“I really hope so. You are a young blood and can bring new perspective. Your brother is too much of a blue blood, stuck up on his high horse,” anang matandang lalaki at iiling-iling.
“This blue blood on a high turned your money ten-folds, Director Wang,” singit ni Amadeus sa usapan. He looked more dangerous after the meeting. For someone like him, every boarding meeting was a war. And his war with Aiden was something that he had admit losing. Hindi yata ito sanay na natatalo.
Humalakhak ang matandang lalaki. “I know. But I want more. I am glad that you dela Merceds could give me the best of both worlds.”
Aiden got the director’s vote to create Brava Budget Hotels and Glamping Sites under Brava International’s luxury hotel and resort umbrella. Hindi naging madali ang lahat dahil magiging istrikto si Amadeus at ang mga kakampi nito. They were all about preserving the brand and its VIP clients. Hindi hahayaan ng mga ito na masira ang brand ng Brava Hotels. Hindi rin magiging madali para kay Aiden ang pagsasakatuparan ng brainchild project nito. His older brother would see to it.
Habang hindi pa nila nasisimulan ang construction ng mga budget hotel, nag-suggest si Lexie na ipa-sale muna ang ibang mga units nila na di pa okupado lalo na sa mga branch nila na mababa ang sales. Mataas nang bahagya sa presyo ng mga backpacking hostels. Or maybe a special price for travel bloggers. Millenials are very particular with reviews and blogs. It would work on their favor.
“I actually have a lady boss who keeps me on my toes,” sabi ni Aiden at nakangiting lumingon sa kanya. “I don’t think I can work on that idea without Lexie. She has a way of keeping me focused.”
Nag-init ang mukha ni Lexie. He had a naughty smile on his lips. He was reminding her of their kiss.
“I can’t blame Aiden. He looks inspired. She’s really beautiful,” tatango-tangong sabi ni Director Wang. May malisya sa mata ng lalaki. Parang pinapahiwatig na may romantic relationship sila ni Aiden.
“And smart. She not some robotic assistant since she could always offer her opinion that challenges mine most of the time,” maagap na dagdag ni Aiden.
“I agree. We hired her because of her brains. She had proven herself hardworking and an asset for this company,” puno ng pride na sabi ni Amadeus. If there was one thing, he took pride in his employees. Alam nito na competent ang mga taong kinuha nito.
“That’s why I am on your team.” Tinapik ni Director Wang ang balikat ni Aiden. Tumuro ito sa direksiyon niya. “This one is a gem. Don’t let her go.”
Yumukod siya sa direktor nang magpaalam ito. “See you again, Director Wang. Have a safe trip back to Beijing.”
“Good presentation and presence of mind back there, Lexie. I want presentations like that. Not half-baked, could open a lot doors and you are read to fight for despite the odds,” sabi ni Amadeus nang yayain sila ni Aiden sa rooftop garden cafe para magkape. “Congratulations for working hard.”
It was weird. Siya ang kino-congratulate ng boss niya sa halip na si Aiden. Pakiramdam tuloy niya ay nasa pagitan siya ng dalawang nag-uumpugang bato. “Si Sir Aiden po ang may idea ng lahat. Pinagtulung-tulungan lang po namin ang presentation. He is our leader after all.”
"I am impressed. Really impressed,” sabi in Amadeus pero sa kanya pa rin nakatitig ang mga mata. “Don’t you agree, Aiden? I made the right choice by hiring her. She brings out the best in you.”
Akala niya ay mao-offend si Aiden pero nakangiti itong sumang-ayon sa kapatid. "Pakiramdam ko di lang siya assistant. She's more like a boss. Kung nakuha mo siyang assistant, I am sure she will also bully you into submission. She could be domineering at times.”
At sabay na nagtawanan ang dalawa. Parang madalang na mangyari iyon. It made Amadeus look younger. Nakita niya ang paglamlam ng mga mata ni Aiden. As if he cherished the moment.
"She needs a car and an increase. I am sure she works doubly hard. Don't worry, brother,” sabi naman ni Amadeus at humigop ng kape.
“S-Sir, masyado pa yatang maaga para diyan,” tutol ng dalaga. Paano kung makahalata si Aiden na may “deal” sila ng lalaki?
“No. It is just perfect. Marami tayong trabaho at hindi ako komportable sa idea na nagta-taxi ka kapag disoras ng gabi,” segunda naman ni Aiden sa kapatid. “And you deserve that increase.”
“You will also get an increase once this budget hotel of yours kick off. Just keep on working hard,” sabi ni Amadeus sa kapatid.
"Akala ko ayaw mo sa idea ko,” sabi ng lalaki na may kasamang lungkot sa boses.
“I don’t. I still think we must maintain the Brava brand. But everyone voted for it and you won.” Nagkibit-balikat si Amadeus. “I am glad you finally have sense not to fire her.”
“So you have to let me go then,” nakangising sabi ni Aiden.
They locked gazes. At nakadama ulit ng nerbiyos si Lexie. Gustong umalis ni Aiden sa kompanya? “You can’t easily get what you want,” anang si Amadeus at tumayo. “You have to work your ass off. Why don’t you celebrate for now? Take her somewhere fun. I have a meeting in ten minutes. Enjoy your weekend.”
Sinundan ng tingin ni Lexie ang lalaki. Lalo lang dumadami ang tanong sa isipan niya kung anong klaseng relasyon ng magkapatid. They were not close and it looked like they have a lot of issues. But Amadeus was being so hard on Aiden. Parang wala na sa lugar.
"What's up with your brother? Bakit sa tono niya ayaw niya na patuluyin ang mga hampaslupa sa hotel niya. Ayaw niya sa mahihirap?" tanong ng dalaga nang silang dalawa na lang.
"No. He just hates me,” Aiden uttered casually. Nakihati ito sa espresso cheesecake niya. “Oh! This is heaven.”
“Because…?”
“You don’t know?” tanong ni Aiden at ipinilig ang ulo. “Never mind. Come on. Magpa-deliver ka ng pizza para sa team."
"Pizza? Sa yaman mong iyan, Sir? How about a weekend get away to Europe?" biro niya sa lalaki.
"I am not exactly that rich and all my money is invested at the hotel. Gusto mo bang isanla natin ang grand chandelier sa lobby para mailibre ko ang buong team sa Europe.”
Inirapan niya ito. “Kuripot. But congratulations! Na-aprubahan na ang project mo, boss. To think, na muntik mo pang takbuhan kanina.”
“I should thank you for saving my ass a while ago,” sabi nito sa kanya. “If not for that kiss, I would really leave without a backward glance. I feel like a prince in a fairy tale. But next time you kiss someone, do it with someone you really like.”
But I like you. Nakagat ng dalaga ang labi bago niya mausal. Nope. It would be like telling Aiden that she wanted to kiss him again.
“I will order that pizza. At pwede bang samahan mo na rin ng free spa, boss? I really badly needed that right now.” Anything to distract her from the memory of his kiss.