4_ Be Her Guest Again

So, here he is now: in front of the receptionist of the Mercer Hotel which is often the choice of people like Sophia Copolla or Chloé Sevigny, the Queen of World-Class Indie Film. Located in the bustling southern part of Manhattan, Mercer is very comfortable and peaceful. Their red brick building is SoHo's hip iconic.

Manhattan, actually the result of the exchange of the island Rhun in the middle of Banda Sea of Indonesia. The result of an agreement between the Netherland and England during the period of imperialism-colonialism was in power. For the spices of Rhun, The Dutchs had trasferred their Niew Amsterdam in America to England. A historical fact that makes Aymard often nauseous because he bears the price of wounded nationalism. Especially if you have dealt with the red bulls of Wallstreet in the matter of Merger & Acquisition. They likely to just complicated anything. Even though, their saliva dropped clearly when talking about profits. Hence, Aymard never felt reluctant to be arrogant in front of such people. That's all what actually he did these three days. Take over the ownership rights of a big-name Architecture and Design Consultant who filed for bankruptcy status. One can imagine the fatigue that provokes emotions. Fortunately, Aymard is Aymard. He will not be like Alaric who from the first day chose not to be engaged in the tough conversation. He was too impatient. This contion making Aymard even more tired.

This being one of Aymard's reason for where is he now. He hopes to get a sincere little consolation. He really wants to meet Rahman also curious about Aisha. For a PA, her taste is quite sophisticated by preferred choose the Mercer Hotel amongst another famous hotels of Manhattan. As told, the Mercer is more likely the hub for the potentials and talented young people but less flashy than other well known hotels. Aymard himself had already inquired about the presence of Aisha Roestam and her three sons. He was answered with Mercer's signature nod and hospitality that they were residents of the Soho Suite. Unfortunately, Aisha Roestam happened to be away, leaving a message for Aymard Dirdja to wait for her at The Kitchen. Again, as her guest.

"I actually just want to take his eldest son to roams around the city."

The receptionist smiled politely, "We can't let you take Master Rahman Roestam outside, Mr. Dirdja."

Aymard sighed. Apparently the permission has not been fully grasped by him. The receptionist waved at a Concierge.

"Anything else we can do for you, Mr. Dirdja?"

Aymard nodded, "Just prepare the Austrian Brunch." he said as he sat down the chair that was pulled out for him.

Cream-colored comfortable chairs with sturdy round tables decorated with a small set of hydrangae. A soothing choice. Not to mention being beautiful to look at with specific artificial scents that provide comfort. Be a little detailed to smoothing the masculinity of barrier walls construction in the form of red bricks and iron arch frames windows. A modern industrial impression that is relaxing and simple. Mercer is not the St. Regis, the super luxury hotel where he used to stay. But random people sitting in this space since long ago cannot be underestimated. This place is already home to the sophisticated-well-maintenance-high-fashion-people-with-brain-and-great-taste-on-arts. Several prominent producers and film directors had make it a second home when visited NCY. Several other regular customers have a power. Some youngster are candidates for the main business of entertainment and arts. Or even candidates for members of the Senate. Too many young hipsters who pretend to be insignificant also often visited the Mercer. They could be the residents of NYC or travelers from the middle of nowhere. The Mercer in a strategic heart's of SoHo is an ideal place to looking for future colleagues.

Aymard complained to himself, he really wanted to relax, not aiming at colleagues. He had expected this to be the case. Aisha's excitement at that time on the plane obviously did not fully give the green light. He should have just told Danti to checked it first. Ordered her to make a new appointment. Only after he has reconfirmed Aisha's permission for him to take Rahman around New York City, Aymard should be here. Aymard felt a sudden misstep already.

So, what can Aymard do was enjoyed his brunch. He reached for the appetizer that had just been served. The steam ushered in the distinctive aroma he was addicted to. He admitted that he was indeed hasty this time but what else? He couldn't wait to meet Rahman. No? Well, he was being careless not just because of Rahman.

Now Aymard sighed. It's not his fault that he is also curious about Aisha. In the airport's lounge a few days ago, while shaking hands with Aisha, there was a weak electric shock that immediately made her uneasy. Aymard is definitely not the boy of yesterday afternoon who attached to the importance of sweet sensation after having a small talk. Unfortunately, Aisha Roestam's simple figure wandered for these three days in her head. Of course, Aymard did not think he had fallen in love through the first interaction to Aisha Roestam who Alaric believed to be PA of those AR alone. That's not it at all. He was just curious. And, his curiosity was not related to how exactly Aisha's stasus: just a PA or even AR Durlach herself. His simple curiosity was just a matter of wanting to get to knows her. Curiosity that strengthened his desire to keep his promise to the boy. Fulfilling his promise to Rahman who was still a boy even though Aymard knew it would not matter if he neglected. This is a trivial matter.

