Hello There, Stranger

Part 19

"Can you add the month-on-month expense to this report and the summary of your biggest takeaways please, I need those details before lunchtime. Also, I need you to join me at the conference later, I'll be presenting what you created and there might be additional questions from the executives that I need your expertise on." Dean instructed her and she nodded vigorously.

Erika felt her hand turn ice when she heard his words, she was a novice in the corporate world, and having to deal with executives at this tenure seemed a faraway thought.

What should I do? What if I messed up? She asked herself. 

She tried to relax, trying to ease her mind while she immediately pulled out the data that Dean was asking for. It was the second day that she had not seen Francis and her heart felt heavy every morning, he had been so busy that even calling her seemed much of a struggle apart from the obvious time difference. He left her a voice message now and then, but she wanted to have a chance to talk to him, to be in his arms. To smell his usual aftershave. Little details filled her thoughts on Francis, fueling her desire to be with him.

She missed him. She wished he could come home soon.

As she went on her day preparing for the big presentation she tried to suppress her thoughts to give focus on what was at hand, Erika anticipated questions regarding the data that she collated and so she made sure to print additional source materials that the clients may ask for, her hands were shaking when they walked side by side ni Dean patungo sa conference room. When they went in the executives were already there and some invited clients as they greeted each other and exchanged introductions. Erika was politely smiling as she tried to conceal the throbbing on her chest. She positioned herself behind Dean as he started his presentation, she knew the details of the report at the back of her hand and so in synch with Dean's explanation, she immediately distributed the printout report to give more details as she moved along from one person to another. Dean showcased confidence like he knew what he was doing, he gave out enough details but not the nitty gritty things with specific strategies in mind, the presentation was smooth and easy to follow so when he finished a loud applause echoed throughout the room appreciating what he did. They stayed for a few more minutes entertaining questions from the panel and when it was finally done Erika's breath, relief washed over her.

Natapos din! She thought.

She was about to step out of the conference room ng biglang mahagip ni Dean ang kanyang kamay. She immediately turned around and faced him.

"Erika, the clients wanted to eat out and have a few drinks can you please join in?" He asked her but she wondered if she had a choice but to decline this.

"I don't want to drink so please don't force me because I will strongly decline" The words came out before she could even think it through.

Dean smirked. "Is that a personal choice?" He asked teasing her.

I'm pregnant! She wanted to blurt but instead of answering she just gave him a firm stern look. 

Dean raised his hand "Okay, okay. No alcohol for you. Anything else?" He played along.

"No smoking..." She added.

Dean laughed at her comment but nodded right after. "You hated those vices huh?"

Yes, and because I am pregnant! Came her thoughts.

Erika made a quick detour to the bathroom to retouch her makeup. She paused and stared at herself in the mirror. Her bump was still oblivious because of her wardrobe choices, wearing black conceals her belly perfectly kaya naman wala pang isang tao ang nagtanong sa kalagayan niya but as the baby grew bigger, she wondered how she could announce it. It felt like the calm before the storm, if this were out in the open, people would lose it confirming their stories na pinikot lang niya si, Francis.