" Ms. V, excuse me"
"Uhuh?"
I answered my secretaray with my eyes still glued on the paper.
I'm juggling the coffee and the manuscript I am editing. I like this one. Claud made the words so realistic and the consistency of the plot is very good. Kuhang kuha talaga ng writer na ito ang type ko. Simple ngunit may dating.
"Ms. Mr. Salmentar just called up."
I looked up my secreatary and adjusted my eye glasses.
"What did he say?"
" He would like to have a word with you Ms"
"Tell him I'm busy. I am running through The Equinox by Claud Laurel. He knows about it"
I saw Jean hesitate,
" Akin na nga lang ang telepono"
She handed me the phone and i dialled Alex's office.
"Hello? Hello Cecille, this Ms. Vernice may I speak with Mr. Salmentar?"
After a few seconds, Alex is on the line.
"Hello Vernice. Good that you called. Has Jean told you i called up earlier?"
His voice gets more husky over the phone.
" Yeah. But I'm running through a manuscript right now. We need to have the material ready for printing by Monday and thats only in two days time."
" That's alright. Just cancell your editing, i need to discuss this with you"
"But..."
" See you in a minute Vernice. Bye."
This man won't take no for an answer. Aĺex is the CEO of the biggest publishing company in the country, the Philippine Press International. The same company I work as Chief Executive Editor.
I realized insisting won't work for me this time. I dropped the manuscript, sipped the last of my coffee and went to his office.
I didn't bother to knock. He's on his phone and his back is turned facing the glass walls that gives you the view of the whole Makati. His pale blue long sleeves is rolled up to his elbow exposing his forearm. The coat of his suit on the swivel chair. His broad back is emphasized by his broad shoulders. He's let his hair grow a bit longer that gave him the look that would remind you of the leading men in the koreanovelas. The type who would run after the bus in his coat ang tie because he can't take the girl going away.
He's still indulged in his conversation.
"So shall I pick you up by 7?
