A Virgin for the CEO

44

Eric continued on.

"If you're going to study and we're paying for it, you're study-ing in the best university that'll serve you what you need. If you're going to work hard, it will be in an educational institution that's going to give you as best as you've got. I would bring you abroad if I can... I just know that's going to be too much for you. Maybe, eventually, if you'll have your Master's, that can be arranged."

"Whoa-whoa-whoa... wait. Wait. Stop."

He was shaking his head. "You'll have to wrap your head around that, baby. I have the same proposition about Tommy's education, too. That kid's head is alert, and his intelligence is strong. A technical school isn't enough for him. He can lead an industry if he's educated and trained right."

"Eric, stop. This is too much."

He squeezed her hand. "Hey... my plans for Tommy started after I received reports from Chairman Castro about his performance on the job. He's been impressive from the first day. That laptop wasn't only for work—I wanted him to start wrapping his head around the activities he needs to start doing before he gets to college. He can either be a scientist or a chairperson, but he has qualities that could get him through the right education to get there. I can't expect him to learn the confidence to meet others like him who's probably going to be from the best schools, here and abroad, if he doesn't go to the right college. Training him and educating him will be a welcome challenge. I already am looking for young people like him before we even met, and I feel stupid for not seeing that one... is just right under my nose."

She watched him... saw how serious he was and noted the change in his tone and voice while he talked about Tommy. She believed she was seeing the businessman Enrique in him, the man known to be the Quiroz tycoon. And she felt like she didn't really know this person.

"And you... on the other hand. I don't have any idea how you did in school, but I asked and observed." He kissed her knuckles. "I admit I want to spoil you, give you the best. I heard you had honors when you finished high school. I see the number of reading materials in your house. I see how easily you managed the lunch break activity in your house... considering how young you are, and you have helpers who were twice or almost thrice your age helping you... and I see how they look up to you for instructions. You are feeding almost fifty men now in the house, not including even the amount of food that needs to get packed and sent to the offices since now, our office staff wanted your food instead of their own cooking." He was shaking his head, amazed. "Who else at your age can do that...?"

She blinked. "I-I have good and fast workers. They just know what to do."

He nodded. "And you know who among them does something specific better than the others. You knew who to pick to do something else. You think fast on your feet—that's economical movement, makes work faster even without the basic electronic equipment. I wanted to bring in a big oven and a commercial dishwasher for you... but I didn't think it was going to help as everyone just wants to work around you. So you roast and grill using wood and coal and as I understand, in the few weeks this started, it's become like a commu-nity thing everyone enjoys. You, brother and sister, keep on amazing me. So don't think this is all just about my feelings. With good education, you two can multiply what you have accomplished so far. Do you understand me?"

She gulped. "I think I do, Guidance Counselor, sir."

He blinked. Then he laughed, his head thrown back.

"How old are you again?" she asked, frowning, truly curious and feeling stupid she hadn't asked before. "I know your birth date, but I don't remember the year. It's April 24. If you happen to be here, your father always held a big party."