The Best Man

Chapter 32

Weeks have passed and we’re still dating.

Yeah, Justin is making his time and effort just to see me. I am very happy, at least we are trying to make things work out despite his busy schedule.

“Hey, have you heard? The CEO’s coming back this afternoon.” Alex said.

“Really, I wonder how he looks like. Maybe he’s a forty year old bastard. Haha..”  Mitch continued.

“Haven’t you really seen him? I mean the Editor/CEO of JIR Publishing?” I asked.

They both shrugged at me.

“How is that? He’s managing a publishing house and yet, he doesn’t meet his employees?”

“He’s only meeting the HR manager.” Alex said.

“Oh, I see. Is he really an old man?” I asked again.

“No one knows.” Mitch answered.

“Everyone, this afternoon the Editor/CEO is coming back from Italy. Maybe tomorrow, he’s going to meet all of you. So you better finish all your tasks and be prepared. We might not know what the CEO is planning for all of us.” Ms. Cortez announced.

“Yeah right. And he’s gonna make our life a hell. Why did he decide to show off his ass on us?” Alex hissed.

“Oh, you stubborn man, just shut up and finish all your copy reading.” Mitch yelled.

“As you wish,” and Alex left.

This day is a very tiring day for me. I have read a lot of short readings and have to make a summary for all of them. Then I have to re-type and copy read them.

It’s almost seven in the evening and I am not yet done with all my stuff.

Justin also called me and told me that he will not be able to fetch me at the office because he needs to fly out of town for an emergency meeting with one of his investors.

“Hey girl, aren’t you going home yet?” Mitch asked.

“Not yet, 3 more books and I’m done. You can go home first. You don’t need to wait for me.” I told her.

“You sure?” Alex asked.

“Yeah, bye Mitch, bye Alex.”

Oh hell, I’ve never worked this late. It’s already nine and I am still up for the last book.

“Few more minutes and I’m done.” I said to myself.

I got my phone and contacted Manong Jun, “Hello, Manong, can you pick me up at ten? I am about to finish my work. Ok, thanks. Bye.”

“Done!” and I saved my work in the laptop.

I stretched a bit and my body is aching. “I’ll never do this again.” I told myself.

I got my things and went out of the office, good thing, the guard is still in here waiting for me to finish.

“I’m really sorry sir, I have to finish all my work for today. You know, the CEO is coming tomorrow.”

“It’s ok mam, it’s my duty.”

I waved him good bye and went at a nearby coffee shop. I haven’t eaten yet and my stomach is growling.

When I finished drinking my coffee, I noticed a car parked outside the office. I intently looked at it, it’s as if it’s waiting for someone.

Then I noticed someone got out of the building, a very familiar face.

 But I can’t seem to really recognize him, because it’s dark outside and I am from a far.

But, I really think I know him.

I really do know him.

But this can’t be.

No, he can’t be.

Yesterday was hell but I was able to regain my strength when I had a good night sleep. Justin did call me after his meeting.

Yes, he’s still out of the country and he’s flying back as soon as he can.

He said he misses me and so am I. I really do miss him.

I am now heading to our office. I woke up at five, because we have to be very early. The Editor-in-chief/CEO of the company is about to meet us.

“I wonder what made the CEO decide to show off his face, I’ve been working here since this publishing house has started and I haven’t seen him even his shadow,” said Martha. She’s one of the senior editors.

“I don’t know, maybe he’s ready to face us and will say that we are about to be layed off.” Said Kenneth, he’s also one of the senior editors.

“Hey Ella, so early huh?” and Alex gave me a hug.

“Back off man, and for your information, Ella has never been late since she started. Unlike you, you are always late,” said Mitch.

“Stop it you guys, you’re always quarreling. Is that a lovers’ quarrel?” I narrowed my eyes on them.

“No way!” They said in duet.

As always, they’re like that. As if they are in a relationship quarreling on petty things.

“Everyone, please gather at the conference room,” Ms. Rosell announced.

At the conference room, we are busy chit chatting. Some are also busy with their conversations with other employees when Ms. Cortez entered the room.

“Good morning, today, the Editor-in-chief/CEO wants to meet all of us. He went to Italy to attend to a very important matter and has decided to come back here and finally work with us hand-in-hand. May I have the honor to present to you, the CEO of JIR Publishing, Mr. Jonas Inigo Rojas, let’s give him a round of applause.”

JONAS INIGO ROJAS. . .

JONAS INIGO ROJAS. . .

JONAS INIGO ROJAS. . .

JONAS INIGO ROJAS. . .

My heart stopped at the moment I heard that name. 

When I finally saw the man who entered the conference room, my eyes blurred and then went all black out.