Together but Separate

Chapter 28: Above and Beyond

Kate R. Ferragni

I finished my work on time because I did not want Nicko to keep waiting for me. And I knew he was the type of guy who was always on time. I couldn't remember Nicko being late in any engagements.

As expected, driver niya ang sumundo sa akin. We drove to his workplace kagaya ng usapan namin na roon kami magkikita. The bodyguards were just following behind us. When we arrived, it was as if they knew about my arrival because the moment the car had parked in the driveway, someone immediately opened the door for me.

People in tuxedos greeted me. The other opened the car door and the others bowed their heads as if I was a royalty.

"Good afternoon, madame."

I wasn't able to pay attention to them because I looked up to see how huge Nicko's company was. To be honest, this building was bigger than the one I visited in Italy. Maybe because it was cheaper to build here in the Philippines than in Italy. Isa pa, nag-merge ang business nina Mommy and Daddy kaya siguro mas malaki ang branch nila dito sa bansa.

"Madame?"

Doon lang ako napatingin sa kanila. They were smiling at me and waiting for me to respond.

"I'm sorry I didn't hear you because I was amazed how tall this building was."

"It's okay, madame." Tango ng lalaki sa akin. "Ako nga po pala si Adrian. I am Sir Nicko's assistant. Welcome po sa companya. We are very happy to finally meet you."

"Hi Adrian, I'm Kate." I extended my hand to him. He was shocked at first, but he eventually shook hands with me. When we're done shaking hands, I let go and said, "Can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure, madame. Kahit ano po."

"Pwede ba next time huwag na kayong yumuko para batiin ako? Hindi kasi ako comfortable na ginaganun. And if you could just call me ma'am instead of madame. I prefer that or just call me 'Kate' if you like."

"Pasensya na po. Sa susunod hindi na po kami yuyuko, and we will just call you ma'am for respect po."

Tumango ako. "Salamat."

"You're welcome po. This way po, ma'am. Naghihintay na po sa inyo si Sir Nicko."

Sumunod ako sa kanya. We entered the building and saw how beautiful it was in the inside. The Italy building was sophisticated and fancier and this branch looked fancy also. They had their own version of glamour.

They guided me to the marbled elevator, and I saw him pressed the 37th floor button. I saw that the buttons were up to 40th floor, but maybe 37th floor was where Nicko's office was located.

"Are you hungry po ba, ma'am? Do you want to eat first, use the bathroom or change?"

Umiling ako. "No, thank you. I'm okay."

They were very accommodating to me. Nicko briefed them well or should I say that they had good ethics.

When we reached the 37th floor, the elevator opened. They let me stepped out first, and I followed their instructions to walk straight then turn right. My brows furrowed when I heard a loud noise and a strong air blew my hair.

"Are we in the roof top?" tanong ko.

"Nandito po tayo sa helipad, ma'am. Nandoon po si Sir Nicko," sabay turo niya sa taas.

Because of my curiosity, I walked up the stairs and the helicopter was slowly getting visible to me as I made it on top of the stairs. My eyes widened when I saw Nicko waiting for me in his tuxedo while holding a huge bouquet of roses.