Samuel & Olivia

VEINTIUNO

Biyahe sa Trabaho

♔ Samuel

“Ms. Robles to my office please” tawag ko sa intercom kay “My Love”, She’s almost as effective as Tyron… almost I say, because she’s just starting but she has the potential to even surpass my best friend. She is very organized and productive, fitting well to my obsessive impulsive attitude. No wonder Mom was so satisfied and grateful for what she’s done with her system, she’s now fully digital like me. Livi was able to do that to her system in the six months she worked with her, not just Mom but even Dad. She’s now helping the other secretaries of the Executives to upgrade their own system.

I heard a knock on my door, she’s always like that and never enters my office without knocking… respeto daw yun sa nasa loob.

“Yes! Boss, you called” nagaya na rin siya kina Gia at Jude na Boss ang tawag sa akin

“Yeah, My Love… please do sit” turo ko sa visitors chair, naka nguso na naman sa pagtawag kung “My Love” sa kanya. I always call her that when we’re alone, hindi na siya na sanay sanay… Sungit pa rin. Sumandal ako sa swivel chair ko at pinagmasdan siya...

Never a day that I am not astonish on how lovely she is… naka busangot, naka ngiti, naka nguso man yan, I am always glad to see her… she’s my sunshine.

“You look pretty as always My Love” tinaasan niya lang ako ng kilay, nginitian ko lang siya… she’s still guarded on her dealings with me.

“Thank you, Boss”

“What do you need me for” magkasunod niyang sabi… always professional, rarely letting her guard down around me, especially inside the office.

“Hey! Relax… Chill” pag aalo ko sa kanya… napangiti naman siya, ngiting abot mata… ngiting lagi nagpapasaya sa akin

“See, you’re much prettier smiling”

“Enough of the pambobola Boss” natatawa niya ng sabi… natawa na rin ako, kahit kailan talaga hindi makalusot ang palipad hangin ko sa kanya.

Told her about the upcoming Business Summit in Singapore and asked her to accompany me. She’s protesting at first but I would not take no for an answer.

When Mom told me of her agreeing to be my EA, I was having second thoughts about it. Yes, she is very good at what she does and I needed her help but my vulnerable heart protested. After the “break-up” with Victoria I know, I can't resist her charms… I know eventually I'll be at her mercy again. As much as I wanted to be with her, I can't for now… she's too precious not to be given all the time and effort she deserves and I am too caught up with Law School and being a CEO right now. She can't be just a second priority and I know for myself I can't give in being in a relationship, she's not Victoria that I can dispose easily.

