CHAPTER 9: APPOINTMENT

JEWELLE.

I am currently standing in the middle of the main lobby of the corporate building owned by Mr. Alejandro’s company. I came from his office upstairs, but the secretary wouldn’t accommodate me because I had no prior appointment with her boss. She even went as far as telling me that her boss is not in, and therefore, I will just waste my time even if I wait for him.

I’m getting pissed of! Our company is a bigger conglomerate than theirs, but they are acting superior.

Tch! What foolishness did Harley do in the past that Mr. Alejandro wouldn’t talk to him anymore?

I caught sight of a garden at the other side of the building so I decided to go there to breathe fresh air. I also need to think of a way to meet Mr. Alejandro. I have to get an appointment for Harley, no matter what. I just might get fired if the board finds out that I lied to their faces. It will also implicate Harley.

Wait, why am I worried more about his welfare? Hello! I should worry more about myself! He’s already rich, and he is the President’s son, after all. He will not go broke even if they strip him of his position in the company.

I waited for about thirty minutes. Once I calmed down my irritation, and decided I can still face Mr. Alejandro’s secretary head on, I headed back inside the building. I suddenly felt thirsty so I dropped by the convenience store at the ground floor to get a can of soft drink. I also scanned the shelf and smiled at the sight of a familiar product. Tootsie Roll! Oh, childhood memories!

I stopped on track. Childhood memories.. Tootsie roll.. James..

I mentally shook my head. Who cares about that fool! He doesn’t have anything to do with tootsie roll! As in nada! I erased their connection a long time ago!

And who cares if my memories of tootsie roll go hand in hand with my childhood memories of James? I will still buy it! Ah, how nostalgic!

I picked up two bars of the chocolate candy and went to the counter. If Harley sees me now, he’s surely scold me again for being dependent to convenience stores. That guy is really weird.

I grinned when I caught sight of the colorful sachets in a box by the counter.

Condoms. You can choose any brand. You can choose any style. And you can also choose any flavor and color.

Harley’s choice was neon pink. Ribbed.

Makes me wonder to whom he used that one. I should remember to ask next time. When he’s in a good mood. Heheh…

Once I paid for my purchase, I went straight to the elevator.

A man in his mid-fifties came inside the elevator behind me. With him are two men who are obviously his aides. My finger automatically sought the button for the 50th floor, where Mr. Alejandro’s office is. The old man looked at me weirdly.

They are probably heading to the same floor because they did not press any button anymore. I just shrugged my shoulders and looked in front, while trying to come up with a trick to see the person I came here for.

I sighed deeply. Whatever-!

“Whoa!” the two body guards exclaimed loudly while I shrieked. The lights suddenly went out, the elevator made a weird noise and then suddenly came to a halt. And we are barely halfway to our destination floor.

We all swayed inside at the sudden stop and I almost lost my balance if I didn’t promptly leaned on the wall.

Err.. I mean.. chest? It’s just so hard so I thought it’s a wall. I pulled away my hands quickly. That was not me! He did not see anything, whoever he is, he has no evidence that was me! I’ll die first before I admit it!

“Press the alarm,” the old man, or at least it sounded like him, calmly instructed. One of the guards suddenly opened a flashlight from his phone and looked for the alarm button. He also pressed what looked like an intercom button but it seems to not function.

“Call the admin with your phone,” the old man ordered the other body guard. But he did not have to do that because the guard is already at it.

“Sir, we do not have a signal,” he reported after a while.

The old man also took out his cellphone. I did the same. The body guard was right, we do not have a network signal. The weird things about elevators.

“Can your flashlight get any brighter?” the old man asked the body guard. Hmp, what a fussy old man.

I pulled out my cellphone from my bag once again. It’s a basic phone with a built in flash light. I opened it too. That’s when I noticed that the old man looked weak.

“Sir..?” one of the aides called out to him.

He swayed and the body guards quickly caught him. Had they been any moment late, the old man would have fallen on the floor.

“Sir!”

We all went down on our knees to attend to the old man.

