A Little Misunderstanding
1142 Words
We reached North Avenue Station at about one in the afternoon. I learned that it was a luncheon meeting at a hotel owned by our recent client. When we reached the hotel, we were escorted to the hotel's restaurant.
The only thing I have eaten since morning was the slice of bread and some bacon that I took from home. Though I ate the bread on the train, it was two hours ago. So I was really starving by the time we got there.
I felt relieved when I saw that there is already food on the table. While I do not want to appear that I am too eager to eat, my stomach grumbled loudly.
"Oh, dear. You must be starving."
It was Mrs. Lisa Carter. I smiled at her awkwardly, and then at Vincent. Mrs. Carter helped me with some pumpkin soup first and then asked me to have some steak. I was cutting some meat when Vincent came a little closer to me. Then he whispered, "take down some notes while you eat."
I looked at him and then at the others. Even the manager that Mrs. Carter took with her is eating as they are talking. I took my phone out of my purse.
"What are you doing?" Vincent asked me in a low voice.
"I will use the recording instead of taking notes."
"The place might be a little noisy."
He's right. A few steps from us, there is a violinist who is playing soft music for the guests.
Our conversation was interrupted when Mrs. Carter cleared her throat.
"It's okay, Vincent. We can eat first and enjoy a sumptuous meal. And then let us all go to the board room in my office to discuss things regarding the business."
"Sure, Mrs. Carter."
"Lisa. Please, both of you can call me Lisa." And then she gestured her hand to call on the waiter who pours iced tea on our glasses.
I kept on glancing at Vincent's bag while we are eating. I am really curious if he really got everything that I need. After he ate, he got up to go to the washroom. I saw my chance. I was about to grab his bag when he took it. When I looked up, I saw him giving me a devilish grin. I rolled my eyes.
"So, dear. How are your parents?"
"My parents are doing well. But my grandparents might be retiring soon. So my parents are overseeing the operation of the family business mostly."
"Ah, yes. I heard that Jeremy suffered from a stroke. Is he okay?"
"Yes. He and Julia have been residing in Canada."
Though I am not sure if he would be able to rest well with Samuel around. I heard he's staying with them for a couple of days.
I smiled upon remembering my twin brother.
Oh, I was glad he wasn't here to tease me about my misfortune for today.
Small talks about me and my family always kind of make me feel awkward. So I excused myself too so I can use the washroom. When I came back, we all headed to Lisa's elegant office, which is just next to the restaurant. They are doing some renovations and are building additional rooms for the guests and they wanted us to supply the furniture.
Now I understand why Vincent took me here. I am taking up Interior Design and am into designing furniture. I took as many notes as I can. After the meeting, I asked Lisa if I can walk around and see some of the rooms. I was accompanied by Roger Moore, the hotel's resident manager. Roger is so easy to get along with. He threw punchlines that made me laugh really well as I took photos around the hotel.
"Hey, Sam. It's the golden hour. The view at the back is really great at this time. Do you want to go and check it out?"
I saw from one of the hotel's windows earlier that the back of the hotel is facing the beach. True enough, there were a lot of tourists taking photos and are waiting for the sun to set. I felt the slightly cold breeze that blows my hair. The air smells a little salty too.
I took some photos using my phone and then sat on one of the benches to admire the majestic color of the sky. The clouds are now turning reddish with some hues of purple towards the horizon.
"Hold it. Do not move." I heard Roger said.
I turned around and said, "What?"
"Ah, much better."
We were standing close and I was looking at the shot he took when Vincent and Lisa came behind us.
"Babe, mi querida, are you done?"
Vincent pulled me next to his and kissed me on the cheek.
Still smiling, I talked to him in a low voice, through gritted teeth.
"What's going on? What is with the sudden show of affection?"
"Oh, dear. Vincent told me that you guys are engaged." Lisa said. She reminds me of my mom whenever I tell her about some guys at school.
"Ah, really now." I tucked my hair behind my ear as I felt Vincent's grip on my waist was getting firmer. "Ah, I guess it is not a secret eh?"
"Oh, what is the secret about that. Most of us are expecting it anyway ever since you guys were younger."
I nodded my head as I was trying to take Vincent's hand off my waist. A hotel crew approached Roger and Lisa while we were talking. I can sense that there was some problem. And then a little later, they seemed to be a little worried when they turned to us.
"Is there a problem?" Vincent asked.
"Ah..we may have a slight problem. Since it is the weekend, we are fully booked. And while we reserved a room, we only reserved one for Vincent. I am sorry if we assumed that he would come alone. But is it okay for you to share the room?"
I glanced at Vincent and then whispered, "I thought we were staying at the staff house?"
"Supposed to be, yes. But I have not stayed there for so long, I did not know that the house where your father and I used to sleep is being renovated."
He turned to Lisa and apologized for not saying in advance that he was coming with me. He brushed his hand on his beard and then took my hand.
"I believe the bed and the room is huge, right? So there would be no problem. Right, querida?"
I looked at Vincent. He was grinning again.
My, why do I feel like the night won't be good to me too? Who are you now, Vincent? What evil plans do you have for me tonight?
- Writer
