TINA
There were small talent performances prepared by the resort host. Two of the staff performed a duet from Anastasia, the Musical. One serenaded us with his violin. After the second one, everyone was told to follow one of the staffs to the seaside, where fire dancers await.
It was one of the hardest things ever. The height of my heels was a mitigating element but still. The sand was my nemesis. It made walking ten times harder. I looked at some of the girls and I can see the same struggle. How did the resort staff forget this part? Half of the guest list are girls.
“do you need help, Tina?” – Sir Jiego asked as he looked back and I was at least five spaces behind
“I’m fine, sir. Just having trouble with the sand.”
He nodded and then stopped walking. The others already reached the place at the side of the sea that’s saved for the spectators. We were the last ones left halfway.
“just take it off.”
“there are many broken shells, sir. I may bruise my feet.”
He frowned. I know I looked funny walking like a pimp. I was cursing under my breath, suddenly disregarding the fact that my own boss was standing in front of me. I am aware it was impolite but I was having a small war with the sand… and I wasn’t winning.
“we’re missing the show…”
“I apologize, sir… this won’t- WAIT, SIR JIEGO, HEY! WHAT ARE YOU-“
“I kind of like fire dancing. They’ve started already.” – he said, while picking me up… like a bride.
With his arm wrapped around my shoulders and the other behind my both knees, the proximity of his face, if measured by the tiny distance was very, very, very close. I can clearly see his eyelashes and the thin little hairs just above his upper lips. They looked like they were at the right place.
Above all that, I was feeling hot in my dress. There was no wind anywhere. I haven’t spoken a word until we reached the place where the people gathered, standing. Sir Jiego put me down and I muttered my thanks. Luckily, no one from the company was around to see what just happened. it didn’t feel…appropriate.
“TJ!”
Oh.
I ALMOST forgot about that little part.
Before I could find EJ in the crown, he already pulled me closer for a quick hug. He was chuckling and when he let go, he finally noticed I wasn’t alone.
“Mr. Jiego Sy. The pleasure is all mine.” He said, offering his hand
Sir Jiego looked confused for a second… and then his face enlightened, perhaps by the remembrance of what I said earlier about having a friend who’s also present in the area. He looked at EJ and stretched his lips for a smile.
“Jiego, please. I assume you’re a friend of Tina’s?” – they shook hands
“yes. Erwan’s the name. You have a very lovely date tonight, Sir.” – EJ said and gave me a teasing wink.
I gave her a small smile, quite embarrassed for the mention of the word date. Hell, how many embarrassing moments am I due in one night? They sure were piling up.
“I couldn’t agree more. You came here with someone?”
EJ shook his head.
“no. just me.”
I thought he was with someone. When he asked me earlier, I didn’t feel bad because I thought he has someone else in mind he can ask if I say no.
“oh, I didn’t know you have no plus one.”
“well, how could you know? It’s not that bad anyway.” – he said, grinning
An applause interrupted our conversation as the fire dancers started with their routine. I turned around to face the show, the two men behind me. I pulled out my camera to catch the moment on video, something to show Julia the next time we see each other.
While I was watching, I couldn’t help but voice out some positive comments on the show, as if narrating the video. I felt a movement behind me, and the next thing I knew, EJ was already on my left side.
“you look beautiful, TJ.” – he said
“you already said that. Thank you.”
“also, your boss took a picture of you a moment ago.”
I frowned, casually looking behind to see what Sir Jiego was doing. His phone was indeed up, but that could mean a lot of things. Maybe he’s also saving the moment for someone to watch. I don’t know. And why would he take a picture of me when the fire show’s lightening up the air with orange red colors?
I’m me. Just me.
“he didn’t. and please lower your voice, he might hear us. I’m very new to the company, EJ. I can’t be dismissed for being so accusing.”
He laughed.
“I’ll go get some drinks. Do you want one? Sir?”
I nodded and Sir Jiego frowned when he was asked.
“I’m going to get drinks. What do you want?”
“a beer would be fine. Thank you, Erwan.” – Sir Jiego said and EJ disappeared in the crowd
“are you enjoying the show?” – he asked. For the first time since EJ arrived
“I do, sir.”
I refocused my attention on the live show. After two more minutes, it ended and we were told to go back to the hall.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
I sighed, quite loud that Sir Jiego heard. He looked at me with a face suppressing a smile. I hope he wasn’t thinking of carrying me like a bride again.
“here it is! Oh, it’s done?” -EJ said with two beers grabbed on his left hand and the other one on the right.
“they just finished. We should get back inside.” – I suggested shyly
“yeah, we should. Come here, Tina.”
What.
I froze. And so did EJ.
Come here, Tina.
Sir Jiego realized what he just said and grimaced.
“what I meant was… do you need help going back inside?”
I gulped. EJ looked like he was lost in the conversation. I don’t want to fill him up.
“I can manage, sir. also, EJ will help me. It’s fine. I’ll catch up inside.”
EJ pointed at himself and looked at me with a huge question mark on his face.
“what do I do?”
“can you carry me inside?”
EJ’s brows raised in disbelief. Sir Jiego stayed anyway, and inserted two hands on the pockets of his ironed pants. Why was he still standing there? I already said I’ll be fine.
“what do you mean carry you?” – EJ
“she’s having hard time walking in the sand. It’s her heels, man.”
“oh.” – was all EJ can say
“it’s fine, though. you can go back inside. Let me handle Tina.”
Sir Jiego said in a voice I haven’t heard before.
Authoritative.
Controlling.
EJ heard it too and gave him a nod. He jogged towards the events’ hall. I still stood there, feeling stupid and shy at the same time.
“I’m sorry for the hassle, sir.” – I said, fidgeting with my fingers.
“can we stay here longer, Tina? I don’t feel like going back yet.”
The normal kind and friendly voice was back.
“…please.”
He added. Now, what’s going on?