Chapter 7
Love in the air

The ballroom of one of the fanciest hotels in Makati was filled with men wearing suits and ties, women dressed in beautiful and expensive gowns, sipping their favorite cocktails as they chatted in small groups, while soft music played in the background.

In the middle of the gathering, Richard Lim was commanding attention, not only because of his good looks and the confident way he carries himself, but because this was the first time, he was out in a social setting since he left the country more than two years ago, and after the death of his father. People were very curious about the new CEO of Lim Corporation. Added to that, a beautiful girl, wearing a simple, but very elegant royal blue chiffon gown, was with him, and they looked so good together. They also looked very much in love. People noticed it in the way they gazed at each other, sought each other out when they got separated, and the little touches they exchanged when they thought people were not looking.

Richard was reluctant to go to this event. However, Lisa told him that the award that they were supposed to receive from the organization who gives this annual recognition is one of the most prestigious in the business. The winners were pre-selected, and the organization just holds an awarding ceremony, then a party for the winners. His executive assistant also added that it wouldn’t hurt for the new CEO of the LC to be seen in a very important and well-attended event like this. He asked Maya to go with him. He wanted her to share this moment with him. This was also their first outing into society since they became a couple two weeks ago.

It had been a wonderful two weeks for Maya and Richard as they expressed their feelings for each other after clearing the air in the rooftop garden. They ended up staying there the whole afternoon, just being with each other, and making up for lost moments. They told their respective offices that they will just go on leave the rest of the afternoon. When they got down from the rooftop garden, Marissa knew that her boss and the beautiful and well-liked head of their foundation are now a couple. The whole company noticed the change in their status the following days. The employees were happy that their boss has found love, and to such a lovely person as Maya Dela Rosa. Richard also introduced Maya to his mother. Mrs. Lim and Maya took an instant liking to each other. It turned out also that Mama Esme, as she wanted to be called by Maya, knew Maya’s dad and mom. They met each other in some embassy function in Beijing many years ago. Richard and Maya spent all their free time together. Sometimes in the roof garden for lunch, and the evenings, having dinner in the restaurants that struck their fancy, or at Maya’s family home, where she cooked for him. Richard couldn’t be happier. Maya felt she is the luckiest girl in the world as Richard is the sweetest boyfriend.

“Sweetheart, are you okay? Hindi ka ba bored?” Richard whispered to Maya when they got a respite from all the business associates, and friends of Sir Roberto saying hello to Richard, and those who approached them because they were curious about Maya. “This event sometimes last for hours. See, it is not even starting!”

“Don’t worry about me Ricky. I’m okay. I attend charity events for the foundation, and those too, sometimes went on for hours. I also accompanied my dad before to functions when mom was not around or didn’t want to go , so I got used to to this kind of thing.” Maya assured Richard as she holds on to his arm.

“Thank you, sweetheart. Have I told you that you looked so beautiful tonight and that I am the envy of all the guys here?” Richard told Maya as he gazed lovingly at her. “I can’t even leave your side for so long, someone might snatch you right under my nose.”

“Naku, Mr. Lim, I can’t count na nga how many times you told me that this evening. Pero, thank you pa rin. Saka, kilig pa rin kaya ako every time you say  that.” Maya smiled sweetly at Richard, then affectionately rubbed his arm.

They private moment was interrupted by someone who suddenly went too close to Richard and tried to kiss him on the lips. Good thing he got good reflexes, Richard thought. He managed to sidestep the kiss, and it landed on his cheek.

“Richard, darling, how are you? It has been a while.” The lady wearing a low-cut gown that showed a lot of skin, said to Richard in a smoky voice. “Let’s hang out soon.”

“Hi Josephine.” Richard said cooly. “I didn’t know that your father’s company is also one of the awardees.”

“Our company is on the committee this year. When I saw in the list that LC is going to be one of the awardees, I made an effort to come, for you. “Josephine said flirtingly. “You are bad ha, for not been returning my calls and your witch of a secretary always told me you were unavailable when I go to LC.”

Richard ignored her flirty censure that sounded like they had something going, then put his hand on Maya’s back, pulled her closer to him, and introduced her to Josephine.

“Josephine, please meet my lovely girlfriend, Maya dela Rosa.” He said proudly. “Maya, sweetheart, this is Josephine del Rosario of RDR Group of Companies. “Her dad Ramon was a friend of Papa.”

