GIRL FRIDAY (Completed)

Chapter 4 - The Proposition

Second update for the day mga beshies! But maybe some of you have read this, as it was the teaser I posted on Cold Feet. There were slight changes but the thought is still the same. I'm excited for you to see how their first meeting went, so please be patient pa, malapit na magkita si Richard and Maine in this story. 

I hope you all had time to share with your dads and hubbies, hope this story is just a nice companion for winding down in the day. As always, hit me with your comments and views. Mas gaganda na discussions natin when they will finally meet. For now, just a glimpse of daddy's plans for his son, a mirror of how much he cares for his son's welfare :)

The following day, Maine was worried all morning while in class. She wondered if Richard Sr. heard her comments about his son, feeling her face flush at the memory. She had a class later on and hoped he wouldn't keep her too long with this coffee meeting.

Richard Sr. was already in the coffee shop when Maine arrived. She was feeling a little paranoid but still curious, and that was what prompted her to meet him, despite her friend Chanel's warning that the man might have malicious intentions for inviting her out. But Richard Sr. has been nothing but a perfect gentleman to her, there was no reason for her to doubt his intentions. Yet.

"Nicomaine........hi." He stood up and gave her a slight nod, waiting for her to take the seat across him. Have you had lunch? Feel free to order, my treat."

"Thank you po."

So bubusugin niya muna ako bago pagalitan. Goodbye job, it was good while it lasted.

Malicious intentions or not, she was hungry and her funds were just enough for next week's meals and commute. She ordered the Sardine and Garlic Linguini and some muffins, cringing inside at how needy she was. She still had classes till evening later, this heavy meal would tide her over till it was time for her to go home.

He just watched her eating with a slight smile on his face, just an innocent smile, not a malicious or lecherous leer. He sipped his coffee and checked his watch, prompting him to make a call.

"Hello anak.......how are you? Have you had dinner.................Good. Your meds.............ok. I've booked you on a flight already..................No problem. I'll pick you up at the airport, ok? Sleep well, son. Bye."

She was finished eating by the time he ended his call, yet he still did not give her any indication what this meeting is for.

"Nicomaine, hija......I need to ask you some questions, medyo personal ha, I hope you don't mind. If you don't want to answer, just say so, ok?"

"Ok sir. Is this about your son's picture? Joke lang po yun, sorry na po."

"Forget about that. I want to know, do you have a boyfriend?"

"Po?"

"Boyfriend, what do you young people call it.......jowa?"

She burst out laughing, not expecting him to know what the term meant.

"I'm sorry sir, natawa ako na alam niyo meaning ng jowa. No jowa sir."

"Suitors? And if meron, is there anyone you like among them?"

"No suitors rin sir. They've all given up on me."

"Huh? Bakit naman, pretty girl like you..........."

"Uh, sir......" She squirmed uneasily with what he said.

"Teka before you jump to conclusions, I want you to know, malinis ang intentions ko sayo."

"Sir! Teka lang po, am I sending you wrong signals? Hindi naman po ako sexy manamit, hindi rin po ako nagflirt ever with you. Maybe I should leave." She made a move to stand but his hand shot out to hold her wrist. She looked at him, alarmed. He withdrew his hand and motioned for her to sit again.

"Wait! So-sorry.......Last question.....and please, stay. There's a reason behind all this."

"O—okay po." She mentally berated herself for ordering. She might have to pay this meal herself to avoid his indecent proposal, or whatever it was he had in mind for her.

"Nicomaine.......I overheard you talking on the phone about a problem with your tuition. Have you solved the problem?"

"Sir.......this conversation is making me uneasy."

"Just answer, a simple yes or no will do."

"No sir. Nakabayad po ako para makapasok pero yung next payment wala pa. But I still don't see what this has to do with you po."

"Ok, I'll cut to the chase. I want you Nicomaine.......for my son."

"Po? But I don't know your son. And from what I hear, he already has a girlfriend and he's not here."

"They broke up and he's taking it badly. Pinauuwi ko na siya dito, he will be arriving in two weeks. He'll be working with me in the office."

"Sir, I don't see how this will have anything to do with me."

"I want you to help him forget about this girl. Be a friend to him. Make him like you, I don't care how. Basta gusto ko mag-snap out na siya sa depression niya. It's been six months and he still has not bounced back. Wala laging kausap and he's alone all the time, I'm worried he'll do something stupid. Loner kasi siya, his only best friend was the one who betrayed him, so he has no one to talk to."

"But sir.......buti kung pansinin niya ko. Pano kami magkikita? Besides, labas na ito sa responsibilitis ko as your sec—"

"I'll pay you extra. I'll shoulder tuition for your remaining year, your allowance and other school expenses. I'll re-assign you to be his secretary para mas may chance kayo magkasama."

"Sir.....I don't know........pwede ko po ba pag-isipan muna? Won't your son get offended if he finds out about this?"

"Pano niya malalaman eh dalawa lang tayong nag-uusap ngayon? I need an answer quickly, di ako matahimik till I know there's hope for my son. Will you call me tomorrow?"

"Si—sige po."

"Think about it Nicomaine, you'll finish your schooling on time. After you graduate, I can take you on as one of the associates in the company. If you pass the board exam, I can raise your salary further. So many opportunities will be made available to you if you will accept my offer."

She closed her eyes, her head spinning. It was a tempting offer, and she was relieved that his intentions weren't as bad as she thought they would be. She wanted to graduate on time, find a job and help her mother expand their business.

"Sir........sige po."

"Alis ka na?"

"Hindi po, I meant sige po, payag na ko."

"Talaga? Great.....great. Sige, heto na paunang payment mo." He whipped out his checkbook and started writing on it.

"Teka po......payment agad?"

"Yes......buy yourself some decent clothes. No offense hija, pero you need to wear more corporate attire from now on."

He tore off the check and handed it to her, smiling as she reluctantly took the payment.

A camera whirred somewhere as someone was taking a photo of the exchange. The photographer smiled maliciously as he surveyed his shots.

Not bad, not bad at all.