The Mistake

Chapter 3

"Good morning, Miss Carli."

Humikab ako bago nginitian ang sekretarya ko. "Update."

"Appointment with the MGC's President."

Napahinto ako, "MGC?"

He smiled before nodding, "Marquez Group of Companies, Miss."

Pinagpatuloy ko ang paglalakad hanggang sa makaupo ako sa swivel chair at tumingin sa labas ng glass wall ng opisina ko.

"Anong oras, Pj."

"This 2 in the afternoon, Miss."

Huminga ako ng malalim, "Why us?"

"It was supposed to be Mr. Meunier but he's still in Spain. Saka sabi ho sa'kin ng daddy niyo na.." his smile sadly ".. wala raw ho'ng kwenta ang pag-aasign niya sa inyo dito kung hindi niyo matatama ang pakikipag-usap at pakikipag-partnership sa ibang kompanya. Lalo na sa mga kompanyang nasa ilalim ng MGC."

Hindi na ako nagulat nang sabihin niya 'yon. "Any conference that I need to attend?" pang-iiba ko.

"None, Miss, except for these papers that you need to sign."

He gave me a folder na agad kong kinuha, "Thanks. And uh.. can you bring me coffee? I had a crazy night."

"Sure thing, Miss Carli."

Pagka-alis niya ay agad kong binuklat ang folder at binasa. I turned around to face my table before signing it one by one.

Walang buhay akong naglalakad papunta sa conference room ng Universal Money Banking, a bank company under MGC. Nasa likod ko lang si Pj. He opened the door for me nang makarating kami. He also pulled the chair for me.

Inayos ko muna ang damit bago tumingin sa tatlong tao na nandoon din sa loob, "Good afternoon." bati ko bago umupo.

"Likewise." walang emosyong bati ni Rago.

Tumaas ang kilay ko, "May favoritism ba ang ugali mo?"

His stoic face remained, "Yes, and it's only for that special person."

"Sana all may special person." bulong ko.

Napatingin ako sa sekretarya ko nang ngumiti na ito ng alanganin sa akin. Lumabi ako.

"So, what can your bank offer that my company cannot?" diretsahang tanong nito. "That your old man had been bragging about."

I gave him a deadpan look, "How would I know that? Ako ba ang gurang na 'yon? Saka siya ang tanungin mo kung ano ang pinaghahambog niya sa inyo."

To my surprise I saw humor in his eyes the same time the corner of his lips tugged up, "I prefer you more than your dad, diretsahan, hindi kagaya niyang  maraming sinasabi pero wala namang laman."

"So.. ano ngang mai-ooffer niyo?"

Walang emosyong hinarap ko ang kapatid niya, "I don't know. You decide. Maybe use me..." I look straight at his eyes, ".. again." I whispered.

Umiwas ito ng tingin.

"Well.. " Rago trailed. "Since you're the one managing, maybe I can think some things that you can do for us next time, right Rio?"