Ahjumma Next Door

Chapter 15: A Genuine Smile

Brooke strutted her way towards her office.

It's going to be a busy day for her. She's set to meet the girls from the modelling agency today. Actually, this is Charlotte's job but the girl was nursing a headache and she couldn't make it to the office this early.

''Good thing Sam informed me earlier. Aissht. What am I gonna do with these girls? Aiyooo.'' She held her head as she passed by her secretary.

''Cancel all my other appointments today. I'll be attending the meeting with the modeling agency instead of Charlotte. And tell the production staff to send me their reports. NOW. I want to see their progress.''

''Yes, Miss President.'' The girl bowed at her.

Brooke then nodded and went inside her office.

''Good morning!'' Teddy turned the chair to face her sister.

''Teddy!''

The door suddenly flung open.

''Ma'am, I'm sorry I forgot to tell you...'' The secretary then gasped loudly seeing Brooke's surprised expression.

''Out...'' Brooke told her.

''Yes, ma'am, sorry.''

Brooke then turned to face Teddy.

''What is it Teddy? Don't you have work to do? You don't want grandpa to disown you once he finds out you're slacking, do you?''

''You seem to be in a very bad mood.''

''And you're not helping a bit. I have a lot of things to do. To thinkabout. If you're just going to talk to me about that stupid bet, this isn't just the right time.''

''Brooklyn..''

''Teddy! You don't realize how serious things are getting! Aunt... Aunt is coming... Mom told me! What if she finds out about Sam! Or what's worse, what if she already knew that's why she's coming? SHE.WANTS.A.DAMN.PARTNESHIP.WITH SB&CO. and who am I to say no to her?''

Teddy sighed. He thought for a while thinking how selfish he sounded.

Brooke noticed her brother's silence and felt somehow guilty.

''You're not acting sad, are you?'' Brook asked Teddy.

''Look. If you do not want it, I won't force you to do it. It's just that... Aisht! Forget about it!'' Teddy said in frustration ''I'm going. See you tonight at home.''

Brooke ruffled her bangs. She felt guilty with her sudden outburst.

''Teddy...'' she shut her eyes.

''Let's have this agreement.''

''What?''

''Tell me the date and place. If it doesn't clash with any of my appointments I'll go...''

''Really????'' Teddy went back to Brooke.

''BUT!''

''But?''

''JUST THIS ONCE... Whether this works out or not, promise me you won't set me up again. Promise me.''

Teddy smiled and hugged Brooke.

''I promise Brooke... I just want everything settled.''

''Yah! Why do I feel like you're already planning to get married!'' Brooke hit him.

''W-w-hat?''

''Then why are you trying to settle everything? So that you could be free?''

''You! Yah! I-i-i don't have such plans yet!'' Teddy stuttered