“Shit! Give him some space!” I told them. The old man might be claustrophobic. His palm is sweaty but cold. I asked him if he was but he shook his head weakly as if doing just that is taking all of his strength.

“Dia..be..tic..”

“You’re diabetic? Did you bring your medicine?”

“His insulin is in his office. But he just injected one earlier, and he also took his maintenance medicine,” one of the aides said.

“C-Cold..” the old man who is now slumped on the floor while leaning on one side of the elevator murmured. He’s still saying something but I couldn’t make anything out of it.

Another man’s voice boomed through the speaker inside the elevator. He instructed for us to stay calm as help is on it’s way.

I opened my bag and felt the small paper bag that I put in there earlier. From there, I pulled out the bars of the chocolate candy.

“Sir, please eat this.”

“Miss, he’s diabetic, weren’t you listening?!” one of the guards stopped me by the hand.

“Just let him eat this already, every second is important, Mr. Bodyguard,” I brushed his hand forcefully and opened the packet, then brought it near the old man’s lips.

“Miss..” the guard called me in a warning voice but his boss gestured for him to stand down. I stuck my tongue out to him.

The old man took a weak bite of the chocolate and I watched him eat it. My tootsie roll..

Never mind that, at least I played the good Samaritan there. Goodbye tootsie roll.

“Give me one more,” the old man said after a while. He looked like he’s starting to feel a little better. He looked dying before.

He moved to straighten himself up and leaned more properly against the wall as he waited with an open palm in front of me.

“One more what?” I raised an eyebrow.

“That thing you made me eat.”

“There’s nothing more of that,” I looked away. What a foxy, old man. I already gave him the other one, and now he still wants to rob me of another??

“I saw that you were holding two bars earlier,” he smirked.

“What the-!” I glared at him. And then I pouted and hugged my bag. “No way, this one’s mine! You are okay now. Look at you, you can even sit up straight already,” I protested.

“No. Look.. I am.. still.. feeling weak..” he acted like he’s running out of energy.

“Tss,” I glared at him again. What a wacko old man.

“Come on, don’t be stingy. What if this happens again later? I need a reserved chocolate,” he reasoned.

I pouted. I don’t want to part with my tootsie roll. But for the good of humanity and for the salvation of the world, I will surrender my tootsie roll.

He grinned broadly when I put the chocolate on top of his open palm. My childhood memories.

I extended my legs on the floor and leaned on the wall beside him.

After a while, he broke the silence.

“Thank you very much, Miss.”

Wow, at last I heard it. I thought I would rot away waiting for his words of gratitude!

“You’re welcome,” I calmly answered even though I am still upset with him for robbing me of my childhood memories.

“I am just curious. How did you know to give me a chocolate?” he asked.

“My father is also diabetic and his doctor advised us that if things like this happen to the patient, it’s either his sugar is too high or too low. And because it may be confusing for us to recognize which case it is, it is safer to give the patient something sweet. Because if the case is a hyperglycemia, an additional sugar intake will not make too much difference. But if it’s a case of hypoglycemia, sugar intake can save the life of the patient.”

“Your insolence was fortunate, after all,” he smirked.

This old bag. How am I insolent??

He chuckled when he saw my eyebrows knitting together.

“This elevator is exclusive for my use,” he said. “But you suddenly came in and joined us without regard and permission. You should be thankful I did not ask my body guards to pick you up and throw you out.”

“Exclusive?? Are you kidding me?”

“Didn’t you see me scanning my finger earlier for the elevator to open up?”

Huh? I did not notice that. I was pissed at myself earlier because I forgot the can of soft drinks, but I don’t want to go back to the convenience store anymore.

“Well, anyway, I was meant to be in this elevator because I was meant to help you,” I covered my embarrassment by acting high and mighty.

He smiled.

“My thoughts, exactly.”

“Why aren’t you even bringing something like a candy or a chocolate? Or whatever emergency source of sugar. And why is it that when you already took a medication, you also injected insulin? And you should really orient your security aides so that they will know what to do next time,” I scolded him.

“I thought the meds did not take effect earlier, so I also injected insulin. For the other things you said, I have no excuse.”

