Be Mine

72

Carlos is standing inside the board room and he couldn't believe what he just heard. He also couldn't believe that it will be given to him sooner. He imagined that it would take a few more months but maybe God had a different plan for him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our new Chief Creative Officer, Mr. Carlos Concepcion."

He heard another round of applause and one by one, the board of directors stood up to give him a handshake and congratulating him for his promotion. All along he thought that they will be giving him a new client or a project, but it is way bigger than that. He couldn't contain his smile as he accepts every handshake. After a while, the meeting was adjourned and all was left is him and Gary.

"Congrats, Caloy!" Gary greeted him with a brotherly hug.

"Thanks, Pare. Hindi ko inaasahan 'to!" he tells him honestly.

"Bakit naman? Anim kayong creative heads dito at ikaw ang pinakapaborito ng mga kliyente. Plus, Dad was really impressed with you last week sa investor's dinner."

He chuckles. "Kaya ba ako pinapunta doon?"

Gary nodded. "Ikaw na talaga ang gusto ng board and ng ibang department heads. Kaya Dad suggested na ikaw ang dumalo doon so you can meet the investors. Then surprisingly, Mr. Florente wanted to retire earlier as planned. Besides, ikaw rin naman ang recommended niya."

Caloy smiles. He can't believe the blessing that he just received. "Thanks again, Pare. Malaking tulong 'to. Lalo na at nag-iipon ako."

Gary gave him a teasing smile. "Para sa kasal niyo ba ni Lia kaya ka nag-iipon?"

He chuckles and gives Gary a light punch. "Gago! Hindi pa nga ako nagpopropose!"

"Ang hina naman! Mamaya may umagaw pa!"

He scoffs. "Syempre hindi ako papayag! Akin lang si Lia."

Gary chuckles. "Kung ako sa'yo make your move na! Lia will surely say yes."

He sighs. "Sana nga. I really want to settle down, Pare. Naiinggit na ako sa inyo ni Anton. Gusto ko na rin magka-pamilya.

Gary smiles. "Your time will come, Pare." He nodded. "Anyway, back to you as the chief creative officer, hindi pa ito na-aannounce sa mga kliyente. Your current projects will now be transferred to another team..."

His brows creased. He is still overjoyed with the news that he didn't know what's going to be the next step. "Wait... paano pala ang team ko?"

Gary nodded. "About that... Well, I need a recommendation from you actually. We're going to promote one of your team members to be the next creative head. I'm sure may magaling sa kanila because you trained them well."

Caloy nodded. He didn't realize that he will be leaving his team that soon. Being the chief creative officer means, he won't be handling a project assigned to him and his team. He will be overseeing all the projects from all the six creative teams. He will have the final say before the proposal will be sent to a client.

Double the work but he wants this so bad for his family and Lia.

"So, Caloy, I suggest you start packing your things today? Lilipat ka na sa bagong opisina mo bukas ng umaga."

"Bukas na agad?"

Gary nodded. "Bakit parang ayaw mo?"

Carlos shakes his head. "Nabibigla lang siguro ako." He speaks. "Ang bilis ng mga pangyayari."

Gary smiles. "By the way, you have your first assignment. There's this conference in Hong Kong that I need you to attend..."

"Okay. When is this?"