Maya knew the moment Richard uttered the name “Josephine” that this was the girl that his father wanted him to marry.

“Nice to meet you Josephine!” She said with a polite smile.

Josephine looked at Maya from head to foot, then smiled cooly, as if she is dismissing her as nobody worth of her time and attention. Maya also felt the hostility coming from Josephine. But she decided to let it pass , and keep her cool.  When Josephine noticed Richard was not really reacting to what she was saying and that his attention was just focused on the girl beside him, she left in a huff.

Soon after the awards ceremony started and they went back to their table. Lisa was there and several other officers of LC. True to Richard’s prediction, the event lasted long, having started late. But with Maya beside him, he didn’t feel bored or didn’t notice the passing of the hours. They whispered at each other from time to time and held hands under the table.

Maya was waiting for Richard, who got cornered by one of his father’s longtime friend, at the lounge of the hotel, when she heard Josephine’s smoky voice and another girl’s. She looked at them from her peripheral vision.

“Josephine girl, have you seen Richard Lim’s girlfriend? She is very lovely ha. I also heard that she is the daughter of our ambassador to Spain.” The girl said conversationally. “Nagkakilala raw sila sa Sweden, from what I heard.”

“What, lovely???  She looks ordinary to me. And I am not interested in her background and the circumstances of their meeting each other. I wonder how long will she last as Richard’s girlfriend? You’ve heard of him before and I know him. I don’t think he is really into her. Besides, girlfriend, Richard is mine and di ba, we almost got married two years ago! He just decided to go abroad because of his feud with Tito Roberto.” Josephine stressed to the other girl. “That Maya Dela Rosa  is no competition to me! Watch out, the next time you read the society colums, you will read about my engagement to Richard!”

Maybe, it was the lateness of the hour, or she just genuinely dislikes that spoiled brat, but Maya had enough of the rude girl and her lies. She approached Josephine and her friend calmly. I have to hold on to my temper, she mused, think of Ricky!

“Excuse me, hi Josephine, and hello to you too, Ms…..” She said. “I’m Maya Dela Rosa.”

“Hi, I’m Mayen Carlos!” The other girl said and gave Maya a tentative smile, recognizing her as the girl with Richard Lim. “And you are Richard Lim’s girlfriend he had been proudly introducing around earlier. That was sweet of him.”

“Girlfriend! Not for long!” Josephine said cattily, ignoring Maya.

“If I may speak Josephine, sorry I can’t help, but heard what you two were talking about, as your voice was quite  loud. Pardon for this, Mayen.” Maya said politely and apologetically to the other girl. “Josephine, please respect the fact that Richard is in a relationship and the lucky girl is me. It is not you or any of the girls who ran after him before he left for abroad. You can’t force love the way you have done. Yes, he had told me about you. And yes, we are perfectly happy and very much in love. And please don’t spread lies about my boyfriend. Thank you! Nice to meet you Mayen. I just wish it was in a better setting.” She added for Mayen.

Maya made her exit after saying her piece. She didn’t really want to get into a cat fight with the girl who was after her man. Besides, on hindsight, she should have just ignored her. She would have, if Josephine was not rude and mean. She left Josephine getting red in the face.

Richard heard what Maya said and asked her when they were in the car. Good thing, they have decided to ask Mang Lem, the Lim family driver to drive them to this event. It ended to be much better. Now they can sit together, chat and cuddle in the back seat.

“What was that all about with Josephine, sweetheart.” He asked, though, based on what he heard, he have a pretty good idea.

“Naku, never mind Ricky. I should have not said anything to that Josephine.” Maya said, sighing. “She just got on my nerves with the stuffs she was saying about you.”

“Hmmm, kaya pala you were starting to look fierce, sweetheart. Just ignore her.” Richard said as he settled Maya comfortably in his arms and teased. “Inggit lang iyon sa iyon kasi your boyfriend is handsome, na kahit marathon na yata ang ginawa niyang paghahabol di niya nakuha! Saka, I heard yata na you told her you are the lucky girl I chose!”

“Yabang mo, sweetheart.” Maya jested and lovingly pinched him on the side. “Swerte ka rin sa akin ah. Imagine, kahit sa kabilang panig ng mundo, nabighani ka.”