He shook his head and laughed softly.

“Why?” I asked in confusion.

“You act like my daughter. That’s exactly how she would scold me.”

“Really? Then, when she finds out about what happened, I am sure she will scold you again!”

“No, not anymore. She cannot scold me anymore,” his voice suddenly sounded sad.

“Huh? But why?”

“Because she’s gone. She left this world ahead of me. I should be the one to go first because I am the parent,” he looked in a distance. So far away that only he could see.

“Ah.. sorry Sir. And condolence,” I bit my lip. Ooopps.

He smiled tenderly. Geez, he was a snub just a few moments ago, but now he is smiling at me warmly.

He tapped my hand.

“Thank you. Anyway, it’s been a year already. But.. can a parent get over the loss of his child? No. not in a million years.”

I just gave him a sympathetic smile because I am not someone who is good at these sort of things. I’m not good in consoling people.

We all looked up when we heard sound coming from outside the elevator. Someone is forcing the door open.

“Mr. Alejandro? Sir?” someone called.

I frowned.

“Yes, I’m here,” the old man beside me answered.

Geez, he’s Mr. Alejandro?? I wanted to hit myself. I should have found out how Mr. Alejandro looks before I came here. Who knew I’ve been with him this entire elevator incident? I could have used that chance to convince him to meet with Harley!

“Sir, are you okay? We will open this door in no time, please bear with us,” the guy from the other side informed.

“Just do your job already.”

“Yes, Sir.” Whoever it was outside, I can hear him giving instructions to his men. I don’t know exactly how many they are, but there are several voices coming from outside the elevator.

“Uhmm.. Sir..” I called the old man. He turned to me. “You are Mr. Alejandro..?”

“Yes.”

“Uhm.. I’m-”

The elevator door suddenly opened. One of the men outside promptly stepped inside and acted to assist Mr. Alejandro.

“I’m fine,” he raised his hand and stepped out of the elevator by himself. His body guards followed. I quickly chased after them.

“Miss, are you okay?” one of the men asked me.

“Y-Yeah.. I just.. I.. I have to go talk to Mr. Alejandro, excuse me,” I stepped past him. He might realize I am not authorized to be here, and throw me out of the building.

When I reached Mr. Alejandro’s office, I came across his secretary who’s coming out of his room and closing it behind her. Argh, why is Mr. Alejandro so fast?

“Sir just arrived and cannot be disturbed,” she promptly informed me when she recognized me.

I secretly rolled my eyes. That old man just forgot all about me!

“But I just..”

“Excuse me, there is someone he instructed me to fetch-”

“Ms. De Mesa,” on of the body guards peeked out of the door. “Oh, there’s the lady Sir is asking you to get,” he pointed at me.

Oh! So Mr. Alejandro did not forget about me after all. Good thing he’s not yet senile.

I smirked triumphantly at the secretary and walked towards the office of her boss. I even waved at her before I went inside, just to annoy her.

“Tell Marissa to bring something for the lady,” Mr. Alejandro instructed his aide.

“Yes Sir,” the man answered and stepped outside again.

“Please sit down, Miss. What’s your name, by the way?”

“Sir, I’m Mheg Jewelle Alcantara,” I bowed slightly.

He smiled and gestured at the sofa.

“How can I repay you?”

“Uh.. Sir, actually..” I took a deep breath. “It’s not like I’m asking you to repay me. It’s more like, I’m going to ask you a favor. I actually really came here to get an appointment from you.”

He raised his brow.

“Continue.”

“I am Mr. Harley Alvarez’ secretary. I was the reason why he was not able to talk to you last time, so I’m begging you, please give him another chance to meet with you.”

It’s not that I am taking responsibility for Harley’s past foolish decisions, and I am not blaming myself. But I felt that my plea will be more effective this way. Even if I have to paint my conceited boss’ image as someone who is angelic or saintly, I will do it. What is important is to get him that appointment!

The old man chuckled.

“You’re not asking anything for yourself? Just leave your boss, be my secretary instead.”

Oopps! Someone’s pirating.