I will not repeat the mistake I've made before. I have to be very sure if I am to have a relationship with her again. I'd kill myself if I hurt her again. So for now, being friends with her and teasing her sometimes is the only thing I can do. A hug, a peck but that's it I have to restrain myself… I can't succumb to the temptation of kissing her deeply. It will be the death of me, I am sure of that.

~~~~~~~~~

*Business Summit - Singapore

“You’ve studied and worked here?” I asked Olivia when we landed. I've been here a couple of times for some Business Meetings and Seminars while she’s still in school but we never crossed paths. It never comes to mind that she left the country to better herself… I am such an a**hole to think lowly of her. But God! Look at her now… pwede ko naman siyang hindi isama pero syempre more time with her, happiness overload for me, pinangaralan nga ako ni Mommy ng malaman niyang isasama ko si Livi daig ko pa ang teenager.

“Yeah! and this is the first time I was able to come back after leaving this wonderful country” she looks happy remembering her stay

“Looks like you enjoyed your stay here, Ha!?” We are at the VIP Lounge of the airport waiting for the host to pick us up.

“Enjoyed… Yes very much, staying here was the best decision I’ve made after…” hindi na niya tinapos ang sasabihin, tiningnan niya ako ng may lungkot sa mata…

“Sorry” habol niya

I heave a sigh… I didn't know what to say to her, I held her hand and intertwined our fingers and mouthed “I’m so sorry”. Her eyes grew big in surprise and slowly took her hand so as not to embarrass us. Marami kaming kasabay ng mga businessman sa Lounge… halos lahat pa naman magkakakilala na, I’m sure yun ang iniisip niya. I can’t wait to be alone with her.

Buti nalang lahat busy sa kanya kanyang kasama at kung hindi naman sa mga telepono nila mukhang wala namang naka pansin sa “moment” namin. This is the cutthroat world of business. You can’t be caught in a compromising situation, they will use it against you.

The Summit is just three days but we are staying after for another two or three if she will not go berserk because I did not tell her beforehand. Alam ko naman kasing hindi siya papayag basta basta, but I needed a break, kakatapos lang ng exams sa Law school and this is the only free time I will be able to have.

We are booked in the newly opened Integrated Resort on the island. This is where the Summit will be held too, such a luxurious place. It has one of the most expensive standalone casino properties, two thousand plus hotel rooms and one hundred thousand plus square meters of convention-exhibition centre. It includes a mall, a museum, a large theatre, "celebrity chef" restaurants, two floating crystal pavilions and an art-science exhibit. The complex includes three towers topped by a connecting SkyPark and a one hundred fifty meter long infinity swimming pool, set on top of the world's largest public cantilevered platform. I’m sure “My love” would be in awe with the infinity pool.

The Summit is full of both successful and aspiring people in different fields of business. We Filipino’s were all surprised to see Mr. Oliver Guevarra as one of the speakers, he is a legend in Upenn “The Finance School '', what a privilege.

“My Love, you know he is a legend in Upenn?” I told my gorgeous EA beside me… she looked pale?

“Ha?”

“That Guy, Mr. Guevarra… he is a Legend, together with his friends” paliwanag ko

“Oh, Mr. Guevarra, yeah… I heard stories about him when I was studying and working here” mukha pa rin siyang kinakabahan, Anyare dito. Hindi na ako nag usisa pa…

She’s been such a charmer and the best right-hand man I could ask for, I can see envy from some colleagues with their assistants too. Pretty and smart that she is, every man can’t take their eyes off her… only admiration and respect for her beauty. Maybe because she’s always professional in her dealings, she really has her way around men. Gustuhin ko mang magselos sa mga lalaking nakatingin sa kanya, una wala akong karapatan, pangalawa wala naman siyang ginagawa para magselos ako… wala akong masabi kundi Respeto! God! How can I not be enchant and mesmerize with the Venus incarnate. And I am one lucky Boss.

~~~~~~~~~~

♕ Olivia

“Is your passport up to date?” tanong ni Samuel, it’s my second month of being his EA and as expected he is more challenging to work with, formidable even sometimes. Lucky for me I know my way around him and maybe he is also putting up with me. Wala naman na kasi siyang makukuhang EA na kagaya ko, pati ba naman schooling niya kasama na ako… san ka pa.

“Yes, Boss it is… but Why?” sagot at tanong ko na rin

“You will be joining me in the Business Summit in Singapore in two weeks time, so prepare yourself” utos niya, hindi man lang ako tinanong kung payag ba ako… Lang yang mama.

“What!” pasinghal kong tanong

“I know you heard me and I am not taking NO for an answer… I am telling you early on so you can prepare for it and cancel anything that you have planned for that time” mahinahon niyang paliwanag medyo na ngingiti.

“Boss, I don’t think you need me there. Why do I have to go with you?” hirit ko pa

“Because where I am, you should be there too” naka tawa niyang sabi...

“Boss really now” asik ko sa kanya, alam ko namang hindi niya ako kailangan doon… mag mamalandi na naman lang ang isang to eh.

“My Love, Please… bear with me, I need you there” tumayo siya sa swivel chair, lumakad papunta sa harap ng lamesa, umupo sa tapat ng visitors chair sa tapat ko, saka hinawakan ang mga kamay ko.

“Samuel Roman, I will go with you but promise me no shenanigans whatsoever… Please” tumango naman siyang nakanguso parang bata… “You’re no fun” bulong niya pa, hindi na ako sumagot pa. Hindi naman kasi pilyo ang mama pag nasa labas kami, his always gentleman and professional.

