Brent left around 3 pm. Hindi ko na siya inasar pa dahil baka kailanganin na naman niya ng cold shower. He wanted to stay but I pushed him out of the door. As much as I want him here, I know he has businesses to attend to.
And so am I.
Maraming paalala si Cynthia sa akin kingabihan. Ang sabi niya aalis kami ng 9:00 am to meet with the other person involved sa groundbreaking.
I suddenly wonder if Brent will be there? Mr. Mauritius seems to be fond of him. I snorted. Everybody does. Wala pa akong nakilala na ayaw sa kaniya.
I wore a beige pencil cut dress at binitbit na lang muna ang blazer na puti. My hair is in high ponytail. May driver na sa baba para ihatid kami sa venue. I sent a text to him earlier bago ako maligo at hindi na nasundan pa iyon.
"Do you have a copy of attendees?" I asked Cynthia. Naglalagay ako ng hoop earings sa loob ng van.
"Here, Ma'am." abot niya sa akin ng papel.
I scanned the list, a lot were familiar names in engineering industry. My eyes stopped on his name. Aattend siya. Kaya hindi na rin ako nagulat nang makita ang pangalan niya sa mga aattend sa gala.
"Thanks." abot ko kay Cynthia pabalik.
She handed me a white hard hat na isusuot daw mamaya sa documentation and picture taking ng event. I represent Tito Tristan's name. I decided not to take the company until I fully know its whereabouts.
Kaya ngayon ay kay Tito pa rin ito and I have no complaint. Hindi ko rin naman gusto ang buong pagpapatakbo ng kumpanya. I just want to know what my father has built and established when he was still alive.
We arrived at the open lot by 9:32 am. Bumaba na ako at nakasunod sa akin si Cynthia. Simple lang naman ang itsura. May mga upuan na puti at may magaganap atang ribon cutting mamaya.
"Miss Alyana! The heiress, nice too meet you! So glad to have finally see you in person." nakipagkamayan ako kay Mr. Lopez, supplier ng mga steel and other roofing materials.
Dahil gaya ng sabi ko, I never showed up in any of the events na ginaganap sa ibang lugar bukod sa Bicol. This is the first time.
"Mr. Aranda." pakilala ng isang lalaki na medyo may kaedaran na.
"Alyana Maraña po." i smiled.
"Hija, I have plans to build a resort in Antique, could I get your company?" nanlaki ang mata ko roon.
"Our company would be glad po. My secetary will contact you to set an appointment any date that's convenient to you, Sir." I politely said.
Dumako naman ang tingin ko sa pagdating ni Mr. Mauritius na kausap si Brent. Agad niyang nahanap ang titig ko.
"Hija! I've heard great things about you!" a woman greeted me. We talked pure business pero numanakaw ng tingin ang mata ko kay Brent.
"I've heard it's your first time accepting an invitation? Is that true?"
"I lived in Bicol and most of the events are held in Manila so I don't have the time." paliwanag ko.
I am okay with crowds. Back in Bicol, I've dealt with a lot of business tycoons so I know how to handle these conversations. Cynthia is just standing behind me. Kalaunan lumapit si Mr. Mauritius sa amin.
"Alisa, hija! How's the dinner with Brent last time?" napakurap ako.
Yon talaga ang bungad?
"It was fine. And you didn't have to pay for our dinner but still, thanks, Mr. Mauritius." ngumiti ako.