I shook my head and smiled politely.

“Sorry Sir. But Sir, I love my boss. I cannot abandon him.”

I just want to clarify again, I did not mean that ‘love’ as really love. I mean, I am not in love with that conceited man! But really, Harley is a good boss. Flirt, yes. Irritating, yes! But he’s surprisingly easy to get along with. Is there any boss who will tolerate my blunt way of conversing with him? Only Harley would tolerate such insolence from me.

Mr. Alejandro nodded.

“Is that all you’re gonna ask for?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Okay, I will ask my secretary to find him a spot in my schedule next week.”

“Oh no! Sir, tomorrow. Tomorrow at three.”

“What? I don’t think I still have free time tomorrow.”

Oh no! Oh no really! I’m dead if I cannot get him that time slot. The board members will surely get my neck for lying!

Our conversation was interrupted when his secretary walked into the room, carrying a tray of snacks.

“Marissa, what’s my schedule tomorrow at 3 pm?”

“Sir, you have a meeting with Mr. Alfonso.”

‘Mr. Alfonso? ‘

I just shrugged my shoulder. There’s a lot of Mr. Alfonso in the world.

“What’s the agenda again?” he asked with a frown.

“Sir, the merger with his company-“

“Ah, yes. Postpone that one. Tell them we will just re-arrange my schedule. Keep my three o’clock open tomorrow.”

“Yes Sir,” the woman answered and gave me a confused look. I beamed at her triumphantly.

When she left, Mr. Alejandro turned to me again.

“Is that all?”

I smiled again.

“Yes, Mr. Alejandro. I am already happy knowing that I accomplished what I came here for. Thank you very much, Sir. I assure you, you will not regret giving us a chance.”

He nodded and slightly smiled.

“We’ll see about that.”

“Mr. Alejandro, I should leave. Since I’ve done what I came here fore, I need to go back to my post. Thank you again Sir.”

“Okay, I won’t keep you. And thanks for the Tootsie Roll, that’s my daughter’s favorite candy.”

There’s that sad smile on his face again.

I looked at him and smile.

“Your daughter must have lived a happy life because you’re her father.”

“You think so? She used to tell me I was a grouch.”

“And a snub,” I added.

He laughed. “Yeah, and that.”

“Still, if I was your daughter, I would be glad to have you as my father.”

I didn’t expect the next thing he did. He raised his hand and put it on my head, and like an affectionate father usually would to his daughter, he ruffled my hair.

My father never did that to me. He never showed affection.

I smiled bitterly as a lump formed in my throat.

“Are you okay?” he asked worriedly.

I blinked back my tears and nodded.

“Yes Sir. I.. I really have to go.”

He nodded back so I turned around and walked to the door as I tried to compose myself once again.

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

HARLEY.

Jewelle really did it.

I smiled to myself. Who would have thought that she can really manage to set an appointment with Mr. Alejandro tomorrow. I should treat her somewhere tonight.

And with that thought, I stood up and picked up my coat that I left hanging on my chair earlier. It’s already six, the day’s done. At last!

“Jewelle, let’s go!”

She looked up from what she’s doing in her computer and gave me a puzzled look. And there’s her raised eyebrow again.

“Where do you think you’re going?” she asked sternly. Sometimes, I really want to ask her who’s boss between the two of us. More frequent than not, she’s the one who’s scolding me, especially when I am acting lazy towards my work.

And because of that tendency of hers, I knew how to get his attention whenever I crave it. I will just sit in front of her cubicle and play mobile games, and she will turn to me without delay, just to tell me off.

I’m getting too accustomed to her sermons that I am even seeking for it sometimes.

I grinned at her. “Going on a date?”

Her brows furrowed deeper and shoot me a threatening look.

“Date with whom?”

Hmm, jealous, are we babe?

It excites me to think that she is. Hopefully.

“Hmm.. I have not decided with whom, yet. There’s a few who asked me out tonight. What do you think? Who should I go out with? Here’s their photos, pick one,” I acted like I am pulling my phone from my pocket when she violently stood up. Her chair almost fell from the sudden movement.

