You Are In Love

Kabanata 1

Kabanata 1

Congratulations

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I drove on the way to GE Industries, nang muntik pang maligaw dahil they have 5 separate high-rise towers around BGC palang. Turns out the email they sent us after we submitted the bid form has the info that the meeting will take place in their tower called GE Main House.

While I was driving, I let my phone read the infos on GE Industries out loud.

I learned that GE stands for their founder's name, Gregorio Escala Sr. His son, following his footsteps of being the President/ CEO is named Gregorio Escala Jr., the Junior's son still following GE's initials, is The Third, and their current president is The Fourth.

Fourth is only 27 years old, with a degree in business from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania – the leading university in business management in the whole world.

What the fuck, right?

Also, Fourth just finished his master's degree in Harvard Business School 3 years ago.

"Hey, Siri," I called for my phone. "Stop reading,"

"Okay, Josiah. That is all."

"Thank you, Siri," buntong hininga ko.

Kung nakakaramdam lang itong si Siri, malamang itinanong na niya kung bakit ako nininerbyos ngayon.

Bumaba ako mula sa aking Ford Ranger nang parahin at sabihin ng isang valet boy na reserved ang pangalan ko ng isang parking space sa ground floor ng kanilang building. Inipon ko ang lahat ng kailangan kong dalhin na nasa iisang malaking bag– bid forms, blueprints, rendered perspectives na nakadikit sa cold-pressed illustration boards, at swatch boards. Ang iba pang boards na kailangan kagaya ng concept at inspiration boards ay dala ni Idris. Mas maarte sa detalye kasi ang isang iyon.

Iginiya ako ng guard papasok sa lobby, kung saan kumikinang ang puti nilang marmol na sahig na umaakyat patungo sa mga pader nito. May kakaunting itim na herringbone patterns lang sa iilang parte ng sahig. Ang reception desk naman na nasa dulo ng lobby ay buong itim na kahoy na sinadyang ukitin sa ilalim na parte para malagyan ng cove lighting. Mataas din ang ceiling ng buong paligid na sinabitan ng mga puti at gold na chandelier.

Halos mapa-tanga ako sa nakikita ko. I have been to so many houses which were far more elegant-looking than this with a much lesser amount.

I mean, marble floors and walls? That must've cost a fortune! But then again, they have the money.

The girl in the front desk smiled at me, "Good morning, Miss. You're here for?"
I politely smiled, "Uh, I'm here for a presentation? I'm one of the interior designers they're planning to hire for the new building,"

She nodded, "May I have your ID please,"

I fished my professional license inside my wallet and gave it to her. She said thanks and punched something onto her computer screen and my name is suddenly printed on one of their visitor's ID card.

Itinuro niya na rink kung saan ang elevator. Apparently, I have to swipe this card onto one of the elevator's screen so I can access their buttons. Pagkalipas ng ilang palapag ay nakarating na rin ako sa pinaka-mataas na floor, 51st.

Naroon na ang dalawa kong kasama, si Idris na naka-full on contour, highlight at blush kahit na ang suot na pang itaas ay blue na longsleeves na pinatungan ng itim na blazer with gray necktie pa, at si Keanne na mas mapula pa sa dugo ang mga labi.