-CHAPTER. 04-
Without realizing it, the opening day of the GRDV boutique had arrived. I couldn't sleep at all since last night. It was hard to close my eyes and I ended up watching the Korean drama The Memories Of a Alhambra until three in the morning and I fell asleep on the study table.
This morning, Gina, Reval and I were busy doing a thorough recheck, so that when the opening at twelve o'clock there would be no mistakes at all.
Vera, who was on a business trip to Aceh City, asked permission to arrive late because she had just gotten a flight ticket for seven in the morning and promised to go straight to the boutique to join in the grand opening celebration.
A feeling of nervousness continued to surround me when I found out that it was now fifteen minutes to twelve. The guests had started to arrive, including my colleagues from my current and former offices and college friends. Don't forget that our friends from vocational high school were also present, although only a few of them, and were now chatting with Reval.
I stepped towards Gina who seemed to be chatting with her colleagues. "Gin, I'm nervous." I, who was now holding both of Gina's hands, tried to hold on to ease the nervousness I felt a little.
"I'm nervous too. But take it easy, hehehe."
Gina is my closest friend, there are some things about me that Gina knows but Vera and Reval don't. I don't know, I just don't want them to know about it.
Isn't my friendship with the three of them funny? We are indeed friends, but there are still some of us who hide things from each other. It's the same with me who only tells Gina very personal things, and vice versa. I believe and am sure that Vera and Reval are the same.
"Let's start cutting the ribbon." Reval said, walking towards the two of us with a disappointed expression on his face. Why did Reval have that expression?
"But Vera hasn't come yet, Rev."
Ah yes, Vera hasn't come yet.
"Yes, we have no choice but to have a grand opening without her, Gin. She just took off. She'll probably get here around four." Ah, so that's how it is.
Did Vera tell you that in the group? If so, it's a shame I couldn't see it because I accidentally left my phone in the room.
"Is that so? Okay, let's start now. Many guests have arrived. Don't keep them waiting too long. It's taboo." Gina said, which was nodded by me and Reval. "Okay, let's go to the front now."
Gina, Reval, and I walked out of the boutique with the guests to do a prayer reading and ribbon cutting session. It's a shame that on the day our fourth list of future plans came true, Vera couldn't attend. Surely if she were here, the atmosphere would be more exciting, considering Vera is the icebreaker among us.
After going through the prayer reading and ribbon cutting session, the three of us entertained the invited guests with several Sundanese and Western dishes. Considering that there were also several directors of the company where Gina works. So we provided various types of food that were right for the guests' tastes.
"Deska, congratulations, Sweetie! Finally one of your childhood dreams can come true!" Said my cousin Lia while hugging my body for a moment. "Yes, Sis. Thank God, because of our four cooperation, this boutique can come true, hehehe." I said, pinching Lia's son Gensha's cheek affectionately.
"So, when will your dream of marrying a prince on a white horse come true?" Teased my cousin Wisnu, who was only two years older than me. "That's just a three-year-old's dream, Nu! Just a fantasy, it will never come true." I snorted, pinching Wisnu's arm hard, making him groan in pain.
"Awh! Opening a boutique is also a four-year-old's dream, Des, that can come true, why can't the other one?"
I just rolled my eyes, feeling lazy to hear it. Wisnu has been my playmate since we were both wearing diapers. The two-year age difference is not a barrier to our manners. Wisnu actually told me to call him without the title of brother like I usually call my cousins who are older than me.
Rather than feeling upset with Wisnu's words, I chose to go to find someone who two weeks ago my mother said she would introduce me to at this grand opening event. But unfortunately I didn't bring my cellphone today. So I couldn't contact my mother who was unable to attend with my father, to ask where the child of her social gathering friend was currently.
"Congratulations on the opening of your boutique. I hope you don't give a resignation letter to HRD anytime soon." Said Mr. Firman, my temporary big boss in the office, when we accidentally passed each other.
Wait. When did I invite him? No, I mean when did I invite my big boss? As far as I can remember, I only invited a few staff that I know. The rest probably knew and came through word of mouth from the staff. Who invited my big boss? It's impossible for him to come through word of mouth from the staff?
