Manipulate Ft. ALYDEN

The Distance 2.0

Its quarter to one but Alyssa and Shiela are still doing their work. They are now finalizing their presentation for tomorrow mornings investors meeting. After the one week convention, she is tasked to bring at least three investors back to the philippines.

"Shiela! What happened here?! Puro mali ang inencode mong june - july sales" Aly exclaimed.

"Pero maam, yan po ang binigay sakin ng accounting depa-" Shiela was cut by her boss.

"Call that goddamn department! Now!"

"But maam, hating gabi po ngayun sa pi-"

Aly pounds her hand on the table then stood up from her chair "Call them" Shiela then excuses herself to call the head of the department.

Aly sits back to her chair and let out a deep sigh. She massages her temple a bit then rested her head on top of the table. She is very exhausted because of endless meetings, tons of public speaking and lack of sleep, stress and pressure she's getting.

Shiela entered the room and saw her boss sleeping. She covered Aly with a blanket and let her sleep. She knows that Aly badly needs it. Shiela continued their work without Aly.

Morning came and Aly woke up late. She is very confused on how she ended up sleeping. She finds Shiela but her secretary is out of her sight.

"Shiela! Where are you! Were f*****g late!!!" Aly exclaimed but no shiela can be heard.

She ran all over the room but cant see any sign of Shiela. Aly then stops by the fridge, when she noticed a note was left.

Good morning maam,

I didnt wake you up because I know that you badly need sleep. I can handle the meeting with Mr. Wong this morning. So please dont worry. And please dont come anymore, I'll be back right away.

P.S. I cooked your breakfast. I also left you coffee on the maker.

-Shiela

After reading the note, Aly felt relieved. She also felt guilt for shouting at Shiela last night. She didnt mean to shout at Shiela, her exhaustion just pushed her to.

Aly eats the breakfast ready for her and drinks the coffee prepared by Shiela. Ang sarap pala niya magluto. Aly thought while eating the sunnyside up and bacon that shiela made.

Aly took her bath and dressed herself for the next meeting after taking her breakfast. She is now waiting for shiela to arrive. Half an hour passed and Shiela entered the room. Shiela saw Aly look at her seriously then she felt fear.

"I'm sorry ma-"

"You shouln't have done that. What did they ask you when I didn't come to see them?"

"They understood your situation maam. Mr Wong is a really good person"

"In business, there are no good people. Only people that take good advantage of you. Dont do that again"

"Yes maam" Shiela looked down because of what aly said. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"But, thank you" Aly smiled to shiela "For saving my butt" she added then Shiela giggled softly.

They had more light conversations. They sounded like friends rather than co-workers. Then, they talked about business.

"I have a goodnews maam."

"What is it?" Aly takes a sip from her cup.

"I have booked you a lunch meeting with the L Industry's VP."

"Really? Thats a good catch Shiela. But how?"

"She attended the same conference as you did. Were really lucky to get a spot from her schedule maam."

"So when are we meeting her?" Aly excitedly said.

"This lunch maam. I'm sorry if this is so sudden but-"

"Its okay Shiela. I am even thankful for what you did. So, any more meetings?

"The CEO wanted you to meet a certain person at the Macau Golf and Country Club."

"Whats the reason?"

"He didnt tell me maam but he said that he is a very important person."

"I see. Btw, whats the name of the VP again?"

"Ms. Laura Victoria Lehmann"

"Then lets prepare everything in meeting Ms. Lehmann"

-------------------

"I'm sorry I'm late" Laura upon reaching the table where Aly is waiting. Shiela is waiting at the table next to them.

"Its okay Ms. Lehmann, its me that is taking your precious time" Aly said and went her way to pull Laura a chair.

"Thank you" Laura smiled and is quite surprised on how gentle a woman can be.

"So I'm here to present the ValCorp. Alyssa Valdez, COO of the company" Aly while handing out her hand.

"Laura Victoria Lehmann, Vice President of L Industries. But I prefer you call me Laura, I can feel that were of the same age?" Laura let out a sweet laugh.

