I nodded, squinting my eyes. "Yes. What about her?The president's woman?' I whispered, afraid that somebody from outside would suddenly open the door.
"Yes. She is one of the patients whom Dr. Leila endorsed to me." She stressed out the words, her sharp and narrowed eyes drew both Dr. Mimi and mine's full attention
"And?" I followed up.
"Mr. Sean Grey asked her to continue handling that lady. I have to see her for her regular checkup, but I would be the one to come to wherever Mr. Grey wanted to see her."
I froze for a moment, and the same look of horror in my face reflected in Leila's expression.
"Red, tell me. Your new boyfriend's name is Sean Grey, right? Why would he have a say in that woman's prenatal care? Is she a relative?"
"What?!" Dr. Mimi butted in, confused and surprised.
I did not answer, and my face dropped as if a yoke was tied to my head. My mind drifted back to the day I met Rya Sevilla at the ER. She was already hysterical when we came in, but when I went out of our lounge, she had already calmed down. She had even requested for hospital admission and subjected herself to the procedures like a wet puppy.
I recalled asking Sean about how the woman calmed down, and I snapped when I remembered his reply.
"I helped," his voice echoing in my mind. And the only reason why that woman obeyed him was that she was no other than my boyfriend's first love, first sex experience, and the woman that made him crazy. I even remembered that Sean spent a lot in looking for her!
I racked my brain in thinking about some more of those incidences that linked him to her. Then I remembered how his eyes darted on the news about Rya Sevilla's escape from the hospital. If she's not Calla, why would Sean be so much interested in her?
"Red?" Dr. Leila called out, staring at me with a worried expression. "What is this topic all about?"
"It's nothing," I denied. How could I tell her about my stupidity again? It would only look like I haven't learned my lessons with Eric.
"What's nothing?" Leila confronted me. "It is clear as a broad delight that you're clueless about this news. If it's nothing Red, then why would Mr. Grey hide this from you?"
"Ladies, calm down," I smiled, but I knew that the gloom inside my eyes betrayed me. "That said lady is the president's woman. Perhaps, he and the president are friends, and that he entrusted that task to Sean on his behalf. And maybe, Sean doesn't mind much about that. He's so busy. That's probably why he forgot to tell me about her."
"Are you sure? Why did you look so hurt a while ago?"
"Me? As in me? Why would I?" I widened my eyes to prove it to them that I was not affected. "But I admit I got bothered because I already know that she is the president's woman. I can't imagine the trouble she's into."
"For a while," Dr. Mimi raised her hands and faced each palm to Leila and me, "can you two please explain what's happening? And who is this Mr. Gey?"
Leila and I broke into loud laughter, so I began the task of breaking out to her the latest update of my love life. In the end, she looked at me sincerely and said,
"Red, I hope this new boyfriend of yours is not a mistake. Don't you think you jump into his arms so soon? Yet, I understand that you need someone to help you move on."
I stood up and walked over to them, throwing myself between them for a hug. Even if I considered Shirley as my best friend, they were the closest friends I had in my workplace. Tears were running down my cheeks as they warmed me with their embrace. And those simple act was enough to assure me I have them in case I fail again.
"May I borrow a moment with my precious one?" Sean's voice startled us all, and we immediately disentangled ourselves from each other.
My friends froze and got tongue-tied, afraid that Sean had heard a part of our conversation. It was also the first time that Dr. MImi had to meet him as my boyfriend, so the atmosphere was a bit awkward.
"Hello, Dr. Mimi, Dr. Leila, how do you find the job offer?" Sean's wide grin at them eased their sense of awkwardness.
"Oh, it's good. I am looking forward to it. Thank you, sir," said Dr. Leila, bowing down her head slightly to express her gratitude.
"Oh, I'm not the boss here. It's Red," Sean replied, looking at Red with those tender eyes.
"Shut up," I pretended to scold him, but my smile reached my ears. "Why are you here?"
"Can't I see you anytime I like?" he complained, wearing a wicked grin, but then he raised the box in his hand. "I'm going to prepare your snacks. Go ahead with your chat." He waved a hand to the three of us before opening the door to the staff lounge.
"Red, he knows how to cook? Did you just say he is the CEO of this company and other companies under Thomas and Albert Grey Group of Companies?" Leila exclaimed, her eyes as bright as the LED light in the ceiling.
Dr. Mimi also dropped her mouth open as she inclined her ear to what I was going to say.
"He does every chore in the house," I said, elaborating about it afterward.
When I stopped, Dr. Mimi tapped my shoulders with a glowing face. "I hope he doesn't change. He's such perfect for a husband."
I gave out a pursed smile, saying a silent prayer that her prediction may come true. I then stood up and led them around, orienting them to all the areas of the building. When we came back, Sean was already ready with the snacks.
Sean ushered them to the table and started a conversation with them. In less than five minutes, they were already laughing out loud. For them to have free time with Sean, I excused myself to go to the bathroom. And once inside, I called up the PGI who was on duty during my encounter with Miss Rya Sevilla.