JIEGO
I was smiling while in the shower. Something about my secretary and her awkwardness was hilarious. I don’t know what’s with Tina but I was right when I decided to hire her among the other applicants. It was also too early that she has proven herself. It’s utterly impressive.
“Sir? may I come in?” – a voice came from the other side of the door
“Tina? Just a second.”
I said and washed the soap off my body. I thought she’s out for a stroll at the seaside. After the quick shower, I wrapped my body waist down with the towel provided by the resort. I am aware of how unprofessional this will look like when I open the door but what options do I have? The towel too short to cover my entirety. A downside of being tall, I guess.
I opened the door and saw her eyes dilated when she saw me. I understood. I was totally embarrassed of what happened earlier as well.
“I’m sorry I was just in the shower. “ – I said and opened the door widely.
She was holding a card as she entered.
“they wanted me to give this to you, sir.”
She handed me the long card she was carrying. My name was written on its back with a gold pen. Fancy. When I opened it, I knew that it was for the event that’s happening tonight. Maybe some instructions?
“Dear Mr. Jiego Sy,
We hope you’re having a wonderful stay at our resort.
I am sorry to inform you that the Companies’ Meeting tonight will be rescheduled tomorrow evening, as there are last-minute changes with the host’s schedule. However, we invite you tonight to a semi-formal event hosted by the resort to welcome everyone.
Every person invited is allowed to bring a plus one.”
I frowned. Change of schedule? What happened to the strict compliance to not waste everyone’s time? I realize Tina’s still standing in front of me, and I was still indecent. With no words, I handed her the card to read. I presume she hasn’t yet since the tape was still intact when she gave it to me.
“oh. So the meeting would be tomorrow…” – she muttered to herself
“I guess. Be my plus one?”
I asked that so casual that even I was surprised of myself. Tina looked like she didn’t expect it too. but really?
“for tonight’s semi-formal, sir?”
“yes. I mean, who else would I bring?”
She nodded slowly, realizing what I just said.
“I’ll leave you to enjoy the rest of the day.” – I said
She got my message and left the room the next instant. I was left with my own company, mentally wondering on what to wear tonight. Like an anxious high school student getting ready for a lately-announced ball, I scurried into my bag for a sweatshirt and a pair of shirts… and then rummaged for something that I could wear tonight.
Until I came up with one. It’s a semi-formal anyway, I thought as I looked at the piece of royal blue suit I packed with the same color of pants. As for the necktie, I could use the silver one. Hmm… this will do. I took it out of the bag and used a hanger to place it at the back of the door. I still have few hours for that.
TINA
As soon as I got out of the room, I had an inventory of all the clothes I brought for this weekend. A semi-formal, huh? I guess a dress would suffice?
I don’t know. I’m not used to this stuff. Never had been to one. In college, I skipped these kinds of events. I just don’t see the point of dolling oneself up and dance with strangers for one night and then go back to the usual setup in the morning. No offense, Cinderella.
Well, I cannot skip this one, can’t I? unless I want to lose my work.
“careful kicking the peddles you may hurt someone.”
Someone said and I looked up. I didn’t even realize I was kicking pebbles. I was so deep in my thoughts.
…and then a very familiar face showed up.
“EJ?!”
His first reaction was a chuckle, showing the two deep dimples at either side of his cheeks. I rushed to him as he opened his arms to an embrace. Wow, it has been too long since I saw this man.
“nice to meet you too, TJ.” – he said and let go of our hug.
I couldn’t see myself but I’m sure I was grinning from ear to ear. That was Erwan James Geyson, by the way. A college friend of mine who transferred during our junior year. We call him EJ. He’s one of the closest friends I have, also one of the smartest in the block. He has a tall and toned figure, has two deep dimples, soft facial features, black wavy hair and dark almond-shaped eyes which disappears when he laughs. Basically, he’s like a human golden retriever. Most of it all, I missed him.
“wow… this is amazing. What brought you here anyway?”
He scratched the back of his head, as if he’s shy of what he’s about to say.
“remember why I transferred school in junior year?”
I nodded. Remembering it too well because Julia used to have a crush on him and she was heartbroken when EJ told us.
“I… I kind of work for my dad’s company now. I’m here for the companies’ meeting, which was mpved tomorrow”
“wow. That’s amazing!”- what a small world, huh? We’re even here for the same cause.
“kind of. I mean most of it is amazing… just forget the fact that I’m working with my dad.”
We both laughed. His dad was… well, he’s… how do you say that in a euphemism… a lot to handle? Something like that.
“how about you, TJ? Vacation?” – he said and we started strolling the seaside. The wind blowing on our faces with the smell of salt in the air.
“nah. work… I’m here with Mr. Sy. I mean, his son. Jiego Sy.”
“oh yeah, I heard about him. He’s kind of a celebrity these days. You know, given his ascent to the throne?” – he air quoted the last four words
“yes… well, he’s a soft-hearted man. A cool boss.”
He smiled.
“right. You were a huge fan of his father, I remember.”
“aren’t we all?”
“we all are. Good point.” – he said and stopped in front of an ice cream store.
EJ motioned on the ice cream sign and I nodded. He walked closer and talked to the vendor, asking for available flavors. I stayed in my spot, looking at his back. Suddenly, this whole weekend vacation slash work thing got pretty interesting. Who would’ve known I’ll run with an old friend?
After a minute, EJ came back with two ice cream cones on either hands. A strawberry one with chocolate drizzle on his left and a vanilla with mini marshmallows on the other. He gave me the pink one, knowing I’m not the biggest fan of vanilla ice cream.
“so you coming tonight, I guess?”
“uh-hmm” – I mumbled, taking my first taste of the ice cream. He pointed to a wooden bench and we sat down
“ooooh… you’re Jiego Sy’s date, then?”
I almost choked.
“I won’t call myself that. I’m his secretary.”
“I was kidding. You know what I meant.”
“of course. That’s all I came here for. To assist him.”
“I’m happy for you. I know how much you wanted this.”
“I’m happy, yes. I guess I’ll see you tonight?”
He grimaced.
“yeah… too bad.”
“what? why? Aren’t you coming?”
“I am.”
“and? What’s too bad about it? Between us, I’m certain I’m the introverted one.”
There was a pause in our conversation. Felt like fifteen seconds until he spoke again.
“I wish I met you earlier today. I would’ve asked you to be my plus one first.”
I raised both my eyebrows. As if that was a lost.