It Might Be You

23

23

"You do it for me, Henstridge. You just have to share a testimonial. You check the branch too in Taipei."

Ridge massaged the bridge of his nose as he listens to his father.

Isinandal niya ang likuran sa kanyang swivel chair kaya bahagyang nagbend iyon.

He knows about the branch visiting in Taipei, but he was shocked to learn this new task his father is asking him to do. "When is this again?"

"It's next week. I will ask your assistant to prepare your itinerary. You can extend if you want to have a break after you settle things in Taipei."

Umiling si Ridge, akala mo naman ay nakikita siya ng kanyang ama. "No extension." Pagtanggi niya, hindi niya gustong magtagal, malalayo siya kay Dawn, iyon nga lang kapag aalis na siya pagkatapos niyang bumisita sa bahay nila ay atat na atat na si Ridge na dumating ang bukas para magkita sila ulit.

He heard his father's laugh coming from the intercom, "This is new. You usually asked right away to proceed for a break every time I ask you to cover for me."

"Just give me the further details, Papá." Umayos ng upo si Ridge atsaka padulas na inilapit ang swivel chair patungo sa kanyang lamesa para ipagpatuloy ang ginagawa sa harapan ng kanyang Imac.

"Your abuelo is asking about you." Natigilan sa pagtitipa si Ridge at napatingin sa intercom.

"Chairman?"

"Yes. He plans to visit us but he hasn't told me when." Bumuntong-hininga ang kanyang ama sa kabilang linya, "I have an appointment with my doctor. I will be going now. Hasta luego."

"Hasta luego, Papá." He replied by saying he will see him later at home, and the beeping tone came next.

Both of his elbows rested on his table while both of his hands are clasped together. "He's coming." He whispered then a beep tone came again on his intercom. "What is it, Jordan?" He asked to his executive assistant.

"Sir Ridge, I am done printing the business action plan milestones." His assistant informed.

"Is the quarterly financial statement in the logistics ready? I need it now for my monthly report to the CEO and to the board."

"Yes, Sir. The CFO's team already submitted it to me."

"Good, send them now and bring the business action plan milestones here so I could review and sign it."

"Noted, Sir."

Mabilis na pumasok sa opisina niya si Jordan. Maingat na inilapag sa espasyo ng kanyang lamesa ang dalawang hardbound file folder, ang isa ay kulay dilaw at ang isa ay kulay itim.

"I sent the softcopy of the quarterly financial report on your email, Sir." Dagdag pa ni Jordan atsaka lumabas na dahil sa isang tango lang ni Ridge.

Nang makita niya ang dapat basahin ay napabuntong hininga na lamang siya. Pinatunog niya ang kanyang leeg atsaka kinuha ang kulay itim na hardbound file folder upang basahin ang mga nakakahilong mga numero pero parang sanay na sanay na si Ridge at isang basa lang ay nakukuha niya agad at nakikita niya ang mga kailangang ireview o klaruhin.

He was still engrossed in reading the last page of the document when his phone alarmed. Kaagad niyang kinuha ang phone at tinigilan ang ginagawa.

Ang seryosong mukha ay nagliwanag habang binabasa ang note sa reminder. My baby's breaktime.

Idinial niya kaagad ang numero ni Dawn atsaka tumayo sa tapat ng glass window. "Come on, baby. What's taking you so long?" Naiinip na sambit ni Ridge gayong nakakailang ring pa lang.