CHAPTER THREE

NARI hastily closed the door and leaned against it. She was panting, and her heart was pounding erratically. She put a hand on her chest and swallowed hard.

“What have you done, Nari?”

She caught her forehead as she recalled the man’s face in her mind. He was probably mad right now. Who would want to have beer spluttered on their faces, anyway?

She hadn’t totally gotten over the incident on her birthday… and now… this? Seriously?

What do you really want, Universe?

Nari whimpered. She only wanted to have a quiet drink. She was not even trying to get drunk! How unlucky could she get? It’s so unfair!

Maybe I should never leave home from now on.

*

“SIR, I have already talked to Maggie.”

Jai lifted his gaze from reading a report and looked at Mike.

“What about it?” he asked.

“She found out from the HR department that you are looking for a temporary assistant and she happened to know someone. This person came from another company and had just resigned from her job. She will talk to her today. She’ll update me before the day ends.”

Jai nodded. A piece of good news, somehow.

"Thank you, Mike."

“I’ll get back to work now, Sir.”

Mike was about to turn his back when he called him.

“Mike, I just have a question.”

“What is it, Sir?”

Jai rubbed his jaw with his hand and pursed his lips.

“Am I ugly?” he asked afterward.

Mike’s mouth gaped open. “I beg your pardon, Sir.”

“Someone spluttered beer on my face. Do you think I deserve it?”

Mike shook his head in confusion. “Sir, you are a handsome man. Though honestly, you are just one shave ahead of me.”

"Then, why?"

The guts of that woman! All he wanted was to check on her after their little encounter outside the restroom at Chuck’s Pasta. He felt guilty about dropping her on the floor. He knew she got hurt. He tried to wake her up, but she won’t open her eyes. Instead, he covered her with his coat before leaving. And that’s what he got in return!

He just saw her and wanted to help her. But she told him he was sent by the universe to be the father of her children. His heart skipped a beat. He panicked and dropped her accidentally. Since that night, he couldn’t get her out of his mind.

“That was very unfortunate, Sir,” said Mike. “Whoever did that to you must pay.”

Right. He will make her pay.

*

NARI and her cousins were sitting at the corner of Chuck’s Pasta that afternoon. They were talking about the details of their newest business venture, and they all agreed on making desserts.

It has always been their dream to put up a business together. They already have backgrounds in baking, which they get to showcase only during occasions. And now they were all excited.

Nari’s phone rang. Somehow that felt a little unusual. Her phone had been quiet since the day she resigned. Her forehead furrowed a little when she saw the name of the caller.

Ate Maggie calling...

It’s Maggie! She was the executive assistant of the wealthiest businessman in the Philippines and Mrs. Martinez’s daughter’s godmother. They would usually meet whenever there are business occasions. She was a single mother already in her late forties. She became close to her because she used to see her mother in Ate Maggie—able to raise her children all by herself.

Ate Maggie used to give her tips when she was new to Mrs. Martinez’s company. She was also supportive of her decision to resign. Ah, she suddenly missed working at Pipol’s Sardines and the smell of the fish in the factory.

“I’ll just take this call,” she told her cousins.

She went outside the restaurant and answered the call.

“Ate Maggie! What’s up?” she greeted cheerfully.

“Hey, Nari! I hope I’m not disturbing you. I’m fine. What are you up to now? Have you started finding a husband now that you have the time?” Maggie laughed.

“Well, I’m actually busy catching up with sleep. I’m still not used to it. I’m missing my job at Pipol’s from time to time,” Nari said with a laugh. “Why did you call, by the way? Do you have someone to introduce to me?”

“I have, but this one’s not a man. Just kidding. Actually, I’d like to ask you a favor. It’s a huge one, but the company will compensate you well enough. You’ll receive a bonus from your boss, too.”

“What do you mean?” Nari’s a little confused. “` You mean a job?”

“Yes. But only for two weeks. Sir Jai’s assistant will be taking a leave next week for personal matters. He is the vice-president for operations of Merryland. He has an important business trip, and he’s looking for a replacement who is efficient, and you came into mind since, well, you just resigned.”

“Did you say ‘Merryland’?” Nari thought in amusement. Who does not know the biggest shopping mall in the country? Merryland was just one of the businesses Magi’s boss owned.

“You heard it right, Nari. But if you can’t, I would perfectly understand. We’ll look for someone available. I apologize for disturbing you,” Maggie said anxiously.

“Are you trying to make me feel sorry, so I won’t you turn down?”

Maggie chortled.

“Oh, was I that obvious?” Then she laughed again. “I’m sorry, Nari. Sir Jai is just a little kind of a perfectionist, and you’re the only one I know who could meet his standards. But really, if you are not available, I understand.”

Nari bit her lip thoughtfully. As she had said, her body missed her previous job.

“It’ll be only for two weeks, right?”

“Yes, two weeks as far as I know. But it depends on you and Sir Jai’s arrangements. What I’m sure of is that the company will make sure you are paid more than enough. So, are you gonna take the job?”

“Okay. I’ll take the job. I can’t say ‘no’ to you, you know.”

Ate Maggie sighed in relief. “I knew I could count on you. Thank you, Nari! I owe this one to you.”

“Is the ‘Sir Jai’ a kind boss, Ate Maggie?” Nari inquired.

“Of course. If you do a great job, you won’t have a problem with him. And he’s still young, so I believe you’ll get along well.”

“I see. I’m fine with the job since I am not that busy yet. We’re still in the planning stage of our business. I could use my compensation as additional capital.”

“Sure! I’ll let Sir Jai know about it, and I will call you again to inform you when you could report to the office. Thank you again, Nari. I’ll make it up to you one day, I promise.”

“Don’t mention it.”

***