“Yes naman sweetheart, I am the luckiest guy in the world. Besides there is only one girl I see, since I met that lovely girl in Sweden. I will hold on to her and never let her go.” Richard then kissed Maya on the forehead and hugged her tight. They settled more comfortably in the car for the trip to Antipolo where Maya lives, with her old nanny, Manang Fe and another househelp, Sabel, since her parents are in Europe.

“Maya, sweetheart, we are here.” Richard said as he tried to wake up a sleeping Maya.

“Ricky, I just want to stay here” She said as she burrowed deeper into Richard’s embrace.

It took several more minutes before Richard managed to wake up Maya. He accompanied her inside. She opened the door, Manang Fe and Sabel, having gone to sleep. Maya asked if Ricky wants a cup of coffee before he goes back to Makati where he lives.

“Thank you, sweetheart, but I better head home. Saka para you can rest na also.” Richard said as he brought Maya to the foot of the stairs. “Go up na please, and I will just lock after me.”

Maya nodded, kissed Richard on the lips and started going up the stairs of the dimly-lit house, when she realized something. She was hesitant, but decided anyway to ask him.

“Errr, Ricky, before you you. I need a favor.” She said, getting red in the face a little bit. “Can you help me unbutton the top buttons of my gown. I can’t do it. I don’t want to wake up Manang and Sabel, anymore. Sabel was actually the one who helped me earlier.”

Richard smiled and assured Maya it is okay. Maya stood on the steps with her back to Richard, who started unbuttoning Maya’s gown. The more skin that got exposed, the harder for Richard to breath. He didn’t realize Maya’s effect on him and her innocent request. He can’t move promptly after undoing the buttons. He needed to collect himself.

“Ricky, sweetheart, are you done? I think I can manage undoing the rest.”  Maya said as she turned to face Richard and caught the longing and the desire on his face. It triggered something in her. She touched his face and whispered softly, “Ricky”.

Richard looked at Maya and his control snapped. He started kissing her. It started as a simple meeting of their lips, but it progressed to much more. They kissed hotly, passionately and he started caressing Maya’s exposed back. Maya was also caressing Richard’s back and they were as close as two person could be. They were so at it, that they didn’t notice the lights going up. Until the sound of someone clearing her throat penetrated their private world.

“Ehhmmm, Maya hija, and Richard, good evening.”  Manang Fe greeted the two with a poker face. “Ginabi na kayo ah.”

Richard and Maya broke apart, with Richard trying to cover Maya’s exposed back by putting her infront of him.

“Good evening po, Manang Fe.” Richard said respectfully. He liked Manang Fe and the past several times he had been here, she acted like a mom to Maya and made him felt at home also. Maya told him that she is like a mom to her since her parents were either abroad or quite busy.

“Hi Manang.” Maya said, blushing. “Gising pa po pala kayo?”

“Kukuha sana ako ng maiinom. Bigla akong nauhaw, eh. Saka, titingnan ko rin sana kung nakauwi ka na. Alam mo namang hindi ako mapakali, kahit alam kung okay ka naman, kapag ginagabi ka.” Manang said, looking closely at the two, but didn’t say anything anymore. “O sige, maiwan ko na kayo. Good night, Richard, ingat sa pag-uwi.”

“Thank you po, Manang Fe, paalis na rin po ako.” Richard said.

They waited until Manang Fe was out of sight before they moved from where they were. They looked at each other and smiled sheepishly.

“Naku, baka i-ban na ako ni Manang dito.” Richard said while smiling at Maya. “Ikaw kasi eh.”

“Ha, bakit ako, ikaw yata ang nagsimula ng lahat.” Maya good-naturedly bantered. “Para, I was asking you lang to unbutton my gown.”

“Maya sweetheart, you don’t know your effect on me.” Richard said lovingly, then affectionately kissed her on the nose. “But I better get going, baka nga tuluyan na akong i-ban ni Manang. Good night, I love you very much.”

“I love you too, sweetheart. Take care and text me when you get home.” Maya said and hugged Richard.

They kissed goodbye, and it took two more kisses before they let go of each other that evening. Maya and Richard both went to bed smiling, remembering the perfect ending to their evening.

