All For You

Chapter IV

“So, the reason why you called me over for drinks tonight is to celebrate, am I right?” Philip, Oliver’s best friend, asked him out of curiosity as he lift his glass of rum and took a sip from it.

“I still don’t know whether I should celebrate or not.” Oliver replied while staring at his phone.

“You’ve been interested with her since that day you saw her at my cousin’s birthday party and finally realized, you were attracted with her when you interviewed her and – wait tell me, is that the reason why you hired her in your company?”

“Of course not. She’s talented and intelligent. She fits every qualification for the job that’s why she deserves to be hired in my company.” He defended.

“Alright… alright. I surrender.” Both his hands pointed upward.

Oliver has been intently staring at his phone dialing the same number repeatedly, but to no avail. He felt irritated.

“She’s not picking up?” Philip asked.

“Yes. I’m worried.”

Oliver stood up when he finally got connected. He went on the balcony outside the bar, so she won’t hear the noise coming from the loud music inside.

After a few moments, Oliver went back to where Philip was with a happy expression. Philip looked at him in awe.

“A few seconds ago, you looked irritated and cold. Just a short call with her changed your expression easily? Hands down to her, man.”

Philip poured another glass for Oliver. “Tell me, are you going to pursue her now?”

Oliver drunk the rum in one go. “I’m ten years older than her, do you think she’ll be attracted to me?”

“Age is age, love is love. Age doesn’t determine who we should love Oliver. It’s about how we feel.”

“That’s surprising coming from a playboy whose girlfriends are young.”

“That’s a different story man, we’re talking about you, okay?” Philip patted his best friend’s back and said, “If I were you, this is a one-time opportunity, grab it.”

“Should I?” Oliver thought deeply.

“You should. I’ll back you up.”

***

Poppy went to the office a bit earlier today. She told herself that she would busy herself with work and not think about what happened yesterday. After she punched her time in, Nina – her coworker, came to her station.

“Poppy, hi.” She looked at her worried.

“What’s the matter, Nina?”

“You see – someone is looking for you.” Nina pointed her gaze toward a man in black suit.

“You must be Miss Poppy Evans.” The man said before he handed me a phone. “The Madam wanted to talk to you.”

Madam?

Poppy accepted the phone and talked to the caller. “Hello, this is Poppy Evans, speaking.”

“I’m sorry for this sudden introduction Miss Evans. I am Laura Smith, Oliver’s mother. Can I invite you to lunch today?” The older lady sounded calm and composed.

Oliver’s mother? Why would she invite me? Poppy thought, not knowing the reason behind the invitation. “Yes ma’am.”

“Then, let’s meet up later.”

After the call, the man in black suit went out his way.

“Poppy, what the man means was – the ‘Madam’ right? The CEO’s mother?” Nina asked curiously.

“Yes, but I don’t know why she wanted to see me.” Poppy answered.

While Poppy and Nina are talking, some of the employees stood up because of someone’s presence, and that someone is none other than the CEO himself – Oliver. Dressed in a perfectly tailored grey suit, his manliness exploded.

But what surprised the employees was why would he come here early in the morning. It is very unusual for him to come over to the Marketing Department himself, even on important days. It is always their supervisor who will go to his office to present reports.

Oliver’s eyes scanned the area intently and stop at where Poppy was standing. He looked at her for a few seconds and later left the department without saying anything.

There was a surprised silence, and everybody was looking at Poppy now. She was strike dumb.