16 Go Get Her, Clarence

"Hidden Food Investigator? What kind of job is that?" Ronald looked at Clyde nonchalantly, waiting for his answer.

Clyde was stupefied with Ronald's reaction. This made his excitement wither a little while his son gave a wondering look at Clyde. As if saying, 'why choose this guy?' The only one poised without care was Claire. She understood her husband well. She was also a victim of this guy's tempting invitation on the first time they met, and she fell for it hook, line, and sinker, but that would be another story to tell.

"Well, as a hidden food investigator, you will visit our restaurants all over the country. With the word 'hidden', you will disguise yourself as a customer. You order, eat, and judge the food if it's good or lacking. Just like what you did a while ago. Try the staff's patience, check if they're respectful or not. How long does it take for the food to be served? Are the personnel working efficiently and effectively? Just like that."

Claire laughed after Clyde said the last phrase. 'Hoping this guy is capable to act as the job required.'

"Hmm, it sounds nice, but I'm not so thick-skinned to act like a rude guy when I'm not," said Ronald.

"Oh, really? Just a while ago at your house, you did that to my man."

"..."

"You were good at it. Of course, my man was not afraid of you for he is a veteran fighter, but the waiters, managers, and cashiers in restaurants are just ordinary people. It will be a great test for them."

"Hmm ..."

Clyde saw Ronald was hesitant. "Why not give it a try? Clarence will be your partner-in-crime. I believe he would love to act in disguise. Right, Clarence?" He would be assured if his son was with Ronald. Without a doubt, Clarence would not say 'no'. Disguising himself was his game since young: that tragic day with Beauty was a proof. Clarence's cryptic grin showed he was excited of the notion.

"Also, don't forget you can travel the whole country with business-class flights and be housed in a hotel; all expense paid by me. Won't you love that? I promise the pay will be satisfying even during the trial period of a month. If you want to stop halfway, no problem; I'll still pay you good for a whole month's salary."

"How much is the pay?" asked Ronald unashamedly.

"Is 20,000 pesos enough for a start? Just for this trial period." The bait was ready waiting for the victim to bite. Hearing the amount, Ronald's eyes went so big, and his jaw dropped in utter disbelief. Never once did he ever hold such an amount in his life.

"I think that would be a yes." Transaction sealed, bait eaten hook, line, and sinker. "The amount will be higher as you sign the contract. For now, no contract is needed. You can get the pay right now if you like." Clyde prepared the check and gave it to Ronald, unperturbed.

The young chap was still dumbfounded as he received the check. He was in cloud nine. He forgot to say thanks.

Clarence coughed twice and effectively woke Ronald up from his daze.

"Oh, oh, I don't think it's wise to receive it before working?" He returned the check unwillingly.

"Haha, not at all, just take it. I trust you. Clarence will pick you up from your house tomorrow morning. He will be in charge of you."

"Can we do it the next day? I still need to see my editor tomorrow," asked Ronald.

"Sure, no problem. Enjoy your work. Oh, by the way, bring all these take-out food."

So it was settled. Finished. Still, Ronald forgot to say thanks.

. . . . .

In the car ... Clarence was driving. "Dad, Mom, I'm going to Camotes the next day. It was supposed to be tomorrow, but I can't leave your newly hired em-plo-yee. I was planning on staying there for a month, but since your new em-plo-yee will be tagging along with me, then I'll just stay for two weeks." He was emphasizing the word 'employee,' equating it as 'annoyance.'

"Are you asking permission for a vacation or just telling us?" asked Clyde.

"I'm simply stating it. This is a vacation with pay that I have the privilege to enjoy. And how can I get Mom her future daughter-in-law if I won't make a move now?"

"Haha, I like that sound. Oh, I wish your sisters will get married soon so that I'll have a grandchild to hold. Go get her, Clarence." Claire was smiling nonstop, with the phrase 'daughter-in-law' being uttered.

"Good boy, you're really like me. Your Mom can't say 'no' when I asked her out right away. When I confessed, she can't say 'no' as well. When I proposed, she cried with joy. Not going around the bush. Straight to the point. I like that. But compared to me, you will have to work harder after what you did to her."

Claire was giggling, hearing her Clyde. She kissed him at once. Of course, Clyde won't say no to the invitation.

"Hey, lovebirds, save your lustful desires for your room, not here." The car sped up as Clarence spoke.