Making It Right

Meet-Cute

I am currently doing my rounds at the hospital when my phone rang. I handed the clipboard to the nurse who accompanied me before I reached for my phone. I looked to see who was calling me, to see if it is an emergency.

It was my father.

There was a sudden change to the meeting he had with the project head of the new wing. It was supposed to be next week but it was moved today due to unseen circumstances. According to dad, the sooner it started, the sooner it would be finished. Not bad, I could only hope for the best as it was a ward dedicated to children. Although we do have a paediatric ward, it isn't big enough. This wing would cater to almost all types of ailment a child could suffer and would open opportunities to other practitioners.

The meeting would be held at the conference room at the floor where my office is located. It would be attended by the Paediatric Head, a few of the Board Members and myself. I glance at the files that were prepared by my father's secretary. Whenever he is away, I am standing in on his behalf as he is already training me to take over once he retires.

I took a deep breath and took the files. I stepped out of my office and nodded to my secretary. She gathered her stuff and followed me to the conference room. As we entered, I could see that they were waiting for us.

"I'm sorry. My father could not make it and I just learned about the meeting now." I said after paying my respect to them.

I scanned the room to see who was with us. I could identify which ones are from the hospital and the ones from the firm who got the project. What I did not expect is for one of the firm's representative to be the guy that I spent my last night with in Milan.

That was three months ago. I never expected to see him again, least of all, for him to be of Thai descent. It stirred up different emotions in me. While trying to figure out what I am feeling, he stood up and stretched his hand towards me.

"Dr. Vongviphan, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." he said as he shook my hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too mister..." I don't know his name. I forgot to check the papers I brought with me.

"Forth. Forth Jaturapoom Jamornhum" he said with a grin.

Someone cleared their throat and that got my attention. I hastily pulled my hand back and sat down in my designated seat. Which is directly halfway across the presenter. And the presenter is no other than Engineer Jamornhum.

The meeting went on for almost two hours. We discussed on the plans for the four floored building along with the design and cost. When everything was settled, the meeting was adjourned. Slowly, the attendees left one by one until it was just me or I thought so.

I was gathering my stuff when he called my attention. "Dr. Vongviphan, let's have coffee? My treat."

I looked at my secretary and she looked into my schedule and confirmed that I am free for the rest of the afternoon. I told her that she could head home if she wants.

"Yeah sure. Let me just get my stuff from my office."

I stepped out of the conference room with him on my heels. I took my bag and made sure that my office is locked. I found him leaning on my secretary's desk, which is in front of my office, while talking to someone on the phone.

He took a deep breath, "I can see that I cannot change your mind when it is already set. Fine, I'll see you then" he said before ending the call.

I cleared my throat to alert him of my presence. "Trouble in paradise?"

He looked at me before shaking his head. "Nah, more like I'm in trouble with my mother" and then laughed.

He offered to take my bag but i refused. I thought he would stop but he is pretty stubborn and I ended up indulging him. Hence, I am now walking with my hands inside my pockets and him with my bag.