Love Next Door

23 - Refuge

JERON

Dad asked me to go with him to check on our hotel branch here in Tagaytay since nandito na rin ako.

Greenlight Hotels is a chain of first-class hotels established all over the country and owned by our family.

Ipinakilala ni Dad sa akin ang general manager ng branch, si Mr. Eric Asuncion.

His office was spacious, and it had several paintings hanging on the wall. There was a black leather couch on the left side which I believe is a recliner chair.

Must be good to sit on that during office breaks.

"Hello, Sir. Jeron po.", I greeted and we shook hands.

"What a handsome young lad. Pero parang ngayon lang kita nakita, hijo. Aren't you managing any of your branches yet?", he asked.

I was about to give an answer when Dad suddenly interfered.

"Ah. You know this son of mine, he's a brave one. When he graduated, he chose to go his independent way, which is not what is expected of him. Kaya proud pa rin ako sa batang 'to.", my father replied.

"But I'm... I'm actually considering going back.", I said.

"Really, anak? That's great!", Dad said, holding my shoulder.

"But no pressure. Do what you have to do.", he added, smiling.

I wouldn't have known how supportive my dad can be if not for everything that happened.

Indeed, mistakes are only mistakes until you turn them into learning experiences.

"Wow. Good for you two. Ako, yung anak ko, hindi na ata mapipigilan eh. Nag-enjoy na sa med school, palibhasa nakahanap ng inspirasyon.", kwento ni Sir Eric.

"Med school?", I asked, curious.

"Yes. He's a third year med student in St. Luke's. Dapat hihinto na yun eh. Then take up a business course overseas. Kaya lang na-in love yata. Hindi makaalis.", he said with a laugh.

Third year? St. Luke's?

Mika might happen to know him.

"Yata? Haven't you met the lady yet?", Dad asked the manager.

"Not yet. Mukhang hindi pa napapasagot. Hindi ko pa kasi naturuan.", he responded jokingly.

"Buti na lang itong si Jeron, mabilis. Right, son?", Dad winked.

I could only shake my head at their conversation.

"Ibang klase pala itong anak mo, Sir. Di bale, I'll tell Matthew na galingan din niya ang panliligaw."

Matthew?!

Hindi kaya...

"Uhm, this place is far from St. Luke's. Surely he doesn't travel everyday back and forth from here, right?", I asked, hoping he won't notice na nagfifish lang ako ng info.

"Ah, no. I bought him a condo in Makati. And he has a car so kahit medyo malayo, manageable pa rin for him.", Sir Eric answered.

Wow. Small world.

I'm 99% certain that it's him.

That same guy na naging partner ni Mika sa paper.