“That cannot be!”

Hmm.. Nice.. Nice..

Argh, I’m enjoying this so much!

I smiled sweetly. “If you don’t want me to date any of them, then date me,” I alternately raised my eyebrows and gave her a seductive, suggestive look.

She suddenly froze.

“T-That’s not what I meant! I am not trying to stop you from dating anyone!”

“But you just said earlier that I cannot, right?” I asked with feigned innocence.

“What.. What I meant is.. Your meeting with Mr. Alejandro tomorrow.. You know.. Don’t you have a presentation to prepare?”

“No need. I have the materials ready. I can just present the presentation I used for the board when I recommended it. So, come on, let’s go out.”

Her eyes went wide as if she couldn’t believe me.

“Seriously?!”

“Yes, I’m serious,” I tried hard to look serious, but it’s really hard to stop my lips from splitting into a grin.

“No, I mean, seriously, that’s the material you’re going to use??”

“Ah. Yes, That’s an effective material. That’s why it was easily approved by the board.”

“No! I mean, Harley..?? Are you nuts? Is your head so full of laziness and flirtations that you are overlooking something important. When you prepared that presentation, what was your goal? To impress the management, right? That means you highlighted all the benefits that our company will gain from the venture. Is that what you want Mr. Alejandro to see? How we are going to earn from his company?”

“But their company will benefit from it, too!”

“Exactly, that’s why you have to highlight that, don’t you think so? You have to show the project from his point of view.”

I stopped and think. That’s right, she has a point. I scratched my head.

“Well, yeah.. You’re right. But to prepare a new presentation.. We have to pull an all nighter. Let’s work on this tonight. Come,” I held her arm and pulled her inside my office. I pulled a chair near my swivel chair and let her sit there before I sat on mine.

“W-Why do you need me here?” she asked in confusion.

“Of course, to help me. How am I going to let them see the benefits they are getting out of this deal?”

“M-Me..?” she grimaced.

“Yeah.”

“B-But Harley, that’s not my strong suit. When it comes to financial figures and business strategies, I am no good. I just know you need to emphasize what this deal has to offer for them, but on how you’re going to do that, I have no idea at all! That’s within your area of expertise. And besides, what all nighter are you talking about? Surely, you can get it done at least until mid night, right?”

I pouted.

“Okay, I get it. But.. stay with me tonight. Work over time.”

“Huh? I don’t want to! I have nothing else to do here!” she protested.

“Just.. stay. Keep me company so that I will not get tired easily. You can also bring me coffee from time to time, massage my shoulder when I get tired, and give me inspiration,” I winked.

She just scowled at me.

“You’re crazy.”

I just laughed it off. I am so used to her sharp retorts that whenever she starts talking to me formally or gently, I would wonder if she is sick or possessed.

“Come here,” I pulled her hand.

“What is it?!” she snapped.

I pulled her until she is forced to stand up, then I pulled her waist until she’s sitting on my lap.

“First dose of energy,” I grinned.

“Harley! We’re in the office-!”

I did not let her finish her protest. I know to use my lips to lock hers and drown her words.

She didn’t move at first and just let me kiss her. But after a while, she started responding. I smiled against her lips. She can’t resist me!

“Aahh..!” I heard her moan when I touched her breast without warning and squeezed it.

“That sounds sexy..” I murmured.

I lowered my hand to her lap, looking for the hem of her skirt to insert my hand there.

“Ha..Harley.. I am.. I am not yet ready,” she slightly pushed my chest.

I stopped on track. Then, I groaned in frustration.

“You were ready last night. If the patrolman did not arrive, we would have already done it!”

“Isn’t that a sign that we shouldn’t be doing this??”

“Jewelle, you can’t ignore our mutual attraction forever. Can’t you see it? We burn like dry leaves the moment we touch.”

“I’m.. I’m not ignoring it. I just..” she sighed. “I don’t know if I can keep up with a casual affair. Give me some time to consider it.”

I clenched my jaw.

Damn it! Her body had already given its answer! She’s just being stubborn!