Before Mrs. Cortez could insist, or Mr. Cortez, who was holding the salad bowl, could say a word, I left their place. It was nice meeting them, but they are strangers to me.
'Gosh, I need to go for a swim. Or should I lie down for a bit? It's a pretty good evening; maybe I'll swim and order some pizza.
After changing into a swimsuit, I dove into the cold water, allowing my body to sink to the bottom. This day has been so tiring. The anniversary of my mother's death was a few weeks ago.
But the anniversary of my loved one is approaching soon. Each year I visit what was to be our honeymoon destination. I stay for a month, helping the villages and visiting his grandparents. This year, though, I won't be able to keep my promise.
'I wish I were with you right now. How would our lives be? Would we have kids? I miss you every day; I long for you. I want to be with you, but I can't leave yet. I guess it's time to come up for air.'
" Ahh! What the hell Carol"
"Haha, got you good didn't I?" Asked the brat who stood there laughing at her prank.
"What are you doing here?"
"I called you five times, but you never answered. So I figured you were either drowning or in bed with someone.
"Not funny."
"So what's with the new client?" she asked, eyes wide open, waiting with anticipation like a dog waiting for its ball to be thrown for the tenth time.
"Did you know it was Emanuel? The one I had a crush on back in school?"
"Yes. The minute you told me his name, I figured out who he is. How did you figure it out?"
"Ugh...just thinking about it gives me a headache. His mom remembered me, showed me a picture of us, and well, the rest is unnecessary."
"How did you feel seeing him again after all these years? Actually, how does he look? Is he handsome? Dreamy?
"Between us, I didn't pay much attention. He seems like any other guy I've seen. His mother expected me to stay for dinner, which, of course, I declined."
"Yeah, that sounds a little weird. But do you think those feelings are there"
"Oh, hell no. And I mean that respectfully. Even though, yes, maybe I was a little obsessed back then, I'm not the same, and those feelings are definitely not there."
"What about CEO O'Hara? Are there any feelings for him?"
"No, I've only interacted with him twice, counting today.
"So you talked to him? That's a step in the right direction... I'm kidding," she replied to my annoyed look.
"He asked if I ever thought about expanding the business. He suggested—well, implied—that I lack vision. He did make a good point, though. He suggested to pick a targeted audience. Whether thats elderly people or fitness influencers. I really don't know who would be perfect."
"I believe the schools nearby are holding a carnival. A friend told me food trucks will be selling food, but they are looking for a free sponsor."
"Free?"
"Yes, the schools are public and low-income. They are already spending too much money on this event."
"See if they are willing to meet with me.
"Understood."
Money is not an issue for me, considering my background. What is important to me is expanding my business independently, and this could be a perfect opportunity.
*****
"Dad? I thought we were having lunch at our usual place?
"I remembered we haven't cooked together in a while, so why not today?"
"Of course, come in." My father and I used to hold cooking competitions. My mom would be the judge; most of the time, she would call it a tie.
Even though deep down she would give the win to my dad. Why wouldn't she? Not only was he her husband, but he used to be a chef.
His plan was to open his own restaurant and eventually expand. His plans had to be put on pause, unfortunately, when my grandfather passed away. None of my uncles wanted the position of CEO. The youngest promised that once he turned a certain age, he would take over.
Life had other plans for him, unfortunately. He passed away a year before his birthday. My father was stuck with the position. I know he wishes his life were different, where he and my mother lived in the country.
"How's the company going?"
"*sigh*what can I say, it's holding on."
"You know, Dad, I can always help out. There's a reason I went to business school.
"I know, but I don't want you to lose focus on your plans."
"CEO Collins, I know you well enough to know there's something wrong. Dad, I'm here to help in any way possible. Even if it means signing a contract."
"As a matter of fact, I do need your help. It's a contract...a marriage contract, to be exact." I dropped the knife I was holding.
Did I hear correctly?
I'm I dreaming? No, he wouldn't suggest that. There's no way he would. It has to be a mistake, why-why would he say such a thing.
"Dad, stop playing around. It's not funny" I replied back trying to be playing along but at the same time confused and hurt.
He turned to me, held my hands, but I refused to look at him. With his right hand he lifted my head to meet his eyes. I know he saw the sadness in my eyes.
"It's a marriage contract with Ceo O'Hara"