Note: My apologies for the delayed update. Got busy in the real world. I needed to catch up on two days of sleep yesterday! Anyways, I hope you liked the continuation of SL. Have a nice evening, or morning! 🙂

Chapter 6
Heart to heart

Maya saw Richard right away when she got to the top. He was sitting on one of the rattan chairs in the gazebo. He didn’t notice that she was there. He was just staring into space and unconsciously tapping his fingers on the glass table, his coffee, untouched.

“Ricky.” Maya called softly.

“Maya!” Richard said, very surprised to see her standing at the entrance of the garden. He smiled brightly, especially when he realized that Maya called him “Ricky” and not “Sir”! He is so happy at the moment. At last, he will have his chance to explain himself and apologize to Maya.

Richard stood up, went to Maya, hold her on the elbow and guided her to the chair beside his. He asked her what would like to drink. Only then that Maya noticed her surroundings. Her heart was beating so loudly that she felt dizzy for a moment. The whole place is really beautiful, and looks so peaceful. There is also a small bar in one corner of the garden.

“No, thank you, Ricky.” She replied. “This is really a beautiful place. It looks so peaceful with all the flowers in bloom, and the plants. I didn’t know that there is a garden here, on top of our building.” She continued conversationally to calm her nerves.

“Not many people have been here. My mother had it built for Papa. He liked to garden during his leisure time. Mama thought it would be a stress reliever for him to come up here from time to time. Even if he can’t garden here!” Richard said by way of explanation. He too, felt the need to chatter, to steady his fast beating heart. He was unsure if he will start the conversation on the issue hanging between them. He opted to wait for Maya to say something.

“Ricky, thank you for the flowers. Ang dami ah. Also for the framed photo yesterday, and the coffee and muffin.” Maya said as she looked intently at Ricky’s handsome face.

“Maya, about the notes, I meant every word I have written.” He replied.

“R-ricky.” Maya said, then she asked him the question that has been in her head since he ‘disappeared’ from her life in Stockholm. “Why did you leave without even saying goodbye? I mean, you are free to come and go, wala naman talaga tayong commitment, but didn’t I deserve a goodbye, even as a friend? Then added to that, you didn’t tell me you are connected to Lim Corporation, or that you are one of the Lims of LC!”

“W-what?” Ricky exclaimed, surprised at Maya asking why he didn’t say goodbye. “Maya I left you a note, explaining that I had a family emergency. I left it at the front desk of your hotel! Didn’t they give it to you?”

“You, did? Wala naman silang ibinigay sa akin! I waited for you at the lobby the following evening, pero nang hindi ka dumating, I got worried. I called your phone pero out of reach siya. Nahiya naman akong tumawag kay Rafi , and hanapin ka. The following day, I waited for you again, pero wala pa rin. Then the third night as well, and that was when I realized then that you were gone. I will admit, nasaktan ako ng sobra, kasi I thought we were okay. We were more than okay when we parted after our trip to the botanical garden.” Maya said as she looked at Ricky, getting teary-eyed.

“Maya, sweetheart, please don’t cry. I can’t take that. I’m so sorry for everything – for the miscommunication, for not saying to you my connection to LC! You don’t know how sorry I was for not admitting to you my connection to the company you work for. I was planning to come clean that Monday evening where we were supposed to see each other again. After our trip to the botanical garden, it was very important for me do so. I didn’t want a lie between us. I believed we have started something beautiful. I was hoping then that you also felt the same feeling I was feeling after the kiss we shared. But I should have not left the telling to another day, as something very urgent came up the following day. I needed to take an urgent trip to the Philippines. I tried calling you, pero you were not answering. I guessed you turned off your phone during training, kaya there was that note I left. Let me explain fully, please.” Richard appealed as he held both of Maya’s hands.

Maya looked at him and nodded.

Richard took a deep breath, then looking deeply into Maya’s eyes, started his explanation.

“I think I better start from the beginning. My father sent me to Harvard. He wanted me to learn everything I could about running a business. He wanted to groom me as his successor. I returned to the Philippines full of ideas, and very eager to implement all I have learned in my studies in America. I wanted to be with him in making our company grow more. However, the reality was far from my idealistic take on things. Yes, my father gave me a key management position which suited my qualifications. But most of my ‘modern ideas’, he disgreed with. I will take a step forward and then he will send me two steps backward. He didn’t have enough confidence in me. He was just too traditional when it comes to business. Yet I persevered, thinking that he was just slow to change, being old school, but it didn’t change as months and years passed by. I love the company, our employees, and I love my father too, and my mother, so I stayed, even if there were times, I wanted to quit. However, things  came to a head when he insisted that I marry one of his business partner’s daughter. I had enough of him not trusting me to make my own decision, prove my worth, and help in the running of the company. He wanted to manage my personal life too, saddle me with a girl I didn’t love, that I didn’t even like!

