First Impressions Don't Always Last

"Alright Nan, I'll see you later at lunch break!" was the last thing I said before hanging up.

Hard to imagine that someone who isn't blood related to me can show so much love and warmth. Elizabeth Levesque, who I call Nan, is my Grandma's best friend.

They were childhood friends but lost communication during the second world war. They were able to be reunited in the '60s and were inseparable from then on. That time they already have their own respective families - both devoted wives and loving mothers to their sons.

They are the bestest of friends that they promised each other they'll marry off their first born grandkids to each other when they have them. That way they'll be in each other's lives in perpetuity. Well, they're practically family so the idea wasn't really new. It's just basically sealing the deal.

"There you are, my lovely!" Nan greeted me with a big smile and a warm hug as I approached her table in the fancy restaurant where we decided to meet. Hard to believe that this classy, energetic lady just turned 90 this year.

Well, being head of the wealthy Levesque Conglomerate, it isn't really surprising she can keep her vitality.

"Just all the finest things in life, dear" is her principle which can be easily seen from all the major decisions she makes up to the tiniest details of her everyday life.

"So, how are you? I hope Theodore isn't giving you too much work to handle." She asked me in a really concerned way.

"Oh, no. Not at all! As long as I'm keeping track of his schedule and booking necessary things for functions, Mr. Levesque is happy." I smiled reassuringly.

I work as a secretary for her son. Like his mom, he's also a gentle, down to earth guy. I say down to earth because despite the vast fortune they have, he's really genuine towards his relationships with common people like me.

Unlike the Levesque family, I came from a humble background. My parents owned a small printing company that we eventually had to sell when my parents had a terrible car accident that caused them their lives. I was in my last year of high school when that painful misfortune happened.

Forever grateful to my parents consideration of the future by getting me an education plan, I was able to graduate high school and have a degree in creative writing in college. The money from the sold printing company kept my Grandma and I afloat. As soon as I graduated from college, Nan got me a job in one of her companies. Being a secretary is way far off from the course I took but they offered a hefty amount of pay so who am I to refuse or complain?

Honestly, it's not in my nature to complain. I'm just grateful for things and opportunities. Take life one day at a time, let go of things not meant for me, and not obsessed over things I have no control over. If not for that perspective, I don't know how could I have handled things- the loss of my parents and my Grandma's passing a year ago.

"I'm happy to see you thriving. Also, I know I can be relieved that even when I'm gone, you'll be in good hands." Grandma said with a smile.

"That's good then!" Nan said breaking me away from my musings. "But what's even better is that we're here today, having a lovely lunch while waiting for someone I can't wait to see again." she continued.

"Oh, we're expecting company?" was all I was able to say as I got back to reality.

As if hearing his cue, a tall guy with broad shoulders and a face that would put Greek Gods' faces to shame walked towards us.