back to life.
"shall we?" – Neil asked and offered his hand to me. for a minute there I wasn't sure what he was asking me, but then I realized he was only offering to escort me back to the table.
Zyril's eyes dilated when she saw me heading back to the table on Neil Castro's hands. I only rolled my eyes on her. I know she's going to pester me with her questions later when we get to be alone. The rest of the people on the table weren't paying me any attention, though. They were more perplexed with what the human curtain was saying on stage.
"thank you, Neil." – I muttered I'm not sure if he even heard that
"always a pleasure, Danny." – he said, kissing the back of my hand. Oh please.
He walked away, never turning nor glancing back. There was something different about him this time. we didn't end in a peaceful manner. We ended with cries and heartaches but now he's acting like we're just old friends seeing each other again after a long time. something I'm sure we're not. He wasn't even there when Dad died. No one was, because I have no friends and all I can really rely is myself.
"give it a rest, Zy." – I whispered to her. she was looking at me with a grin
"okay, miss. But I won't promise I won't ask in the car."
Whatever. It's not like I'm still affected anyway. That unfortunate love story I had with him in the past was a lack of judgment. As what dad always said, "mind over emotions" but I guess it was the alcohol one night that ended up with me kissing Neil. The regrets came too early the morning after. But then, he said he loved me and it was actually the first time someone said that to me (aside from Dad, of course) and I felt he meant it. I was stupid enough to say it back, commencing our epic three years of being each other's safe place. It's one of those moments when you're too young and every little bit of attention you get from someone is what you equate to love. Of course, our puppy love didn't work, kind of expectedly.
And why am I even reminiscing about the past?
I shook the thought away. Like the rest of the people in this table, I should focus on what's at hand. The hostess was acknowledging the companies whom attended one by one. That was what they were giving full attention to? The program hasn't officially started yet.
After all the enumerations, it already begun: the fashion show. This was a bidding gala anyway. All the profit they're gonna make will be used to help the unfortunate children at Mary Rose's Orphanage. It's kind of easy for the children to just receive money without doing anything but alright, all for the name of "charity" and for the company's image. Let's get this over with.
"representing the works of our local artist, Brent Cabughaw, the royal collection!" – the hostess said in a squeaky voice I had to cover my ears. The longer this event continues, the more disappointed I become, to be honest.
Twelve women emerged on the stage and conquering the catwalk with a stern facial expression. The stage digital background has shifted into a Victorian palace and the women looked like princesses. To me, they're only walking price tags. Waiting to be purchased, waiting to be owned.
After the walk, they all lined up in a straight line. Here comes the game. Zyril grabbed our number on the table. Each person was given one and Zy realized she was holding her number instead of mine so she switched.
"What a parade of beauties, don't you think?' – the hostess
"now, for our first gown… wow, very intricate details. Small emerald stones on the lining of the neck and the waist. Look at this slit, it's not too high, not too unappealing as well. Price starts at P21, 000 everybody. Do we have a bid?"
Hmmm. Not bad. The hostess knows how to do it, at least.
One rule Dad told me in public biddings is that "don't be the first person to raise their number. It would only show you can only afford a little more than the original price". Two persons raised their hands.
"you, sir." – the hostess pointed to a man in a white suit
"P25,000" – he responded
"P25, 000. do we have a 28?"
A middle-aged woman raised her hand. I knew her. she's Danielle Fox, one of the best cake and pastries you'll ever taste are hers. One of her store branches is only across our main company.
"P28, 000 to bidder 45. Do we have a 30?"
Another man.
"P30,000. Going once… twice…and sold to Bidder 23!" – The hostess closed the deal.
Really? that's the best they got? P30,000 ceiling price? I chuckled.
"what is it, miss?" – Zy asked
"nothing… this is just… nothing."
I was actually laughing at Bidder 23. He looked so happy and proud. Even bowing at the audience. A new entrepreneur, I guess. He looked so proud of his win for P30,000? Such a rookie at this business games. Huh? I shook my head slowly.
Let's show this little kid how this is done.