I submitted my letter of resignation and I told him I accepted a job in England. He told me that I can’t expect any support from him. I said I can manage. I said sorry to him then packed my bags and moved to London. I cut ties with LC and went on my own. It was a nice feeling also to be just ‘Ricky Lim’, not ‘Richard Lim’ of Lim Corporation. I was just a bit sad at how my father and I parted. It made Mama sad too.

Two months ago, my Uncle Patrick, my father’s brother who was on the board of LC, started appealing to me to come back to the company. He said my father was sick. He said my father regretted our discord, but too proud to ask me himself, to come back. He said he was doing the asking on his own volition and that my father didn’t know about his calls to me. I put him off. I was not ready to come back, for fear that when my father gets well, he will be back to his old ways. I made a life where I was. Just before I came to Sweden, Uncle Patrick called me again. I told him I will think about it. I decided to take some time off,  see what Rafi has to say about the whole thing.

Then, there was you. I never expected I would fall in love, so sudden, so fast, when I took that trip to Sweden. I was not really looking for love, the way things were. But from the moment I have seen you at the airport, I was attracted to you. Then, fate has thrown us together several times. The more I got to know you, the more, I fell deeper. I regretted not telling you about me and LC right away. But at the time you told me where you work, I just wanted to forget all my problems, my situation. I also wanted you to know me as me, and not because I am your boss’ son. I also didn’t know what you have heard about ‘Richard Lim’. When I got to know you better, I have decided that I will tell you the truth, and was just looking for an opportunity to do so. After our trip to the botanical garden, and I realized that I have fallen for you, I have decided to tell you the following night, and ask for your forgiveness. I hope that you can also see beyond that, and consider we had so far, together. I love you with all my heart, Maya. I didn’t intend to hurt you or leave you like that.

“Ricky.” It was all Maya can say, as she tried to reassure Richard that she understood. “What happened?”

“The following morning, Rafi and I got a call from Mama. She asked us to come home as Papa was terminally ill. He had cancer. We didn’t even know he was that sick! He didn’t want us to know and worry. Mama said that Papa wanted to talk to me urgently. We readily booked the earliest available flight that day. When I failed to reach you, I decided to leave a note for you at your hotel on the way to the airport. In it, I told you that Rafi and I were going back to Manila and that I will see you there when you return from your training. I also mentioned that I have something to tell you and that I want to tell it to you in person. I also wrote my parents’ address and phone number in the note.”

“Ricky, I wished I have known the situation you were in. I don’t know what happened to your note! I never thought it could be like that. Kaya pala, Sir Roberto was very sickly the past several months. I liked yout father, even if he was strict. He was very sincere in helping people. I was sad to hear of his passing.” Maya touched Richard’s face. “I wished I was able to comfort you.”

“You did, Maya, in a way.” Richard said and then elaborated. “The thought of you and our time together gave me strength, and comforted me as I went through the whole gamut of emotions  – from guilt in not listening to my uncle, and not patching things up with my father, sadness at his passing, and regret at all the wasted time – time that I could have spent with him, instead of working abroad. But then, I also took comfort in the fact that our paths crossed because of me going abroad. Though, had I not left, I think we will also meet at some point and ended up liking each other.

“When Rafi and I arrived home, I could see how happy Papa was to see us, especially me. He asked if he could talk to me alone. And when we did, he said sorry to me for not listening to my ideas, not giving me the room to grow, and forcing someone I didn’t like to me. He told me he should have not done that. He said, he should have known better since he and my mom were a love match. What my dad didn’t know was that – Josephine was the one pushing her father to talk to my father about us marrying. She have been coming on to me quite strongly prior to that, but I just ignored her.

Papa and I talked long into the night. I told him about you. He was very happy to know that we have met. He liked you. He also said that when got to know you, he thought that if he can wish someone especial for me, it is you. He said his only regret is that he will not see us together. I told him to concentrate on getting well as I will not stop until you are my girlfriend, then we can all have dinner, and I will introduce you to him and Mama as my love.

