I try to put up a happy face in front of my parents but inside, I keep my growing concern for Bobby. It’s hard to be happy and share good stories about my new job when he lost his. “How did you get here?” Dad asked. “Bobby drove me here but he couldn’t stop by. He asked me to tell you,” I said. “Must be very busy with work,” he said. “He still is,” I said. “And your new company?” Mom asked. “I feel good about it. Most people I’ll be working with are my age. I’m sure we’ll have fun at work and even after office,” I said. “That’s good but make sure you don’t have too much fun this time,” Mom said. I got what she meant. “Of course, I am serious with my future now. My happy-go-lucky days are behind me. I need to save money too,” I assured her. “That’s true. Even if Bobby has a massive savings, you’ve got to have your own money,” she said. Dad looked at Mom for a second. “Do you have savings?” he asked her. “I do,” she said. “And where did that come from?” he asked.
I am about to complete my first week working in my new company amidst the crisis in Bobby’s career. I booked a car service this morning as Bobby can't pick me up. He's been working on many things and meeting with various people. He still checks on me regularly and updates me on the things he does.My team lead introduced himself to me as soon as I settled in.“Good morning, Audrey. I’m Trevor,” a nerdy but cute guy greeted me.I expected him to be nerdy but never cute.“Trevor? Wow, I didn’t expect you…,” I held myself from saying something stupid.He waits for me to complete what I was about to say.“I didn’t expect you to be early,” I said.“I come in early so I can leave early too,” he said.“That makes sense. I don’t want to stay longer in the office too,” I said.“So, have you read all the manuals?” he asked. I couldn’t believe he’d start on job related topics early on.“Honestly, I only browsed most of them,” I said.“That’s fine. You won’t understand them now anyway. Yo
“Master Payment? Your client?” I asked Bobby.He nodded. “My client before, my company now,” he said.I am in total disbelief. In just a matter of days, this company has turned Bobby’s life around.“Is that ethical?” I asked. “I was part of Quim’s company from the start and there was no mention of that condition when I signed up with him. I had my lawyers checked on that to be sure and they gave me a go,” he said.“He probably didn’t think you’d leave him,” I said.“Or he probably thought that I’d be his side kick and support system forever,” he said.“How about the rest of their projects with his company?” I asked.“Everything is pulled out now. Quim was even the one who suggested that. He said, if they couldn’t give them the first project, then might as well pull out the rest,” he said.In my head, I knew Quim did that because of pride. “Were you shocked?” he asked.“I’m glad this week is ending on a good note,” I said.“I couldn’t believe it. I am still reminding myself tod
I went home with my parents after having lunch at Bobby's parents' house. This is the second time that I won’t be staying with them overnight since I went out with him.We’ve reached another era in our relationship. Since both of us are new in our respective jobs, we agree to focus more on our career for now but still nourish our romantic life together. I find it a bit of fresh air.“Mom's not saying anything but I know she’s sad that you won’t be staying overnight this weekend again,” Bobby said.“Honestly, I don't feel good being there chilling while you're preparing for Monday,” I said.“Even CEOs have their honeymoon stage. It'll be just meeting people on my first day at work for sure,” he said.“I thought we agreed on this already,” I reminded him.“I guess I’m having separation anxiety,” he said.“Stop it. We had a good time today and that’s the most important,” I said.“Alright. If you changed your mind, just call me,” he said.As I watch him leave, I remember that I used
“So, he finally got it right this time!” Mom said when she saw the flowers that Bobby gave me.“Why did he not come inside?” Dad asked.“I went home alone. He had to rush back to his office for another meeting,” I said.“His busier life starts in no time,” he said.“He had to cancel our dinner for my birthday so he went to see me this afternoon for a quick advance celebration. He’ll be busy until Friday,” I said.“I read in the newspapers’ business section that your former company is facing losses,” he said.“Could that be the reason why Bobby left?” she asked."The opportunity must've presented itself to him," he said.I went upstairs while they talk about life choices. Truth is, I feel so many years behind Bobby. He’s taken responsibility of a company while I only take care of myself because that’s the only thing I can do for now.“You’re learning fast. I think you can do things with less supervision next week,” Trevor said.“Thanks. What else are we doing today?” I asked.“We’
“Aren’t you greeting your former boss? He looks even more handsome in person than in the magazine cover,” Trevor said.I’m too mesmerized to answer. More than his looks tonight, I am stunned to see Quim with Rocio for the second time. Perhaps, the power couple is getting serious.“He really deserved to be in the cover of that magazine,” he continued.I discreetly gazed at Quim and agreed with Trevor silently.“But Bobby might be in the cover soon,” he said.“You knew?” I asked.Trevor nodded. “It’s already known in the industry. Matters like that spread quickly,” he said referring to Bobby becoming a CEO.“Well, as for gracing the cover of the magazine, I haven’t heard about it,” I said.I saw a man waving at Trevor. This is a sea of corporate top people and I feel so intimidated. Even Trevor knows a lot of them and they know him too.“Hey, would like to meet my father?” he asked.“That would be nice but I’m a little intimidated,” I said.“Don't worry. He’s a good guy,” he said.
I haven’t removed my airpods since this morning. I’m keeping my distance from Trevor after his unexpected confession last Monday.I try to look busy by reading the procedures manuals. I want to give him the signal that I'm not available to talk despite not having new tasks today. It's the easiest and most decent way to distant myself from him.But there he goes knocking on my desk. I have to turn on my professional face mode immediately.“May I help…,” I asked professionally but couldn’t finish when I saw who was behind me.“Hi, Audrey. Good morning,” our department head Stella greeted me.It was embarrassing to act in the way I did. Trevor stands silently behind her.“Hi, Stella. Good morning,” I greeted back with a trembling voice. “Busy?” she asked.“Oh no. I’m just reading these manuals to further my knowledge,” I said.“That’s great. You use your idle time wisely. How’s Trevor treating you?” she asked.I stopped for a moment. “He’s taught me a lot. I know he has his o
The news of Quim’s company shutting down in two months has been announced. “It’s a good thing that you and Bobby left that company before it shuts down. Smart decision. You’re a smart girl,” Dad said.“Don’t you think things would've been different if Bobby stayed?” Mom asked.“Bobby is a smart boy but he’s not the one making the final decision. Apparently, the main man isn’t smart enough. He just has money and a big ego,” he said.“Dad, that’s too harsh. You haven’t met the person,” I said.As much as I want to defend Quim, I know Dad has already made up his mind about him. He’s in Bobby’s team no matter what happens.“Bobby’s calling you. Get it now,” he said.I went outside to accept the call. Days and perhaps weeks with very minimal conversations with Bobby made me miss him. “How’s work?” he asked.“I’m getting the hang of it,” I said.“Does that boy helping you?” he asked like an old man by referring to Trevor as a boy.“You mean Trevor? Yes. He’s a great help,” I said