The one I've been searching for (2)

"Are you ready Ms. Duran?" Vince appeared from the door into his office. Daryle already expected him to come at this time as he usually did. He would wait for things to get piled up on his table before he comes to sign them altogether. This evening was no exception. The only difference was that they were going out.

It is her first time to accompany her boss on a business meeting. She changed her outfit during lunch time from simple white blouse to a sleeveless orange silk one and topped it with a black blazer. She still wore her white slacks and her favourite black two-inch heeled staccato shoes. She gathered some of her hair and pinned it loosely over a layer of loose ones. She had already checked herself in the ladies room before when she went to toilet. 'Not bad' she muttered as she bore in mind to smile often.

" Hi sir Vince, I'm ready but is it not too early?" She said as while flipping some documents that were forwarded by the payroll clerk.

" We will leave in a short while,don't tell me you didn't finish your work yet?" he tried to sound pressing.

" I'd stay and finish my work then. I just received this an hour ago and it seems urgent too" she said without much thought.

He was caught dumbfounded by her reply. He thought he was just joking. It seemed she took it seriously. If she meant it, he would lose this chance to start his plan. ' dumb me!' he cursed himself inwardly.

"What's that anyway? It's not like you are the one to approve those papers. Leave them for me tonight. We're leaving" He said as he stood near the door trying to tell her to hurry up but actually fearful that she will really change her mind.

He drove his Posche to a five star hotel about twenty minutes from his office. He kept glancing the lady beside her to check if she was alright.

"You can hold my arm if you feel nervous" He offered but he really wanted to put his arm around her shoulder.

"Thank you sir Vince, but right now I can manage." she smiled shyly.

"There's actually nothing to be nervous of. Just stay beside me and pretend to take notes if you would. No need to say anything." he comforted her as they entered the lobby.

The two entered the lift and it stopped at the 7th floor where three middle-aged men were waiting around a table. Their eyes went bulging when they saw the lady walking beside this tall elegant brown man.

It appeared that the other one was an interpreter and the other two were business partners. They talked about the latest model of bus units and supplies of motor spare parts. In the end, everything has to be considered first. So there was

practically nothing gained from this meeting. Only the chance to be close with this lady beside him who kept rubbing herself at his side. She was probably scared with how those men who stared at her while they were talking. He himself was annoyed. If she was her woman, he would have strangled them or plucked their bulging eyes out! But he just allowed her to nudge him. He wanted to hold her hand to assure her that she's safe with him but he didn't want her to feel taken advantaged of.

"I should've stayed." She said as they walked out of the hotel lobby.

He looked down on her, "It was all worth trying. Things like those do happen, you know? I'm sorry" He said as he tried to read her expression. Her face lost its vibrant aura and she looked like she wanted to cry. He can't help but worry for her. She must be too upset. They got into his car and he drove back to the bus station where they stayed. They went inside the office first to leave their notes. It was just half past eight. Somehow, she managed to eat something during their meeting so she is not hungry.

"Sir Vince, by the way, I need to go up next week to take my Licensure Exam. Can I take atleast three days off? My exam will be on Friday so I need to go up on Wednesday or Thursday. I should be back on Monday of the following week." She said as she stood In front of her desk facing her boss who took the documents she placed in his desk before they left.

" Wednesday to Monday?" That's not three days! Are your maths scared away too? " he raised furrowed his brows.

"Three working days plus two holidays equals five vacation days." She grinned. " I need to catch up with my family also sir. " She begged.

He wanted to say 'no because I'll miss you!' but what right does he have to tie her from her family?

"Okay. But, you can come down on Sunday night too. You need to work on Monday morning right?" He reminded her.

"Thank you sir Vince. I'll go now. Goodnight!" she said as she left.