He died in his sleep the day after that, Maya.” Richard said, his voice breaking. “It was so hard in the beginning, but I have accepted that he is with God now, free from pain that he had been feeling the past several months. Mama said Papa really changed and mellowed after I left the country and he regretted what happened between us. I really wished I had more time with him. I also came to realized, then, that life could be gone in a snap so we should savor all the moments we can with our loved ones. Tell them how we feel, and don’t waste time.”

Maya didn’t notice that there were tears in her eyes until Richard wiped it with his thumb. She hugged Richard tight to comfort him and whispered. “ I love you  Ricky.” Maya realized too that life is too short to dwell on things that had already happened and that she can’t do anything about. She and Richard have both learned something from what happened. What’s important is now. Love is stronger and more enduring. They are just starting, but she want to nurture and make their love grow more and more each day they are together.

“Maya, I love you very much. Promise, I will make it up to you. I will never leave you again, and thank you, for forgiving me!” Richard said with so much loved. He cupped her face and kissed her with all the love he feels. Maya responded to Richard’s kiss, wanting to show him how much she loves him too. The rooftop garden became the perfect backdrop for their expression of love for each other.

Chapter 5
Love among the blooms

Richard was still smiling when he pressed the intercom to call his secretary. At least, a glimmer of hope from Maya, he thought. Now on to his next move, to make her say yes 100 percent to talking to him, and hearing him out.

“Yes, Sir Richard.” Marissa said, noticing that her boss is in a very good mood.

“Marissa, please call the florist we use and order these.” Richard said as he handed Marissa a piece of paper, with some instructions in it. “Please be here early tomorrow for the delivery and supervise the crew that will go to Maya’s office.”

“Oh, wow!” It was all Marissa could say, her eyes round as saucers when she read the list her boss gave her. Then she smiled at Richard. “Consider this done, Sir. Ako na ang bahala.”

“By the way, include this also.” He handed her another small envelope. “Thank you, Marissa.”

“Okay, Sir. No problem.” She smiled at him and felt kilig also at the latest development in the love story between her boss and his lady love.

Richard went home that evening in high spirits. He knew he still needed to explain himself well to Maya, but he is getting more and more optimistic that she will hear him out.

Maya also felt happy when she arrived home that evening. Remembering their times in Sweden made her happier, even if she felt very sad and hurt the rest of her stay there because she missed Richard, and was puzzled that he just, sort of, disappeared from her life. She thought of asking Rafi , but pride and reserve prevailed. Now, she is getting more and more open to the idea of giving Richard the benefit of the doubt. Maybe, he did have a very valid reason for just leaving like that, or for not disclosing his connection to Lim Corporation, she mused.

In the short time that Maya had known Richard, she discovered that he was a gentleman, a very caring person, very straightforward, a fun friend, and he really listened to what she was saying, even if sometimes, it was just something silly. She also liked his sense of humor. Besides in all the years of working everywhere and meeting a lot of people, Maya considered herself a pretty good judge of character, and from the onset, she didn’t see or felt anything negative about Ricky.  She felt very comfortable with him, as if they have known each other a long time. She didn’t feel that he was stringing her along. In fact, except for the LC issue, he had been very candid with her. Judging by what Rafi said, it seemed that he was not that open to other people at all.

Maya’s introspection was interrupted by the beeping of her mobile phone.

                                            Good night, Maya. Sweet dreams.

                                            Looking forward to seeing you again.

                                            I hope it will be 100% tomorrow. 😉

                                            – Ricky

His message made Maya smiled. She can’t resist replying.

                                            You wish! 🙂

She went to bed smiling, and quite happy. Richard, on the other hand, had an even bigger smile when he went to sleep.

Maya woke up with a feeling of anticipation. Ricky was the same. They both went to work early.

This time they met each other at the coffee shop at the ground floor of the building.

“Good morning Maya.” Richard greeted Maya with a big sunny smile. Then, he automatically ordered her favorite brew from the barista. “Miss, one tall americano for her please.”

“Oh, you don’t have to, Sir.” Maya protested.

“I insist, please. Just say, thank you Ricky.” Richard asserted.

“Thank you, Sir Richard.” She stressed, just can’t resist saying it, tongue-in-cheek.

