CHASING SUNRISE

Chapter 3: The New Client

Spending a day with a lawyer is anything but a nine to five routinely work, but that's not my case. As I have said, my life is my job, and as early as eight in the morning, busy is my new norm.

At half past six in the morning, my not so very interesting life starts. With an hour to prepare, 10 minutes to spare for breakfast and a 20 minutes-walk to Lovell. Will you say that its so boring? Nah! That's what you called My World.

After Aberdeen, I enrolled a 4 years course Business Degree in Stanford, and another 3 years to pursue Law. Thankfully, Ed was with me. He was awarded with athletic scholarships of various schools, but a promise must be fulfilled, he went to the same school as mine in college, and graduated with a degree In Management.

It was a crazy, fun, roller coaster ride. My college life is not complete without him. He became my blanket to warm me from the coldness of missing everyone, and the pillow to comfort me from the harsh deals of life.

Corporate Law is my specialty. I'd rather be the first to arrive in my office, where I enjoy the peace and harmony of nature, when there are still no phones ringing, no client appointments, neither distractions from anything or anyone. Reading newspapers while drinking coffee, is a great way to start a busy day.

I have been working with various clients, from small to medium enterprises. With my two years' experience in my profession, I must say, that I already earned a name for myself, and got the confidence of Lovelle to be entrusted with their few big clients. And one of them is the ACC Group Inc.

They were assigned to me a few months ago. A global engineering, construction and management company, that is currently based in the US, and some few countries in Europe and Asia, and has large projects that includes constructions of dams, airports and public transport.

I receive a good amount of cash from them, but a very demanding client. The owner must be a one hell of a devil, for he always made sure to set his appointments during Edwards scheduled games. And the craziest part is, I only met an executive secretary. Cursing is bad but I would love to meet Mr. Clay C., the oh so mysterious, meticulous bitch behind the ACC Group.

And if I am the earliest, I'll make sure to be the last to leave the office, well except for Edward games, either I take a day off or a half day leave. With no one to attend, no hobbies to be busy with, my attention is press on my job. Lonely? I don't think so. I am very much happy indeed.

Weekends? Well, I make sure to have a me time, with Lance invitational meetups, or occasional blind dates that ends up to nothing, and some family gatherings. Ed and I occasionally visits Bingham together, every thanksgiving or during our summer breaks in College. I hope I am making my life worth living, but sadly, sometimes it felt so much boring without my friends. Its just that life after high school led us to different paths, and this engagement might lead us to cross our paths once again.

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How can you find a girlfriend for yourself if you'll always accompany me?

Huh! She'll come at the right time. I'm not in a hurry Celine. Anyways, what's your plan next week, are you coming?

Oh right, the engagement? I almost forgot. I have a client meeting and Edward will be in an out of town game, right timing not to come anyways.

Celine, I know it's hard, but these are our friends. And you have me, remember?

I'm over it, Lance. C'mon, don't think that I'm still after him. Hahaha!

Hey, I know you. Can you consider it?

This is an overnight occasion, I don't think I can make it, the dummy boyfriend that you made is also not around, I don't want to be there awkwardly with all their dates.

How about me, your always on-the-go boyfriend?

Hahaha! Thank you but no.

No, you will, unless, you want them to think that you're avoiding them. The world is too small for us. Just this once, please...

Sigh.

Okay, fine.

That's my girl.

I have a lot of hesitations. Not because of my busy schedules, or Ed's unavailability. Its just that the relationship I have with them becomes fragile as years went by. When the world continues to revolves, our life was pulled apart. Never did we talked about it, and none from them tried to reach out. We may be successful individually, but we were never able to nurture our friendship.

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I have a scheduled client appointment at 10 in in the morning today, the same day for Bern and Maika's Engagement Party. With this big client, they would not settle for my office, this time it will be in JW Marriott. A whole day discussion is set with Kevin, the ACC Group Executive Secretary.

He may be in his early 30's, a smart looking guy, with his sexy voice and great smile, lean physique, he surely catches Jessica's attention, my secretary, who always looks forward for our meet ups. Unfortunately, he is already engaged.

With all our series of meetings, I always look forward to meet Mr. Clay, and this is one of those days, Kevin with his polite attitude, apologizes once again for his master's absence due to his busy schedules and out of the country business trips. The owner stays to be in a low key, despite his growing empire, you can't find his face in the internet. I wonder how ugly and old he is.

Behind my disappointments, shows a real professionalism and prim attitude. Not all things can be discussed and settled immediately to a secretary, struggle is real, because the finality of everything is still with the owner, leading to another schedule appointment. As If the heavens forbid me to witness the live heroic kick, of my most favorite person, Edward.

It was already four in the afternoon when our meeting finally adjourns. I wish to discuss it longer, like nine or ten in the evening. Hahaha! A reason for me not to attend this engagement. But Lance agreed to pick me up at Marriott, and together we will drive to Rolling Hills for an hour ride. They must be picking up the sunset hour, perfect... for them. I just wish we encounter a heavy traffic and arrive there at dusk.