When we landed in the country I called home for three years, it’s a happy-sad experience for me. And our conversation in the Lounge is a little bit awkward. Nanlaki ang mata ko ng pinagsiklop niya mga daliri namin… God! Ang daming kapwa niya businessman dito paano na lang kung may makakita sa amin. Minsan talaga impulsive ang mga moves niya…

The three days Summit did not disappoint but was full of surprises, Papa being a speaker was a shocker, muntik na akong mapa walked out. Nag paalam naman ako sa kanya na kasama ako ng Boss ko pero ang loko hindi man lang nabanggit na speaker siya. And surprise surprise the arrogant man knew him from Upenn, in different circumstances I would have been glad. But keeping my true identity is more important for now, hindi nakakatuwa na gugustuhin niya lang ako dahil anak ako ni Mr. Oliver Guevarra di ba.

Hindi ko alam kung naka check-in din si Papa dito sa Hotel, nakita ko kasi ang dati kung Boss baka doon siya nag stay sa kaibigan niya. Have not seen him here, baka nasa mansion ni ex-Boss… isa pa naman sa Crazy Rich Asian ang dati kung Boss na yun. Umalis din siya agad after ng talk niya, snobbish ang Lolo mo o baka iniiwasan niya lang magtagpo kami, mas mabuti na yun… baka mabuking pa ako ng mamang kasama ko...

Speaking of that man, tumupad naman siyang hindi mag papaka pilyo… he is on his businessman-don't-mess-with-me facade. Always a charmer but firm with his dealings with colleagues. He is one of the youngest present, so he has to be at his best or else nobody would take him seriously. But a very different man when we are alone… he is not a man, he is a Boy!

“Livi, please stay for a while” ungot niya sa akin, pagbalik ko galing ng bathroom. Kakatapos lang ng video conference from our office, it is our first night. Tumayo na siya sa swivel chair kung saan siya naka pwesto kanina.

“But Boss” gusto ko ng mahiga, I have my own room… Thank God! I am dead tired, pagkatapos kasi ng mga meetings namin nagtrabaho pa kami.

“I’ve asked for a room service dinner for us” malambing niyang sabi, habang tinatanggal ang suit niya at sinampay ito sa likod ng lounge chair, binuksan niya rin ang unang dalawang botunes ng kanyang beige na long sleeves pati na ang kanyang cufflinks… nakatingin siya sa akin sa pagod na mata habang ginagawa ang mga yun. We are both dead tired… naawa ako, nawala ang kagustuhan kung umangal sa “Please stay for a while niya” Haayyyy! Hindi ko talaga ma hindian ang lalaking to.

“Oh, Thank you Boss” malambing ko ring sagot sa kanya, tumaas ang gilid ng labi niya… nagpipigil tumawa, pero kita naman sa mata ang saya. Naupo siya sa sofa, saka tinapik ang tabi niya… tumabi na ako ng walang angal.

“Thank you, My Love” sumandal siya sa akin, Nak ng tokwa kalaking tao eh… bigat kaya niya. Hinayaan ko nalang wala na rin akong lakas umangal. - Like mo rin kasi ang paglalambing niya sayo

- Yeah, I do wala namang masama hindi naman siya ng mamanyak or ano pa man.

Pagdating ng room service magana kaming kumain habang pinag uusapan ang mga nangyari sa buong araw namin. Sinabi ko sa kanya ang balak kung mag swimming sa infinity pool sa madaling araw, sama daw siya. Buti ng sa madaling araw sigurado pag pi-fiestahan ang mama pag marami kaming kasabay sa pool. Sa Summit nga ang mga usherettes at kahit pa kapwa niya businessman na mga babae hindi nakapagpigil titigan siya… sa pool pang naka swim trunks siya.

- Possessive ka Oli, boyfie lang… asar ng malanding utak ko - I am not! just protecting his reputation.

- Ok, Ok, Ok… Chill defensive masyado? bulong ng utak ko… nasisiraan na naman ako ng ulo Hayyy!

Naging routine namin ang swimming sa madaling araw, eating breakfast together sa Buffet Resto ng Hotel, lunch is being serve during meetings and dinner is a room service with some lambing from the arrogant man.