"Yes, Laura. So... lets start" Aly turned her Macbook to Laura and started her presentation.

Laura was clearly not listening to what Aly says. She is just amused on how a girl could have such charisma. This is the first time that she encountered someone like this. Aly, on the other hand, knew that Laura was not listening but she continues anyways.

Laura surprises Aly by closing her Macbook. "Lets not talk about work while eating" She smiled seductively to Aly. "Lets meet some other time, come to my office anytime this week. We'll continue on where we stopped" She said then bit her lower lip.

"If thats what you want Ms. Lehmann" Laura gave Aly a brow "I mean, Laura. Lets eat?" Aly offered.

"Sure" Bea smiled sweetly.

Aly and Laura talked about random things. Their companies, positions, reputations, family and everything under the sun. Aly finds Laura interesting to talk to. She is so smart that she counter every thing that Aly says. We'll in a nice way. This is also the first time that Aly can talk freely while working. They both fit just right.

Their chat was interupted by a phone call from Laura's phone. She ignores it as a respect to Aly. But the phone rang again and again and again.

"You can take it Laura. I think its really important" Aly said showing her an assuring smile.

Laura smiled back at Aly and excused herself to the comfort room. Aly was waiting for a while when Laura was back at the table "I'm sorry Aly. I really need to go" She smiled apologetically to Aly.

"Its okay" Aly stands up "See you at your office in a week?" Aly handing her hand again.

"Yes, see you" Laura accepted her hand and pulled Aly for a kiss... on the cheek "Its nice to meet you Ms. Valdez" Laura without turning her back, exits the restaurant.

Aly was left standing. She holds her cheek on where Laura kissed her then a smirk formed her face.

"Business meeting or...." Shiela said when she approached Aly.

"Note this" Aly gave Shiela a serious face "We'll meet her at the end of the week"

"Isn't it too long maam? She might lose her interest in you... I mean the company" Shiela giggled softly.

"Pampamiss yan Shiela. You're hungrier when you crave you know" Aly winks at Shiela. Both laughs on what she just said.

----------------------

Alyssa is now at the golf course, waiting for her turn to hit the ball. She is with Mr. Vincent Lehmann, Laura's father.

"I'm really sorry if I didnt recognize you sir. My grandfather didnt tell my secretary about meeting the Vincent Lehmann." She smiled shyly.

"Its okay really, Alyssa. I wanted to meet you anyways." He said while choosing his club.

"Really? Well the pleasure is all mine sir."

"So, I heard that you will be meeting her again" Mr. Lehmann said while positioning himself.

"Yes sir. She says she doesnt want to eat with work as her main course" Mr. Lehamann laughs at what Aly said.

"My little girl is taking an interest in you Ms. Valdez" he said and laughs again. He looked at Aly intently "I hope you can see that"

"Clearly sir" Aly said without taking off her eyes to Mr. Lehmann "And, I dont want to take advantage of that. I will work professionaly sir." Aly assured.

"You're so serious with what you do Ms. Valdez, just like your old man" Vincent laughs again. He hits the ball and it landed 5cm away from the hole. "Tsk! Sayang!" he steps away so that Aly could hit.

"Please dont compare me with my father Mr. Lehmann" Aly said before hitting and the ball and it went rolling slowly towards the hole. Mr. Lehmann's jaw literally dropped.

Vincent applauses to Aly "Hahaha. Masama ka pala magalit Ms.Valdez, nananalo ka kasi"

Aly let a laugh escape "Hindi nman po ako galit. I dont have the right sir." She smiled politely.

Vincent was taken back by Aly's charm. Now, he wants Aly as his business partner. And soon, a merge between the two companies.

"Ms. Valdez, are you interested in someone.... my daughter perhaps?" Mr. Lehamnn now offering his own daughter.

"I am interested in someone sir" Mr. Lehmann grinned widely "But, its not your daughter" He laughed really loud in disappointment and shook his head.

"Maybe not now Ms. Valdez, not now" Then they both walked back to the club house.

---------------------