Chapter 4: Getting to Know Each Other
1795 Words
ERIC took me to a hotel restaurant, and ordered the food for us once we took our seats. He wasn’t talking and he didn’t even ask me what I wanted. I can feel that he’s tense and that he must be thinking of what to say.
Krista: “So what--”
Eric: “I’m sorry--”
We chuckled as we started talking at the same time. It was a blessing in disguise, as it eased the tension and I felt more comfortable.
Krista: “Please, go ahead. What were you going to say?”
Eric: “I was going to say I’m sorry. I said I was going to be there at 11:30 but I came late.”
Krista: “Forget about it. I was just going to have lunch with my uncle if you didn’t arrive.”
Eric: “I thought he was supposed to meet someone.”
Krista: “Yeah, I was going to crash their meeting.”
I made up my uncle’s meeting earlier, so I had to be consistent. I didn’t want Eric to think that I was willing to blow off my uncle because of him. I did, but didn’t have to know that.
Krista: “So, what’s keeping you busy? Why were you late?”
Eric: “It’s this new client. We’ve submitted the plans and he always wanted changes made. It’s fine, but he always wanted them done immediately.”
Krista: “Oh wow, he sounds like a douche.”
Eric: “I’ve never met him in person. He’s supposed to fly back to the country next month. We’ve only been meeting through video conferencing but he’s already so demanding. I wonder how much worse it’s going to get once he arrives.”
Krista: “Well, just think of it this way. He’s being that way because he’s frustrated he can’t do it himself, so he needs your help. Besides, he’s footing the bill, so make him pay for it. Charge him for every change he asks for, and don’t take it personally.”
Eric: “I try not to. As much as possible, I stay calm especially in front of my staff. That's good advice. Have you been in similar situations before?”
Krista: “You can say that. I didn’t start off great, though. I didn’t start working until I was 25, and I had this nemesis at work, an old man, whom I couldn’t resist telling off all the time.”
I had to bow down and pretend to take a sip of my juice just so Eric won’t notice my jaw clenching. Memories of Mr. Andrada and how he almost got me and my dad killed makes me mad. I’m just relieved that he’s no longer around to cause any trouble for me and my family.
Eric: “What kind of business are you into anyway?”
Krista: “Uhm, shopping malls.”
I’ve always been uncomfortable when people ask me what I do. I didn’t want to brag and just tell them that I am the president and CEO of a big company. I decided to just give him a business card so I won’t have to explain myself.
Eric: “President and CEO, KJM Enterprises.”
Eric’s eyes widened as he looked at the business card and then at me. He can’t seem to believe that I am the President and CEO of the largest conglomerate of shopping malls in the country.
Eric: “Wow. How old are you?”
Krista: “I’m 30. My dad used to run the company. I took over when he died.”
Eric: “That’s impressive. I’m sorry for your loss.”
Krista: “Thanks. You own your company too, and you’re an Engineer. That’s impressive too.”
Eric: “Well, not as impressive as President and CEO of the largest chain of malls in the country.”
Krista: “Well, I was kind of born into it. I actually didn’t start working until I was 25, like I said earlier. Unlike you, you started your own business. I bet you’ve been working ever since you graduated from college.”
Eric: “Not true. I have been working since I was 15. I just took over my dad’s business too. He was also an Engineer, which made me choose to become one.”
Krista: “Well, I guess we have our parents to thank”
Eric: “Yeah, I’ve always been thankful and proud of my dad.”
I took another sip of my juice. I’m very comfortable talking to Eric, and it doesn’t feel weird opening up to him at all. I just hope he feels the same way and that he doesn’t get turned off when he learns about my past.
Eric: “Uhm, if you don’t mind me asking, Krista, what happened to your son’s father?”
Krista: “Oh, he already had kids from a previous relationship and he chose to marry her. They moved to the US and he’s never even seen Marcus. That’s our kid’s name.”
Eric: “Wow, how could he?”
Krista: “Well, he didn’t know I was pregnant when he left. I didn’t get the chance to tell him. I tried tracking him down but he doesn’t seem to want to be found. I just stopped trying to contact him, and just moved on.”
Eric: “Are you in a relationship right now?”
Krista: “Uhm, no I’m not.”
Eric: “That’s good to know.”
I couldn’t help but smile as Eric seemed pleased knowing that I am single. I was hoping it’s because he’s interested in me. I just hope he starts making his move soon before I do.
Krista: “Uhm, how about your kid’s mom? Where is she?”
Eric: “Well, she passed away in a car accident when Stephen was just 3 years old.”
Krista: “I’m sorry.”
I inadvertently touched Eric’s hand and caressed as I felt the need to comfort him. He caressed my hand back, and I just let the wonderful sensation take over my body.
Eric: “It’s fine. Work has kept me busy and occupied, so I don’t think about it that much anymore. It’s sad, but life goes on. It has too, for my son’s sake.”
Krista: “I think my son is friends with your son.”
Eric: “Really?”
Krista: “I can’t be sure, but he can’t stop talking about Stephen and how they both love Spiderman.”
Eric: “Really? My son does love Spiderman, but I’m afraid I haven’t been able to spend as much time I want with him. I haven't even asked him how school has been. My mom’s been helping me take care of him, and I’m afraid I haven’t been the best dad.”
Krista: “Hey, don’t blame yourself too much. Just do your best. It doesn’t have to be much, but he’ll appreciate even the smallest bit of time you can spend with him. Try to go out with him when you’re not working. I do that with Marcus. I make it a point to take him to the park or the mall every weekend.”
Eric: “That sounds fun. Can we set a playdate for the boys this weekend? I bet they’ll love to spend time playing together. It will give me a chance to spend some time with you, too.”
Krista: “Sure. We can take them to a mall playground. Marcus loves going there but I’m sure he’ll enjoy it more when he’s with a friend rather than his nanny.”
Eric: “All right. It’s a date.”
I couldn't help but smile, as I’m excited for Marcus to spend some time with his friend from school. More than that, I get to hang out with Eric. I hope to get to know him more.
As the food arrived, we started eating. Luckily, Eric ordered food that I liked, and we even shared some of it. We even fed each other, and to an outside observant, we look like boyfriend and girlfriend. I missed being this sweet with somebody, particularly with someone who makes me giddy.
As we finished our food, Eric wanted to invite me to coffee, but his phone rang and he found out he needed to get back to the office soon. He drove me back to the office, and I thanked him for lunch.
I was about to get out of the car, when he stopped me, put his right hand on my cheek, and kissed me on the lips. It was just a peck, and it was short and sweet. He moved away too soon for my taste.
Eric: “I’m sorry. I’ve been wanting to do that since I saw you earlier. You are so beautiful.”
Krista: “Don’t apologize.”
This time, I cupped his face and moved him towards me. I went for another kiss on the lips, to which he responded to right away. I felt his hand caress my thigh, which made me nibble his lips, to which he reacted the same way.
We were almost out of breath as we moved away from each other. I looked at my reflection in the sun visor mirror and waved goodbye to Eric while smiling before getting out of the car.
Before leaving, he put down the passenger seat window and smiled from ear to ear while saying “See you soon, Krista.”
I waved once more and waited for him to drive off before turning around and walking towards the office building. I had a permanent smile on my face for the duration of the day.
- Writer
