Tulips

40. Back to Reality.

Freen.

The next day...

I was in a good mood when I woke up. I messaged Becky right away saying good morning. It might be too early for her to reply so I took a shower. On my way to work, I stopped by my favorite cafe. A staff there, whom I had a fling before always wait for me and hand me my order. I said a quick thank you before driving away.

I arrived at the office at 7:40 am. When I entered my office, I noticed a bouquet of flowers on my desk.

"An early delivery for you, Ms. Sarocha." May said smiling at me before closing the door.

I went near and picked it up. It was a combination of carnation and pink Tulips. I recognize the style of the bouquet. I looked into the card that comes with it and read: "A simple Thank You gift for a wonderful vacation I had with you. - B" I was shocked knowing that It's from Becky.

I felt as if my tummy plunged from a high building. I smiled widely as I stare at the bouquet. I even took a picture of it.

At exactly 8am, May knocked and entered my office.

"Miss You have an 8:30 meeting with Mr. Eli Jacobs from Jacobs Corp. Another for 1pm for Mr. Lee of the Lee Brewery. A 3pm meeting with Mr. Heng. And here's your ham and cheese croissant."

"Thanks May."

I sat at my chair reached for my coffee and took a bite of the croissant. The whole time I was eating I was staring at the flower. After eating I forced myself into work. The phone beeped indicating a call from May which I answered right away.

"Miss, Mr. Jacobs is here for the 8:30 meeting."

I looked at the clock, it's just 8:20 am. He's early. Good.

"Let him in."

I stood and walked towards the door. I stopped a few steps away from it. A tall foreigner looking man entered the room. He went to me and offered his hand.

"Ms. Sarocha, I'm Eli Jacobs, it's a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for granting this meeting." He said smiling widely.

He's young too and cute.

"Hi Mr. jacobs. The pleasure is mine. Please come in and have a seat." I went back to my table and sat down.

"Oh, I feel stupid. I should have brought a flower too."

I was confused why would he say that until I looked at him. He was looking at the bouquet.

"Oh, no need. That's just from a friend." I said getting the flowers and putting it on the table behind me. "How may I help you, Mr. Jacobs?"

"Please, do call me Eli, I feel old with that. The Mr. Jacobs is my father which is the CEO. He's in the U.S. while I'm the President of the company here and also the marketing manager. I'm here as the representative of my father to propose a business venture. I assume you know nothing of our company, right?"

He got me. "I'm afraid I don't, sorry."

"It's okay. I actually expected it. We're actually not that well known here unlike in the U.S. Our company is basically  runs bars and restaurants. Well the name of our company itself aren't known but..." He then went closer and showed me his ipad to show some pictures.

"You might be familiar with 'The Lynx' which is a buffet restaurant, 'The Boiling point' which is a seafood restaurant and 'The Crabbies' a western restaurant who's biggest pride are the King crabs."

"I have eaten at 'The Lynx' the food was great."

"That's great to know. We own those chain of restaurants and we aim to expand more."

Hmm... I'm impressed. Is he here to franchise?

"The reason why I'm here though is... I'm actually one of those who have watched that viral video. I even went there myself."

"Ah, The Equinox. I do hope you did enjoyed your stay there."

"Oh, I did. That's why I'm here. I experienced first hand why your bar is well known. I was also impressed how long you have researched and succeeded in bringing those mouth watering drinks. I would like to propose a joint venture. We'll bring 'The Equinox' in the U.S."

I was surprised by his proposal. It's like a dream, maybe I am dreaming. I was confused though cause he said bring not franchise.

"Wait. Did I just heard you right? You wanted to bring 'The Equinox' in the U.S.?"

"Yes. The concept, the ambiance, the building structure, the service, the food and specially the drinks we all want it. 'The Equinox' is a perfect blend of all of those and that's what we want. We want the exact same thing. And I'm sure the Americans will love it cause I loved it."

The way he talks is very convincing. The way he describes 'The Equinox' shows he really did went there and experienced it himself.

"I'm not expecting for you to say yes right away. I was actually asking for your email but May said you don't give out any personal email. So I'll be sending the proposal via your business email. Plus, I hope you'll say yes that I'll take you to our other restaurants so you could at least experience what we offer."

Now why does that feel like he wanted to ask me out. As if he read my mind.

"That's intentionally pure business of course. It's like you giving us a chance to know us before you decide." He then tried to look cute. "Will you?"

That made me laugh.

"You're silly. Let me think about it, the proposal and the invite."

"Fair enough. I'll be leaving this then. This is my business card so you could contact me directly. Any questions I'd be happy to answer."

I took it. He then stood and offered his hand. I shook it.

"Again, thanks for meeting me. Finally get to see you. You're far more prettier in person."

My face suddenly felt warm.

"Thanks." I stood and went around the table and led him towards the door.

"I hope to hear from you soon. Have a great day, Ms. Sarocha." He smiled widely before going out of the room.