The Ideal Brew

Chapter 3

Being an Executive Assistant to one of the youngest and most influential legislator wasn't exactly my dream job. However, it was my stepping stone to gain what I've always wanted - to actively contribute to the overall welfare of the society.

It was a passion shared by our family - in my father's side. My father worked as field officer for a national government agency. My aunts were in the local government offices while some of my uncles were either policemen or soldiers. Even my grandmother was a public school teacher in our province. Being a public servant runs in our blood and when my elder brother didn't get that 'calling' to serve for the country, they knew that I would continue our legacy. I didn't disappoint them; I was the first Candelaria after four generations to serve at the Legislative Branch and everyone said I was lucky to have Ms. Amanda as my boss.

Of all the things I loved about my job, it was the interaction I had with the people. Sure, I did meet the President several times but I wanted to be on hand with the people I wanted to serve. I was working under Ms. Amanda for more than half her term and though I spent most of it in the confines of the office, I make sure that whenever I get the chance to meet the people, I make the most out of it.

It had been two months since I last attended a meeting with different civil society organizations and sitting in this plush chair watching at these people in their expensive clothes only deepened my desire sneak away and attend the groundbreaking ceremony at a new resettlement site a few minutes away from this building. I distinctly remember that Ms. Amanda received an invitation for it. However, Ms. Amanda asked me to accompany her to the Annual Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Conference and so I obliged.

Since we arrived, the man who offered Ms. Amanda a seat had engaged her in a conversation which meant it was my job to record everything she missed throughout the presentation. My notebook was already filled with various notes on everything that was presented, including the doodles that bordered my notes.

I fought to keep focus on the presentation of the heavily made-up woman with fake lashes who was discussing her business. However, I and several of the people in the room were distracted by the distinct lines of her thong against her tight red dress.

Surely, the groundbreaking ceremony would've been more fulfilling than Mrs. Sanchez and her thongs.

"Jazz," Ms. Amanda called and I wrenched my eyes away from the speaker. I went beside Ms. Amanda, who was sitting at the huge conference table, and crouched beside her. "There's an expo at the hall downstairs, please check it out. I want you to see if some of their business proposals might suit the need of our province."

"Okay, Ms. Amanda."

"I thought you might like that over Mrs. Sanchez' thongs," Ms. Amanda smiled and I giggled.

"Thanks," I replied gratefully.

"Don't forget to ask for fliers and check their products. There might be something interesting there."

"Yes, Miss."

I immediately grabbed my stuff and went to the expo. It was quite interesting. Several businesses were showcasing local delicacies and hand-woven products. I was inspecting a canvass bag when I felt someone standing close beside me.

"I told you we'll see each other again."

I turned around to see Mr. Sol smiling while he checked the other products at the table.

"What are you doing here?" I frowned, looking up at him.

He took his time examining the bamboo trays before glancing at me.

"I'm a businessman. This is a business expo. Don't you think that it is normal that I should be here?" He placed the tray back at the table and asked the attendant for a catalogue.

Of course that made sense but I would not admit that to him. I was supposed to avenge the false presumptions he said but here he was again, getting the better of me.

"What do you want?" I tried to sound casual but it still came off a bit hostile. He turned to face me, unperturbed by my unwelcoming behavior. It was unnerving how he managed to annoy me and made me feel lightheaded at the same time.

To hell with that smile.

"You know what I want," he replied.

"You tried -,"

"And I won't stop trying until I get what I want," he said with a determined look on his face. "Ms. Jazz, you saw my project proposal. You know how beneficial it would be."

"Yes, it is an astounding project but do tell me, who always benefits the most in businesses?" I asked. His face hardened. He knew where I was going with this.

"It will help the people of Sigayan," he stated. "It will create more jobs."

I looked at him disbelievingly. "No, it will help you more than the Sigayans. That is what businesses are for: to make profits. You are pursuing that project for the potential profit you will get from it. What happens then if your project proved unprofitable? Will you still allow the Sigayans to keep their jobs?"

Mr. Sol remained silent. All the pent up anger I felt towards him came out as I said those words. This is why I refused to work at the private sector. All the work people do was to make more money for company owners. They only work to make the rich richer.

The lady attending at the stall was awkwardly watching us, unsure of what was happening. Mr. Sol looked at me, his face indecipherable.

"Boss," a familiar voice called. I turned around and saw Kuya Ernie standing behind me with a stunned look on his face.

"Is the conference over?" I asked him.

"Ah, Boss s-sent me t-to get the uhm," he stuttered while glancing at Mr. Sol. I frowned at him.

"It's at the parking lot. Nissan Navarra, ZAS733. Bryce is waiting for you," Mr. Sol said, his eyes still fixed on me.

Kuya Ernie avoided my gaze, his head slightly bowed. He nodded at Mr. Sol and scurried away.

"Send my regards to Representative Mateo," Mr. Sol called out to Kuya Ernie.

I pursed my lips and clenched my jaws when I realized what just happened.

It only takes a simple token.