The two of them walked towards the elevator. Richard pressed the elevator button going up, and gestured to Maya to enter first. They sipped their coffee silently, comfortably, taking sidelong glances at each other, staring but not really looking at the changing numbers on the elevator panel, until they reached the highest floor.

“i’ll go ahead, Sir.” Maya said to Richard and then rushed to her office.

When she reached her section, she found some of her staff looking at something from her opened office door. When they parted to allow her to pass, she was astonished! Her office was transformed into a flower shop, with sunflowers, roses, tulips, and other blooms she can’t readily name, in vases on all the available surface!

“Minerva, who gave me these flowers?” She asked when she recovered a little bit, though, she knew the answer to it.

“Ms. Maya, pagdating po namin ni Emman, nandiyan na ang mga iyan.” She replied.

“Naku, Sis, bonggang-bongga naman ang admirer mo ah. Parang alam ko na kung sino.” Emman looked at Maya and smiled.

Maya just smiled, then told Emman and Minerva, also the other curious employees, to go back to their cubicles. Then she looked for a card. She found the small card at the center of her desk. She opened it, had no inkling that the message would be earthshaking.

                                Dearest Maya,

                                Every time I see flowers, I got reminded of our

                                trip to the botanical garden.

                               It was a day etched not only in my memory, but in my heart.

                               It was the day I realized I’ve fallen in love with you.

                               Love,

                              Ricky

“Oh Ricky.” Maya said, putting all her feelings in those words, then muttered to herself. “Hindi lang ikaw, Ricky, hindi lang ikaw. I also realized I have fallen for you hard on that day!” She can’t help but remember her last day with Richard, and the turning point in their relationship.

While Maya was holding the card, trying to absorb what Richard said, and taking another trip down memory lane, Richard can’t keep still in his office. He is wondering how Maya is reacting on his latest and biggest move to patch things up with her. But he thought, oh well, the die has been cast. “I just need to wait on how she would take this.” He needed to relax and there is one place where he can try to do that. He informed his secretary where he would be, and told her the only instance when he can be disturbed there. When he reached the rooftop garden, he sat on one of the rattan chairs there, and thought of the last day he was with Maya in Stockholm.

One fine Sunday

The ringing of her mobile phone woke Maya. She was startled, not use to someone calling her in Sweden. During training hours, her phoned is even turned off. She looked at the screen and smiled.

“Hi Ricky, good morning. Ang aga mong nagising ah. Considering na whole day tayo kahapon na naglakwatsa.” She greeted Richard happily.

“Rise and shine, Maya! I have a treat for you. Get ready!” He replied, excitement evident in his voice. “Hurry up, please.”

“Wait, teka, teka. Saan tayo pupunta at nasaan ka ba?” She asked while trying to shake off the remnants of sleep from her system. “Did we agree to meet today?”

“ No, we didn’t. But it is a nice day for the trip I have in mind. You will like it, I promise.” Richard cajoled Maya. “I’m here at the lobby. I also have a steaming cup of coffee for you.”

“Okay, okay. Mabuti I was not planning to do anything today, except sleep in, and go out nga rin later.” Maya said, happy that she will be spending another day with Richard. She does not know how long he intended to stay in Sweden. He replied vaguely when she asked.

One hour later, Maya and Richard were inside Bergius Botanic Garden. Just like the previous day, Maya’s senses went on overddrive, this time on the over abundance of beautiful flowers, and plants from all over that she can see. She noticed familiar ones too.

“Wow, this so wonderful! Thank you Ricky.” Maya was so happy, that she forgot herself, and hugged Ricky tight. Then she realized what she did, and blushed. 

Richard smiled at her, a smile that lit up his whole face and made his chinito eyes disappeared into a thin line. He gazed at her intently, and meaningfully. He  actually felt his heart jumped when Maya hugged him. “I know how you love flowers. Di ba you told me your favorite pa nga are sunflowers. Come let’s tour the place. Tapos, we will have lunch at The Old Orangery. The place serves meals from locally and ecologically produced products daw, sabi sa site nila.”

They did that, then toured the rest of the place. When they got tired, they went to the cafe inside the Edvard Anderson Conservatory. The view was wonderful  and very relaxing as they sipped their steaming cups of coffee. From the cafe, they can also see all the plants of the greenhouse closely. Everything is beautiful, they both thought, not only because of the beauty around them, but because of the company. They chatted, sipped coffee,  sometimes, they would find themselves gazing each other, then smiling for no apparent reason, other than they are so happy to be in each other’s company.

