TINA
I'm back in the room and yet, I can’t tell whether the drumming in my chest was because of the nearing time for the semi-formal or because of the out-of-the-blue encounter I just had at the seaside with someone from the past. Every now and then, when we have similar situations as that, we get to be reminded of the person we were, as well as the weight of it all, leading us here… me… here. Wiping the soles of the two-inched sandals I planned to wear for the semi-formal. That’s how unprepared I am for the event. I did not even have a proper footwear to match what it's called.
I have worn my plain red spaghetti-strapped dress which I’m fortunate enough to have included. The rest of my clothes were decorated with swirls and flowers and the formal coordinates I plan to wear tomorrow night. I was only saving this dress in case of any leisure time that I can explore the whole place and maybe ask a stranger to take a picture or two. But needing it now, I’m thankful that it somehow slipped to my bag.
It was a relief that Sir Diego chose not to prepare for the night in our conjoined room. He said he’ll be at the lounge area of the place so I have enough time and space for my “girly preparations”. His words. Well, my girly preparations only cost me an hour. A light makeup, curling of hair, the dress and wiping my matte white shoes gave me more time to tidy the room up. In my full get-up. The housekeeping was only a phone call away, but I needed something to calm my nerves. I don’t even know where these nerves came from.
“Ms. Fuego?”
The voice came from the door and I frowned. I knew it wasn’t Sir Jiego. He hasn’t called me that before. I walked as fast as I could, with the broom still on my left hand. When it opened, I was welcomed with a friendly face of one of the hotel staffs. The man in front of me looked young, maybe around 3 years younger compared to my age.
“Ms. Fuego?” – he repeated
“yes.”
He then raised the bouquet of pink lilies to me.
“I… I think that’s not for me. You’re in the wrong room?”
“A gentleman told me to give this to you, ma’am. He gave me your name. Tina Fuego, right?”
“yes, I am Tina. But I don’t think this one’s for me. Who’s the… who’s the sender?”
“He didn’t give me a name, ma’am. However, there’s a card attached to the bouquet. I haven’t open it but maybe that would give you a clue? Usually men do that.” – he said and scratched the back of his head.
I took the bouquet and thanked him instead. As what he said, he was only given my name. I guess I’ll find out the mysterious sender myself.
I went back inside the room and placed the bouquet on the small table. I pulled the chair and sat down. The lilies looked beautiful and enticing. I inspected the bouquet on all possible places a card may be placed. And then I found it at the bottom, where the flower wire was used to keep the flowers in place.
The small card was purple and inside when I flipped there was a short message written in thick black pen, which stated:
“See you tonight. Glad to see you again. – EJ”
The smile was automatic. Oh, EJ.
I attached the card on its original place and went back to my cleaning. Now with a smile on my face. At least I have a friend to look forward to for tonight’s event.
JIEGO
“okay. if that card still doesn’t work, I’ll get another one from my room. Can you wait?”
“yes, sir.”
One disadvantageous thing about not used to bringing cash is that I have similar occurrences as these. Sometimes, I forget to check if my accounts are updated. I watched as the cashier tried again, saying that account was closed. I sighed and gave her an apologetic look. Well, I’m still new to this card things.
“a minute, miss.”
I jogged towards the stairs and to the room Tina and I was sharing. I knocked and after few seconds, the door opened.
WOW.
“do you… do you need anything sir?”
She stammered. The look on her face was confused. As for me, I was tongue-tied for some reason. She looked… beautiful. No, too beautiful. To say she’s beautiful was clearly an understatement. The curls looked better on her. Even her minimal makeup was perfect.
“yes, I need my bag please.” – I said, finally relearning how to speak
“I don’t know where it is, sir.”
Oh, right. of course. What has gotten into me?
I chuckled and apologized. I went in, but something on the table caught my attention first. There was a bouquet of flowers. Tina noticed I was looking at it.
“looks like someone has an admirer?” – I asked. Lilies, huh?
“no, sir. It’s from a friend. He’s here to represent their family company as well.”
I nodded, but the frown didn’t go. A friend she knows? Representing their family’s business? I wonder who that is. And why is he giving her flowers before the semi-formal.
“what’s his name?”
“Erwan, sir.”
“That doesn’t ring a bell to me. Anyway, I’ll pick you up after half an hour.”
I said and picked up my small sling bag with the cards and some of my IDs. I went out of the door and back to the counter where I gave the card. It worked.
“thank you, sir.”
“sure, miss. I’m sorry for the delay.” – I said and picked up my things from the table I occupied. It’s thirty minutes before the semi-formal and I haven’t changed my clothes yet. I knocked on Fred’s door, one of my friends in the corporate world and changed into a suit.
The memory of how my secretary looked was imprinted on my brain as I did. However, it seems like someone else has caught interest on her. Flowers for being friends? Anyone knows giving flowers is not a friendly gesture. Clearly this man has his eyes set on her. And for some annoying cause, it’s unsettling.
After ten minutes, I was outside the door, waiting for Tina. When she opened it, she smiled. My heart skipped a beat. What was that?
“ready?”
“yes, sir.”
I offered her my hand and she took it. We descended the stairs and out of the house. We were escorted by a staff to follow him to the events hall. When the double doors opened, soft music welcomed us.
“wow, there are a lot of people in here.” – she muttered
“yeah, but you look more beautiful than them.” – I blurted out… and instantly regretted
She looked up at me with a puzzled expression. Maybe then she realized that her hand was still snaked on my left arm that she let go. I know I couldn’t take it back so I only cleared my throat. Nothing I can say will make this less awkward.
“shall we find a table?”
“yes… I mean, yes sir.”
And then we walked to join the sea of people, desperately looking for a vacant table. I just feel this is going to be one of the longest nights.