Suddenly his phone vibrated, returning him to reality. On the screen, Alaric's rancid face was displayed.

"Where are you, Mardi?"

Aymard crackled, "Brunch."

"Damn it! You left me alone. I'm hungry too, you know."

Aymard said, "Tell Dono or Danti to calls the service. I'm at Mercer right now, can't be bothered. I've an appointment with Rahman."

"Shit! I've heard they have delicious menus. By the way, whose you appointment have with?"

"Rahman Roestam."

"Who?"

"Rahman."

"Mardi, silly Brosky! Dang! Who is this Rahman you've referred to?"

Aymard sighed, "Ah, I'm sorry. Okay, he is a little boy from the plane."

"Double shit, Mardi! What's wrong with you? Have a brunch with Assistant's son is not important at all, tho?"

"My business."

Alaric's laughter sounded dismissive, "Don't tell me you are curious about his mother. No?"

Aymard just muttered. Alaric grumbled irritably,

"What are you eating there?"

"Austrian Brunch. Why?"

Alaric grumbled opposite, "What are you planning to do anyway?"

"Nothing. I just want to take him for a walk in the city. Pity him if he knows Mercer only."

Alaric chuckled, "Aisha's taste is terrible. It could be crazy for me to be locked up in a cramped Mercer for a long time."

"A lot of nonsense, Burik! Why don't you lift your butt, Slacker? Take all the way to be here. You know? They poured Macallan 2012 for me."

"Gaah! But, wait, Macallan? Are you a guest of an important guest of Mercer?" Alaric joked sarcastically.

"Apparently. Bye, baby bro. Please don't bother me with the boy and his mother."

Alaric still laughed grinningly, "Your taste shames our family, Mardi!"

Aymard's laughter sounded, "It's still better than you who only take the GF trophy but still right and left."

The phone turned off instantly. Alaric least likes it when his taste for women is satirized so much. Certainly, in less than thirty minutes he will appear in front of Aymard.

Just when Aymard's order was served, suddenly someone sat down in front of him and shaking the table. Aymard raised a face.

"You are coming!"

Aymard smiled at sudden when look on a 12-year-old boy's face, "Hey, how are you, Boy?"

Rahman nodded enthusiastically, "I'm good. What about Om Aymard?"

"Can't be better, Boy!"

Rahman grimaced, "I'm not good at English yet, Om."

"It's not an important issue. You'll be naturally fluent on it. Ah, do you come to have an early lunch?"

Rahman nodded, "Ya."

"Are you with your siblings?" asked Aymard.

Rahman shook his head.

Aymard tilted his head.

"They're with the Nanny. I'm bored so just go for a walk. Went up and down with the elevator but get bored soon. Suddenly, I want to eat a spaghetti. Happy to see Om is here. Keep Om's promise."

Aymard smiled, "Oh, I have to! As a the gentleman, when have a promise that must be kept, Boy!"

Rahman chuckled lightly. He turned his head right and left then waved at a waiter.

"Can you help me asking him for a spaghetti like my previous order, Om?" Rahman pleaded.

Aymard nodded, "Oh yes, Rahman. Anyway, your mother, she hasn't really given the permission, right?"

Rahman immediately scowled, "Yes. Mama is too overprotected. She was very strictly chose who was allowed to accompany me or the twins for a walk ."

Aymard smiled, "Wow. Your mother really care about you, right?"

Rahman nodded lazily, "But make me so ignorant!"

Aymard chuckled amused at the sight of that. He understood Rahman's intentions as well as understood what reason Aisha had behind her such attitude.

"We'd better just eat first, boy."

Aymard told the waiter that Rahman ordered the menu exactly like his previous dinner. The waiter smiled politely and soon passed. Rahman thanked the waiter named Leonard make Aymard conclude. These boy had wandered around the hotel. A natural thing for children who are always curious. Aymard was so as a child. He was loved to explore each floor and go up and down by elevator until being escorted back to the room by any disturbed attendant. But, saw Rahman's directness towards Leonard, Aymard believed he has interacted well with the hotel employees. Unlike him who as a child was not very comfortable talking to unfamiliar adults. Aymard admired the courage and confidence of this teenage boy. Also, he felt a bound with Rahman.

*****