BOOK 8: When You Keep Her (COMPLETED)

twenty-four

olivia:

Second and last day of the convention and I was less nervous. My day started with a morning call from my husband, telling me to break a leg and enjoy the last day of the convention. Nagsend din ito ng pictures nang mga pananim ko and a selfie of him.

     "Maglilinis ako ng bahay mamaya pagkagising ko."

     "And, love, 'yun'g beddings please pakihatid sa laundry shop." I reminded him as I put on my makeup.

     "'Yun lang ba?"

     "Mm, 'yun lang."

     "Okay." habang nakangisi.

   There were lots of demonstrations and lectures, kung tahimik lang ako sa first day, I became more vocal sa pangalawang araw. I got the chance to ask the presenter about business related questions. It was nice to know and learn different views from these people who've been in the industry for decades. May mga nakuha rin ako'ng insights na magagamit ko sa Danita's. Habang ina-absorb ko ang mga naririnig at nakikita ko sa convention, si Ms. Belle naman ang in charge sa pagkuha nang potential client or investor for the Romero Group.

     "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wan." nakipagkamay ako sa isa'ng Malaysian businessman na ipinakilala ni Ms. Belle sa'kin.

     "It's my first time to see a young Romero gracing a convention like this." he was all smiles.

     "It's indeed my first time to attend such event, Sir."

     "And you did great, young lady."

   Nagtinginan kami ni Ms. Belle, nangiti lang kami pareho.

     "Thank you very much, Mr. Wan."

     "I once visited your hotel in Malaysia last holiday season, my wife and I had a great time. Please do send my greetings to your father."

     "I will, Mr. Wan, thank you and I hope you can visit the Philippines too."

     "We will, and will surely book in your hotel."

     "It will be an honor, sir."

     "I hope you don't mind, but I have a son who's a bit older than you and he's single-" nangiti ako, nang sabihin lang niya ang salita'ng 'son' ay inasahan ko na ang susunod na sasabihin nito. "I was just wondering if you are open to have a meal with him?"

     "I would assume that your son is a good guy, Sir. However, I'm already married, so..." my voice trailed off.

     "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know."

     "No, sir, it's fine. I know you meant well. I am pretty sure your son will meet a more capable woman, one who would really suit him well."

     "That's also my wish, Ms. Romero, I want him to get married as soon as possible." we both laughed, "That's why I go around trying to find a match for him." he added in between chuckles.

     "I understand, sir."

     "But you really did great during this convention. The Romero Group's future is bright."

     "Thank you, sir."

     "I hope we could meet again sometime, I might decide to invest on your company."

     "It will be my pleasure, sir. Thank you, again."

   Natapos ang convention na sumasakit ang pisngi at panga ko sa kakangiti. Lalo na during dinner na naging outlet for creating connections, parang naging hunger games nang potential investors. I had to give my best shot and entertain every businessmen who'd approach me. Pero halata naman na may iba na hindi na pang-negosyo ang habol. I would lowkey flash my wedding ring for them to back off, minsan naman talaga'ng sinasabi ko na kasal na ako. Nang dumating nga ako ng Jakarta, suot-suot ko na rin ang engagement ring ko. Usually, wedding ring lang ang suot ko araw-araw. I'd just wear my engagement ring kapag may mahahalaga'ng okasyon, gaya noon'g Pasko at Bago'ng Taon, and now na nasa convention ako.