Chapter 5: Chapter 5
"Come on, Ash! I know there IS something you're not telling me," Marco insisted, grinning wide like a child.
"I'm venting out! Can't you focus on the topic at hand?" I answered, acting pissed.
I am freaking out. Okay, just, kind of. Being the daughter of the company owner, the one who'll be taking over someday, is far from being easy. I am fully aware of the responsibility I carry on my shoulder, that's a given, but sometimes the pressure takes its toll on me. While my colleagues are nice and smooth to work with, I cannot deny the fact that they expect a little too much from me.
Miss Nichole, my immediate superior, instructed me to prepare a presentation for this month's investors' meeting. While she often asks me to do drafts as part of my training, this is the first time that I actually have to finalize it on my own. I know it will still be under her supervision, but damn, how am I supposed to do this? I mean, stating figures -- err, speaking!-- in front of our investors? God knows how my knees turn to jelly when everyone's attention is on me.
But I have to do this.
I can do this and I won't disappoint.
Sooner or later, I have to get used in discussing in front of people who may or may not have objections. I am the kind of person who would rather work behind the curtain. I'm good, better I must say, on pen and paper. Be it a presentation, fact, literature, or a review -- I can do it well. BUT honestly speaking, I have to put in more effort for situations that will put me on the spotlight.
I started studying the figures and the performance of our hotels for the month as soon as Miss Nichole gave me the go signal. She noted that I should be ready for the questions and suggestions that our investors will possibly raise. Can't I just hand them a detailed copy of the report? I winced at the thought.
I called Marco and invited him over coffee to rant about the coming presentation. In times like this, my crazy best friend is such a relief.
"Ashley, I know YOU CAN do that. Do you think that Miss Nichole will give you that task if she doesn't trust you enough to handle it well?" Marco said as he sipped his coffee, snapping me back to reality.
I sighed.
"But.."
"No but's! Just focus! You're smart and I honestly believe that you'll do just fine."
"Thank you, Marco," my voice barely a whisper.
"So are you going to tell me what happened between you and Chris?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Aren't YOU going to drop that topic?" I asked in a sarcastic tone.
"Nah. I just want to know why the hell Chris would.... Wait.... Have you seen the note?"
"What?" I asked in confusion.
I noticed his puzzled reaction. Like I didn't know something I should have known by now. He gave me a wry smile.
"What?" I mouthed in exaggeration.
He bursts out laughing and I have no idea why.
"I know that Chris paid you a surprise visit in your house. For movie and stuff. And I thought he left something for you. Have you checked your place?"
"He told you that?"
"Ashley Xanea. Are you seriously trying to hide it from me? You seeing Chris?" He asked, acting hurt.
I laughed. This guy can be annoyingly funny. I can't thank God enough for giving me a best friend like him.
Ignoring his drama, I asked. "What else did he tell you?"
"Nothing much. Just, uhmm, Ash is so blah blah. Appreciation shits," he said, making faces.
I smiled and wondered what that note is about.
"Earth to Ashley!" he mocked.
I slightly punched him in his arm.
"I think he likes you."
"It's too early to tell, Marco."
"You're not going to distance yourself, aren't you?"
I sighed. If there's something that I don't want to get myself involved in, as of now, it's commitment. I won't deny that I am having a great time with Chris. It's just that, I don't wanna get attached to someone again. The reason? Uhmm well, I honestly don't want to talk about it right now.
"It's about time you open yourself to possibilities again, Ash."
"But I don't need it. Not yet, I mean."
"You seriously need to loosen up. I get it that you decided to focus more on your career but.."
"Marco.." I slowly said, stopping him.
He raised his arms in mock surrender. "Just saying."
We enjoyed the rest of our food and coffee together.
Marco, among others, is always concerned with my personal life. While he insists that I should start dating again, it is the first time that he builds someone up for me. I admit, one of the reasons I took the courage to spend time with Chris is because I know he's got my back. I have more reasons, but they are all in a blur.
He further encouraged me for my upcoming presentation and offered to email me articles which can serve as my guide. Moments later, we decided to call it a day.
"Thank you, Marco! You're always the best!"
"Whatever you say." He laughs.
"Tch. Say hi to Angel for me! Hope we can bond together soon! God, I missed her!"
"I will, li'l sis! Gonna meet her for dinner. Bye!"
"Too bad I'm caught up with the fucking presentation. Anyway, enjoy!"
I feel a lot better after talking to my best friend. After an hour of rest, I marbled on my laptop to gather more information regarding the company's performance for the month. Right. After I have all the information that I need, I'm going to have to know them by heart. I have to look on every angle so that I know how to run the discussion I'll be engaging in. A flicker of excitement rose in me. I can do this.
Satisfied with my initial step for this project, I readied myself for bed.
I was about to set my alarm when I suddenly remembered the note that Marco has mentioned earlier. I got up from my bed to check the entertainment room and found a small card on the side table.
I slowly shaked my head and smiled.
It's a small light blue card, folded in half, with words boldly written on top: I dare you to hike with me.
I can't keep myself from smiling. I love the outdoors and having someone to invite me for an adventure thrills me.
Opening the card, I read: Everything is set. It will be my pleasure to go on an adventure with you. Would you dare? My smile grew wider.
I got my phone, typed a message, and pressed send: Challenge accepted.
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