"Ah yes. Don't worry, sir. I have no intention of submitting a resignation letter to HRD anytime soon." I said nervously.
Besides, why would my big boss have an opinion if I would submit a resignation letter in the near future? Hello. The salary I get from my current office is very satisfying for me. So, how could I possibly intend to submit a resignation letter to HRD in the near future.
"I came because my father told me to. He couldn't attend because he had business elsewhere."
Ah! Why didn't I think of that? At that time, I remembered inviting Mr. Handoko when he had not yet handed over the office responsibilities to his son, aka Mr. Firman who was currently standing in front of me with his casual style.
"I see. Then I thank you very much because you have taken the time to come."
"No problem, besides, I'm free today."
That's how it is.
"Okay, please take a look around, boss, who knows there's something that interests you, hehehe." I, who was laughing a little, stopped when that sharp gaze stared right into my eyes.
Creepy guys.
"Do you have any other business?" Mr. Firman asked, making me frown in confusion. "Yes sir? Hm, I want to greet the other guests maybe?" I answered hesitantly, confused by the meaning of his question.
"Oh, I see. Okay. Congratulations on the opening of your boutique. May your business always run smoothly."
"Amen, sir. Thank you also for taking the time to come. If so, I'll excuse myself, sir, I want to greet the other guests. Excuse me."
I breathed a sigh of relief when I was far enough away from Mr. Firman. I didn't expect that while facing him I would hold my breath because I was so nervous and his intimidating aura was piercing. Not to mention his gaze. Very sharp.
"Excuse me, are you Ria?"
I almost choked on the drink I was sipping, when a deep sexy voice with the typical hoarseness of an adult man greeted my eardrums so close. Not to mention, the man called my name with the nickname usually used by my immediate family.
I immediately turned my head to see clearly, who on earth was the man asking me? Like an automatic detection machine, my eyes looked at the tall, sturdy man in front of me from top to bottom.
The man's skin was not too white but also not too dark, let's say exotic, with a strong jaw, a sharp nose, eyes as sharp as an eagle and eyebrows like caterpillars framing there.
For a moment, I was stunned to see God's creation that seemed to be created when God was in a happy mood. Proven by the results which were almost perfect without flaws. Let's say I'm exaggerating, but you will agree with my opinion if you see it in person.
I almost thought he was a new artist, because many of the female guests continued to pay attention to the man in front of me while whispering. Like now, the female guests continued to pay attention to the man without blinking.
"Excuse me, are you Ria?" The man asked again. I couldn't help but answer him with a slightly nervous feeling.
"Um. Yes, I'm Ria. Excuse me, who are you?" I asked him back and I could see the man sigh in relief. Why him?
"I'm the son of your mother's friend. Hasn't she told you yet?"
Wait?! The son of my mother's friend? Does that mean she's the one who will be introduced to me, Sena? Oh my!
"Oh, you're Sena?" I asked to make sure.
"No, I'm Bias." The man's answer made me frown in surprise.
Why are the names different? Are there two men who will be introduced to me? Amazing!
"Oh, sorry, I got the wrong person. As far as I can remember, my mother once said that she would invite one of her friend's children to this opening event, him name is Sena and not Bias." I explained and was responded with a small smile on the man's face.
"No, you didn't get the wrong person. I'm Bias." I frowned even more in surprise. Not the wrong person from where? It's clear that the names are different, between Bias and Sena!
"I'm Bias Mahasena. My nickname in the family is Sena and outside, Bias." The man's words made me roll my eyes lazily. Should I reply to what the man said about my name too? It doesn't seem necessary, it's too childish.
"Oh okay. Nice to meet you, Mr. Bias? Can I call you that?" I asked and was answered with a nod from him.
"Knowing that we are six years apart in age, it seems like the term 'sir' is not bad."
Okay. So it's true that we are six years apart in age? I thought mom was just joking!
"Okay, Mr. Bias, thank you for coming to our grand opening event. Hopefully our banquet and clothing collection will interest you." I said, not forgetting to flash a small smile so as not to seem too rude.
"Sorry, can you not be too formal? We can just use casual terms, because we are not colleagues, okay?" He asked, seeking my approval.
Oh come on, this is the first time I've met people arguing about names and nicknames. "Ok deal. Up to you sir!