To Make You Come Back To Me (Completed)

Chapter 8

It wasn’t that bad after all. I just needed some time to adjust to the new atmosphere but I’m getting by. My members are all bringing about happy vibes so, I’m happy. At least I can be even for a moment.

“Who wants pizza for snacks?” Allaine asked everyone in the room.

Almost everyone raised their hands and the boys even shouted, “All on you?”

Allaine rolled her eyes. “I won’t ask if it wasn’t, dummy!” She told Carlo who asked the loudest.

I chuckled on my seat as I reviewed the new applicants for the company. I’m just too happy to be one with them. Being in one company with Justin was bad enough, having ill-mannered members would’ve made it worse.

Carlo stuck his tongue out. “Buy a lot then!” He beamed earning a glare from Allaine.

Sofia smiled and looked at me. “Miss Eury, what else would you need?” She asked me.

I smiled back. “I’m happy with the pizza.” I replied.

They all nodded. Allaine called the pizza house to order and have it delivered to the building. Carlo said some jokes that we all laughed at. Maybe this is what I needed the most, I need a breather from all the stressors in my life—my parents, Justin, my heart.

I interviewed five applicants for the newest secretarial positions open in the company. It wasn’t a hard thing to do because I love asking questions and knowing more about people. I wouldn’t love this job if it wasn’t my passion.

“Thank you.” I told the last one as she smiled and left.

I nodded at her and wrote my comments on her file. All the people I have interviewed have potentials. They are very welcoming and they seem to be so joyful yet serious when they need to be.

I looked at the wall clock. It’s already three in the afternoon.

I checked my phone for updates. I received four new messages.

From: Ashley Rivero

Are you free tonight? Let’s hang out. Just us girls.

From: Janna Monreal

Hang out tonight? G?

From: Hanie Santos

The girls have probably told you. Let’s go?

From: Nildex

There is a company dinner happening tonight at Hotel McBride. All employees are required to come to the dinner as ordered by the management. See you there, friends!

I narrowed my eyes at the message from the company. All employees are required to come? Since when had they gotten the right to require one to come?

I am itching to respond to the text. Why didn’t I know it? As the Human Resource department head, I should have known it beforehand. I have been working here for about a week now and I can see how they just disregarded me over this matter which I am very much related to.

I stood up and went back to my desk where my members are all looking at me. I narrowed my eyes at them all.

“Is there a problem?” I asked innocently.

They shook their heads but their faces say otherwise.

“Miss Eury, the CEO is calling you.” Sofia was the one who divulged the news.

I narrowed my eyes at her. “The CEO?” I asked again to confirm what I just heard.

They all nodded.

“Who came to say this?” I asked.

Carlo gulped. “Mr. Justin Villanueva himself.” He said, half trembling.

I am too surprised at what he said. Justin came and told them that I need to meet him? What for again? I have been working so solemnly for four whole days without seeing him and I have never been fine.

“Did he say anything about why he needs me?” I asked.

They all shook their heads.

“Miss Eury, he came in with disheveled hair asking us where you are. When we told him you’re still in the interview room, he told us to tell you to go to his office right away.” Allaine explained.

Harris nodded. “He looks serious, though.” He even cringed as he imagined Justin’s face.

I sighed and nodded. I wonder what he needs to tell me. Is this about the dinner tonight? Heck, how would I know?!

“I’ll go then.” I told them and they all told me to take care. Maybe they have seen Justin so mad and scary so they wanted to give me a heads up.

I walked to the CEO’s office using the stairs. I don’t need to ride the elevator when his floor is only above mine. And besides, I don’t want to waste some more time.

I arrived at the receiving area where Justin’s secretary, Senna, smiled at me.

“Mr. Villanueva is waiting for you.” She told me as she opened the door to Justin’s office. She bowed at me and motioned me to enter.

“Thanks,” I told her as I stepped inside the office.

I saw him there, standing near the window, looking at the skyscrapers in Taguig. He’s in a tight black suit. And just like what Allaine said, his hair is disheveled in the most heavenly way.

I cleared my throat and he immediately looked my way. “Good afternoon, Sir.” I formally greeted him. I am in no way related to him anymore so I guess I needed to put up with all the formalities—here or even outside work.

“Good afternoon.” He said, clearing his throat. “Please have a seat.” He motioned the chair in front of his desk.

He walked so smoothly and sat on his swivel as he looked at me with those pair of expressionless and poker eyes.

In the most inconvenient time, my phone rang. It’s Ashley.

I looked at Justin whose eyes are already narrowed at me as I accepted Ashley’s call. “Hello…” I answered.

“You’re coming tonight, right?” She asked. “You weren’t responding to our messages.”

“I was busy interviewing new applicants the whole afternoon.” I replied. “I’m sorry.”

I glanced at Justin whose eyes are still narrowed at me but now, his jaw is clenched. I looked away and concentrated on what Ashley is telling me

“But you’re coming, right? I mean, we haven’t hung out since you started working in that jerk’s company.” She said in the most irritated and annoyed tone.

I sighed. “I would love to come but the company is asking every employee to come in the dinner tonight.” I told her.

“What?!” She asked. “You’re going?”

I sighed. “They used the work required so I think I am.” I replied.

I could hear her huff from the other line.

“I’ll come right after eating. Just text me where,” I said, trying to make her feel a bit better and my guilt lighter.

I could hear Justin’s heavy breath but I didn’t look at him.

She sighed. “Alright. We’ll be waiting for you.” She told me.

“Yes. See you.” I replied and ended the call. I slowly looked at Justin who’s shooting daggers into me right now. Why does he always look at me like I’m doing something wrong?

He pursed his lips in a grim line. “Aren’t you taught to not answer calls when you’re in front of your boss?” He asked me in the coldest tone possible.

I bit my lip. “I was.” I replied. “But it was only when the boss is talking. You are certainly not talking when I answered the call.”

His jaw clenched at my response. “How great of you, Miss Eurydice Mercado! You were just hired a few days ago but you’re already talking so proud.” He laughed like it was the funniest thing on earth.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “I wasn’t talking so proud, Mr. Villanueva.” I replied. “I was stating a fact.”

He stopped laughing and stared at me.

I sighed and fought the urge to roll my eyes. “Why did you even call me in here?” I asked.

He bit his lip and sat properly. I am dead serious. I still couldn’t get over the fact that the company dinner plan bypassed me.

“We’re needing more than a hundred employees in managerial, secretarial, dispatch, clerical and janitorial positions for the new branch we’re opening up in Quezon City.” He said. “I’m expecting you—”

“You should have written me a memo or a note about this. You didn’t have to tell me personally.” I interrupted him. I am fuming mad and I don’t even know why. I am just so mad that he called me inside his office only to shoot me daggers and talk about respect!

He stared at me in utter shock. Damn it!

“Is that all?” I asked him.

He stared at me and shook his head. “Eurydice—”

His words were cut when his phone rang. We both looked at the name that flashed on the screen. Althea Belleza.

He kept his phone as he stared at me. It was like he was trying to read my expression. But I wouldn’t let him. And how dare he look at me with those eyes?

“Just email me the details of the new project and pick up your girlfriend’s call.” I stood up and left.