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It’s been more than 5 hours since the date with Jerk. And, up until now, I still can’t get over that he and I had a date. So, I just decided to call Andz because it looks like I won’t be able to sleep soundly tonight.

“Andz?”

“Yeah? You have a problem?”

“Oh, no. It’s just…” Then, I told her everything that happened. Minutes after I told her, she got quiet then she hung up on me. Why would she do that to me?

Andz calling…

“Why did you hang up on me?” I asked her, sounding a little bratty.

“I’ll go there. Jason is also on his way. Tell us again.” She seriously said.

“What? Why are you coming here? It’s already deep in the night!” I tried to stop her.

“No. Not allowed. We’re going to have a slumber party at your unit.” Then she hung up on me again.

I immediately cleaned up and ordered food so we won’t starve. I also took a bath. While drying my hair, I heard Andz calling me from the first floor.

“Andz, I’m here in my room! I’ll come down!” I shouted.

“Okay!”

When I went down, Andz was letting Jason, carrying a gym bag and cooler, in. What went inside his head?

“Why do you have a cooler with you?” I asked Jason.

“No questions. Just tell us what happened.”

So, I did tell them everything that happened. I also told them our conversations, even if it's not word-per-word. We got through countless chicken, wine glasses (for me and Andz), and beer (for Jason) before I finished.

Andz faced Jason. “Is your friend really like that? Did he court someone before?”

Jason laughed at Andz. “No. It’s just, it’s been a long time since he dated. Ever since Jane left him at the altar after many years of being together, he dissed at love and relationships.” He looked at me. “Maybe he’s ready to love again. “

I felt my cheeks get hot and I just stared at the coffee table. Andz, on the other hand, just screamed and screamed while shaking and hitting Jason’s arm. Is Jason right? But, how about me? Am I ready? I didn’t know that Jerk would have a heart. I smiled a little.

“Ayiiee! Niks! Look at you all smiles and blushes!” Andz teased me, causing Jason to laugh at us.

“You!” I started tickling her. We just played together until we all slowly gave up and fell asleep.

Rose knocked on the door before entering. I looked at my table clock. 5 minutes before 10 am.

“Ma’am?”

“Yes, send her in.” She widened the door and let in a woman who’s in her 20’s a little chubby, and has pale pink hair.

I stood up and offered my hand which she shook. “Good morning, Miss Thea.” I signaled for her to sit.

“Good morning too. Let’s start?” I nodded. “I understand that this is a company event. Do you have a particular theme in mind or would you like me to give you some samples?”

“Yes, we decided that the ‘50s is the main theme. But the design of the venue has platinum or anything related to a platinum anniversary since it is the company’s 70th anniversary. Also, we will require the guests to wear black and gold with a touch of 50’s fashion.”

Thea smiled. “That’s good, ma’am, that these details are already finalized. How about the venue? We have some partner hotels and venues that you might be interested in looking at. Here’s the list.”

She handed me a laminated paper with a list. “What do you recommend?”

“For how many guests, ma’am?”

“300 guests.”

“Ma’am, I recommend Sofitel, Shangri-La, and Grand Hyatt Manila. They cater to a large number of guests very well.”

“Hmm, I guess it’s the Grand Hyatt Manila. Also, the invites, Rose will give you a list of invites. We want an evite and a physical invitation to make sure that the guests are reminded of the event and to make sure that they received the invitation.”

Thea nodded while typing down notes on her tablet. “The event will take place in a month. Many of the invited guests need a heads up a week or two before the event. I suggest that we send out the physical invites first before the evites.”

“Noted, ma’am. Anything else?” I shook my head. “Okay, ma’am. I’ll come again or will contact you or Rose for questions, clarifications, and approvals.” We shook hands again before she left my office.

“Rose, when there is a complicated situation or if you don’t know the answer, refer her emails or calls to me,” I told her while massaging my temple.

“Yes, Ma’am! I’ll just prepare some Lemon Balm Tea for you.”

“Sure. Thank you.” I said before she went out.

Andz calling…

“Hello?”

“Hello, NIks? Are you busy right now?”

“Not really. What’s the matter?”

My office door suddenly swung open and Andz came in really red and screaming. I waved at her, telling her to calm down and to keep quiet. Or at least tone the screaming down.

“Hey! Calm yourself! What happened that’s making you this way?”

“Because! Jason asked me if I can be his date on your company anniversary!”

“What? Wait, wait. Tell it from the beginning.” Rose quietly sat down on one of the vacant chairs and opened her laptop after she delivered the tea to me. I guess she wanted to listen while still doing her job. She really is a multitasker.

“When we woke up, we decided to eat some hangover breakfast because of the time. We were just talking then suddenly he stopped, then he asked me if I can be his date for the anniversary. I immediately said yes. Then, it became awkward and I have no idea why. After eating, he escorted me back to the condo then he left.’”

I suddenly wondered. I know that Jason is a spontaneous person and I also know that he is also a social butterfly and he doesn’t just have awkward situations. What really happened?

Andz suddenly shook my arm. “I’m here to ask you if we can do a makeover prep sesh in your unit. Bring Rose along with you so we’ll be three. Then we can just Grab or ask one of the drivers. Is that okay with you?”

I nodded repeatedly. “Great! So, I’ll start shopping for what I’ll wear and other stuff. Then. after work, met up with me at the mall so we can have dinner together.” I just nodded again. Because of this anniversary, I’m now disturbed.