Greis and Rum (COMPLETED)

19- Weekdays

I was so busy last week and today is Tuesday, after Rum took me home from the Shrine, it was the last time I saw him kahit neighbors lang kami. He always texted but I always forget to respond to them or too tired. Before I could leave for work, he already posts on his IGS and he's off to piers and meetings, I know that's not all but that's how far he can share to the public. And everytime I have the will to reply, I'm thinking maybe he's in a meeting or if he'll think I miss him—my pride just kicks in and invades my peace. Now my office is quite stuffy because of how scattered my thoughts were but it all went away when someone knocked on my door and then pushed it open. Sigh. It's so hard without Santana around, no one knows me like she does.

"Ma'am, meeting po in an hour."

Meeting na naman. I'm not yet done signing certifications and then a meeting again after another, it's been like this ever since the construction started last Monday. Fulfilling, yes! Super! Now I'm here in this room full of people playing crucial roles in the making of my ongoing project of the year. The one speaking was a partner that provided services, "Ma'am, we're having delays sa materials being imported here because there's only one vessel worki—" I can't believe what I'm hearing right now. We're just starting and may lacking agad!

I kept my tone calm but commanding, "We can't delay those because madedelay din ang progress."

"Yes, Engineer, we're working on it."

"Hanggang when? Don't let it take more time than needed. How many months or weeks will it take according to your estimation?" After I asked that, I saw him look on his pencil as he fell silent before words came out of his mouth "We haven't thought about it yet. We're figuring out what we can do." he said and I was polite enough to make him finish his sentence. But this discussion knocks my head off "Then what are you doing in this room if you can't give me datas and resolutions? Is this how you provide services to your clients?"

Sheen broke the ice, "Engr. Asthena, why not the Roman Empire Maritime Services Inc?" of course he's not part of the project mismo but as head of a department, I made sure all were present. But really? Their company? He continued, "We have a lot of connections and their boss is very accommodating especially to you—to us, Acroluena Realty. It's a recommendation." and everybody agreed to what he said bilang our partnership with his company has been going strong through the years. Sana lahat. Still my eyes on him, he grinned and I know right behind that smile was a lot of words to tease me. Ganon ah, gusto niya makita ang kalalabasan then okay. I looked at my assistant, "Bring him in." and she couldn't believe me.

"Captain—Sir Roman himself?"

"I said bring him in. Why, can't he? Then we'll look for another. What do you think, Arch. Ortigas?" I was just playing around with the options and Sheen was so nonchalant, so self-assured that he thought of the best idea ever which will result to a win-win situation. We went on as my assistant called his Office. I waited, anticipated his entrance and thought of his scent. Para namang kiniliti ako sa naiisip.

"I'm sorry I was late."

I felt my heart leap.

For the first time again in 7 days. Rumzuell looks fresh in his suit, he's holding his Rolex to adjust it on his wrist kaya halatang nagmadali. I didn't talk to him, I made him listen to an endorsement and a proposal which he took gladly. He glanced at me but I kept my composure, baka namiss niya ako. Charot!

After the meeting though, I stayed a little late because of a phonecall from the site. From the door, I could hear Sheen along with his friends laughing and maybe gossiping about earlier "Yung dragon, hindi masyadong bumuga ng apoy. Behave lang." said the other one. Dragon your face! Grr!

"Bahala na kayong marinig ni Cat." Sheen chuckled and I felt his gaze on me.

"Hala rinig tayo?"