Last night of the Summit, everyone was invited to a Ball… to socialize, fraternize, rub shoulders with one another. My Boss is so breathtaking in his Armani suit… Gosh! makalaglag panty ang loko, ganda pa naman ng ngiti.

“Don’t look at me like that” asik niya sa akin ng sinundo niya ako sa room ko

“What?” patay malisya kung sagot sa kanya…

“My Love, You are looking at me like you want to r****h me” bulong niya sa tenga ko… inamoy niya rin ako, pinaglandas niya ang tungki ng ilong niya mula ilalim ng tenga ko, sa leeg ko hanggang sa balikat ko. May pahabol pang halik sa pisngi ko… halik na nagtagal ng halos isang minuto para bang ninanamnam ang pagdapo ng labi niya sa balat ko. Ng lumayo siya sa akin, saka ko lang napansin na hindi pala ako humihinga habang nilalandi niya ako, Sh*t! Muntik na akong mabuwal sa panlalambot ng tuhod ko… napahawak ako sa dibdib ko, F*ck! I am doomed...

Pagtingin ko sa kanya siya naman ang nakatingin ng parang ako ang pinaka magandang nilalang… sabay ngiti ng apaka tamis. Hinawakan niya ako sa magkabilang braso, kinabig sa dibdib niya saka hinalikan sa noo.

“We better go, Beautiful or I’ll end up ravishing you” saka niya ako binitawan at hinawakan sa siko para igiya palabas ng kwarto ko. Nailing nalang ako, pareho kaming nagpipigil sa mga nararamdaman namin, we have to if we want this EA-Boss relationship we have now. We can be friends but not more than that, it would complicate things.

Nilapitan kami ng dati kung Boss at ni Papa during the Dinner, tuwang tuwa ang Samuel samantalang ako gusto ko ng magpalamon sa lupa sa kaba. Mukha namang na orient ni Papa si ex-Boss sa sitwasyon namin. Binati lang naman ako ng ex-Boss ko…

“Congratulations!, Mr. Aguila” sabi nila kay Samuel, pinarangalan na naman kasi ang isa sa mga achievements niya sa Business world…

“Thank you, Sirs… you’re both someone I looked up to, maybe that’s why I am achieving what I have now” balik niya sa dalawa… napatango lang sila Papa, saka siya tinapik at sa isang iglap nakaalis na ang dalawa.

“Pinch me, My Love” bulong niyang parang kinikilig… fanboy moment ang loko, tinawanan ko lang siya

We were able to dance to some slow music at hindi nakatiis si Papa, bumalik siya para isayaw ako.

“Mr. Aguila, I hope you don’t mind… Can I ask your pretty EA for a dance” paalam nito kay Samuel

“No problem Sir” saka niya ako nginitian

Hinawakan ko ang kamay ni Papa na nakalahad...

“You’re look wonderful my daughter” bulong niya habang nagsasayaw kami… nangiti nalang ako

“Thank you, Pa”

“That Boss of yours, is he courting you?” bulong niya pa rin

“No, Papa… strictly Boss-EA relationship” explain ko

“That man likes you, I can see it in the way he looks at you” gusto kung pangilabutan sa observation ni Papa

“Pa, naman eh”

“Why, you look good together too” sabi niya pa

“I can’t Pa, it would complicate our working relationship” paliwanag ko

“Yeah, maybe but maybe not too” hindi na ako humurit pa hahaba pa usapan eh.

We can't complicate things that we have now... masyadong busy si Samuel for a relationship.

And I am afraid to even try again… Kuntento na ako sa mga paglalambing niya kahit paano nararamdaman ko pa rin si Roman Magsasaka at ayokong mag isip in advance, I’ll take it one day at a time… kung may future man kami “tadhana” lang nakaka alam. It is still a silent prayer to end up with him but let’s see. Nakikita ko naman na apektado pa rin siya sa presensya ko hindi naman ako manhid, pero kagaya ko nga nagpipigil din siya… hindi pa rin siguro siya ready for another relationship lalo na at super busy siya ngayon.