Bitter & Sweet

6. Difficulties

Wayo's POV

It's been four days since I've seen Pha. Right after he asked me to be his boyfriend, he went out of town on a business trip. He's planning to start a partnership with another company, one owned by a family friend, someone he'd known since he was a child. They had offices in the Philippines, so Pha went there to work out the details of moving them to Thailand.

Of course, I knew he had to go and I knew he was busy, but I missed him. I looked down at my phone for the hundredth time, feeling another pain in my heart. He still hadn't called or sent me any messages.

"What's wrong Yo?" Beam knocked on the door frame of my open door and walked inside. "You look upset."

"It's nothing," I said, setting my phone down and trying to focus on my work. "I've sent the new copy of the contract for the partnership to the corporate lawyers for their approval. All the requested changes were made and I triple checked the draft. I emailed a copy to both you and Pha a few minutes ago."

"Perfect," Beam said, checking off a note on his phone and sitting in the seat across from me. "Should we go get a cup of coffee? I really need a break."

"Sure," I replied, ticking off all the things I finished today. "The only thing I have left for today is the meeting with the interior designer that Pha's new partner sent. They want to get measurements of Pha's office, but that isn't until 4 PM."

"Why do they need measurements for Pha's office?" Beam asked, looking confused.

"According to Ms. Pring," I said, referring to the email I received that morning, "she needs to make sure the office is set up in a way that is 'best adapted for a strong union.'"

"But that's Pha's office. She's supposed to take the office next to his, across the hall from you," Beam looked at me with a look I couldn't decipher. "Maybe we should call Pha, to make sure he's aware?"

"He gave me strict instructions that he's not to be contacted unless it's vitally important," I said, feeling shamefaced to admit that Pha had obviously not wanted me to pester him with calls. "He said that Ms. Pring is used to getting her way, so I should just do whatever she asks and he'll take care of any problems when he returns."

Beam watched me too carefully for me to maintain my composure, so I leaned down, pretending to tie my shoe before we left. Beam whispered, "Idiot," under his breath and I had to agree with him. I was an idiot. To me, having Pha be my boyfriend meant talking every night, wanting to see each other every day, and letting him into every part of my life. For Pha, it clearly didn't mean the same thing. Even Beam knew we weren't suited to each other. But I wouldn't give up that easily. I would hold his hand until I was forced to let go. That time might just come sooner than I thought.

We went to the coffee shop across the street because it had some outdoor seating and a beautiful shaded area filled with potted trees and flowers. Luckily, they offered other beverage choices, so I ordered a lemonade and sat outside with Beam to enjoy a break.

"Do you like working for Pha's company?" Beam asked me after we'd sat in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the fresh air.

"I do, it's been a great learning experience," I smiled, thinking how lucky I was to have this opportunity.

"Do you plan to stay for long?"

I thought about his question for a minute, pretending to think over my answer. If Beam understood anything about my life, he would know that staying wasn't an option. My dad got me jobs so I could get experience and gain confidence, but in the end, he and I both knew that I would take over the family business someday. I was happy and proud that I would have a chance to be a part of what my family built. I'm sure that Beam was worried that I'd expect a promotion in time.