The Ace of Hearts

Chapter 21: Hi, Spade

"My apologies for the late notice, Mr. Ymarez. I couldn't contact you through phone, the reason why I decided to visit your company late at this hour," pagyuko ko habang nakatayo sa harapan niya.

The time I started working for LeFevbre's businesses two years ago, kabado ako whenever I am in this position. But because I got used to it, hindi na bago sa akin ang mga ganitong bagay. I always cover up my boss whenever he wants to cancel his appointed schedules with his other business partners and potential investors.

"Next time, you inform me before the day of the said meeting with Mr. LeFevbre. Do you even know that I had to cancel my negotiation with other businesses as well because I had prioritized meeting with your boss?" hindi naman siya nanenermon pero seryoso ang tono nito. And I know he's not joking.

He's seated in front of his office table and I look like an employee na sinesermunan niya ngayon. Also, he's a fat and white guy kaya hindi maikakailang medyo hinihingal siya ngayon. Mas lalo pa kaya kung sigawan o pagalitan niya ako.

"I am very sorry, Mr. Ymarez," pagyuko ko ulit, "Mr. LeFevbre had an urgent meeting to attend to. It was a bit of crucial and needs to be resolved at his earliest convenience," maayos kong sagot na tiningala siya.

"And what kind of emergency is that? He even told me last time that our business meeting today is never at his least priority," idinikit niya ang hintuturo sa lamesa, "This is all about them, V.Connoisseur Corporation," diin pa nito.

I always hear that corporation na binabanggit nila kay Hart, I don't even know what that is. As far as I know, wala namang business si Hart na ganon ang pangalan. But based on my observation, parang tinitingala ng lahat ang corporation na 'yon.

"You don't have to worry about it, Mr. Ymarez. My boss will make sure that this would be the first and last time it would happen. Hindi na po mauulit," pagyuko ko.

I am not allowed to be impatient whenever nasasabihan ako sa tuwing nagpapacancel ng meeting si Hart. Hindi naman siya basta-basta hindi mag-aattend sa isang meeting kung hindi masyadong importante ang gagawin niya. Like I said, Hart prioritizes work over anything or even anyone.

"Ano bang klaseng emergency yan?" he even asked.

"With that, I can't tell, Sir. It's a private matter."

Maski ako ay hindi ko alam. He went with that girl. Should I say he had a date with someone? Mas importante ba ang babae na 'yon? As far as I'm concerned, I've never seen him with that woman even once, imposibleng business partner niya 'yon dahil kung makahawak sa kanya, parang sila.

Nagpakawala si Mr. Ymarez nang isang malalim na buntong-hininga, "Fine. If you are not such a beautiful lady, I wouldn't negotiate with your boss ever again. Tell him to send the Spade here on his behalf, if not, I want one of the V.Connoisseur here today until four pm or else, this negotiation is done," para nito akong pinapaalalahanan sa bawat salitang binibitawan niya.

I might not get it fully, pero tango na lang ako tango, "You may now leave."