The Widow

Scene 14 - Lying to herself

Scene 14 – Lying to herself

“Ralphe this has to stop.”

Ralphe looked up, the management called him for a meeting because of his recent behaviors they explained. He was still damn tired, Lorna forced him to get out of bed and go to this damn meeting.

“We’ve dodged some of the scandals but there are some we cannot. You don’t need any more scandals, it’s bad enough with your name’s getting drag with Clara’s leaving but now it’s women, bar fights and alcohols. Anong nangyayari sayo Ralphe?”

He massaged his temple, anong nangyayari sa kanya? Hindi rin niya alam. All he knew was he needed to be numb. Alcohol seemed to do its job. “I’m just having fun.”

“I understand you’re young and that. But know this Ralphe, another scandal, TSE will not be helping you out. You’re near the end with your contract with us and we won’t be signing if another scandal arises. You’re a great actor but frankly we don’t need a loose cannon no matter how great you are.”

Ralphe raised his eyebrow at the man, he knew it was just empty words. Who would throw Ralphe Mendez to the wolves? He was Ralphe Mendez. And if Time Screen Entertainment threw him under the bus, there were so many willing entertainment agencies who would be lining up to have him sign for them.

“Are we done?”

“Yes. I want to remind you your commitments with Paradise Lost. It’s your first international film.”

He nodded, and that was why he knew what the president of TSE said was just empty words, he was in demand, Ralphe was going to places. Hollywood wanted him. He was Ralphe Mendez, for crying out loud.

He stood and walked out of the conference room, god, he needed a drink.

***

Angelo stared at Georgina who was setting something at his coffee table. Why was she here again? And why did he let her in?

“I hope you don’t mind me coming by. I was having lunch and thought of you so I thought I might just bring you lunch.” Georgina explained.

He nodded, he rose from his chair behind the desk and walked toward the couch, he motioned for her to sit, she sat and he sat across her. “Thank you for this.” He really was, he had a meeting that gone long and he was just about to ask his assistant to buy him lunch when she came in.

“So… hindi naman talaga ako nandito dahil sa lunch. Although, talagang naglu-lunch ako at naisapan kong dalhan ka at makausap ka na rin. Two birds with one stone.” She smiled sheepishly.

He smiled back at her, “Okay. Anong gusto mong pag-usapan?”

She exhaled, “I know you don’t want to marry me and I’m here to convince you to agree.” She held up her hand, “And before you say anything. Hear me.” he nodded, “We’re not in love so it’s clear this is not a love match and I am not asking for you love. This is a marriage of convenience, that is all. You need my father’s fortune and I need to step out of my parents’ grasps. This is a win-win situation Angelo.”