“Ricky, thank you again for this wonderful treat.” Maya said, so happy with the way her Sunday turned out.

“Basta, ikaw Maya. Anything for you, anything to make you happy. Seeing you this happy is also making me happy.” He said simply.

They left the botanic garden around 4 o’clock in the afternoon. By that time, it was drizzling. Richard wanted to wait until the rain stops. Maya said they should just go for it, anyway it was just light rain, so they can catch their bus. Richard said, they can just take a taxi afterwards. Maya said the bus is coming so there is no need for that. She grab Richard’s hand and started to pull him towards the direction of the bus stop. Ricky stopped her and intertwined their hands. At first, Maya was surprised, but liked the feeling of it, felt kilig, she looked at their interwined hands, and smiled at Ricky. They half-jogged in the rain, which turned from drizzle to downpour in a matter of minutes. They ended up missing their bus. Maya and Richard stopped at a bridge after a while, laughing and very wet, trying to catch their breaths. Maya’s hair was plastered all over her face, and water was dripping on Ricky’s face.

“Maya, let me.” Richard said as he parted Maya’s hair from her face, tucked the strands behind her ears. Then proceeded to wipe the water from her face with his hand. 

While Richard was doing that, Maya was gazing at him intently. Their eyes met, and both felt very strong emotions then, before they can stop themselves, their lips met into a bone-melting kiss, unmindful of the rain, or the people passing by. They were in a world of their own. They slowly parted after a while, looked at each with huge, loving smiles.

“Maya, I’m not sorry I kissed you.” Richard said as he continue caressing her face.

Maya blushed and gave Richard a loving smile. “Let’s go na nga.”

They ended up taking a taxi. They were very much conscious of each other and the remembrance of their kiss in the rain. There were times, they just looked at each other lovingly. Their hands were still firmly intertwined. Even without verbal declarations of love, they know their relationship shifted to another level. Both were on cloud nine when they parted that night, and were looking forward to seeing each other the following evening.

Maya read Richard’s note again, and smiled. She made a decision then. She will hear him out. She realized that something so beautiful, so wonderful, that had happened to them, should be nurtured and worth the risk, worth everything, despite the fact that after that beautiful Sunday, Ricky didn’t show up at her hotel lobby, anymore.

She went to Richard’s office.

“Hi Marissa. Is Mr. Lim, free? May I see him?” She asked his secretary.

“Hi Ms. Maya, he is at the rooftop garden. He told me to send you there, if you come looking for him.” Marissa said and gave Maya directions.

Maya went up. She didn’t even know that their building has a rooftop garden. But judging by where she was, she realized that the garden is a private one. She is very nervous, but at the same time, has a good feeling on the outcome of this talk with Richard. Her love for him eclipses all the sad and hurt feelings she felt when he left. Knowing that he also loves her is giving her strength to move towards him, be with him again.

Chapter 3
Hopelessly drawn

Richard made inroads on the papers on his desk when he returned to his office after his meeting with Maya. He is really glad to have seen her, finally. He missed her a lot and their moments in Stockholm. He have a lot of things to tell her, share with her. Though, Richard also knows he needs to be patient and earn his way back to her good graces.

The past two weeks that Richard had assumed the position of CEO, he had very little time for himself. His father left the company in order, but it is on the traditional and conservative side, and he plans to make some changes. It has to be gradual, he thought, as people hates drastic changes. Added to the fact, he needed to cheer up his mother, Esmeralda. She and his father have been inseparable all throughout their lives, that the reality of her husband gone is making her very sad. His sister Rafi helped, but her young daughter and her husband needed her, so she went back to Sweden several days ago.

Now, papers done. Richard is waiting for his secretary’s return to find out what was Maya’s reaction with his ‘little gift’, his opening salvo in his campaign to make it up to Maya, forgive him, and have his Maya back.

There was a knock on his door. Then his secretary entered.

“Sir Richard, naibigay ko na po iyong ipinabibigay niyo kay Ms. Maya.” Marissa reported to him. “Kinuha naman po niya.”

“Thank you Marissa. What was her reaction?” He asked, curious to know if Maya looked mad when she received the coffee and the muffin.

“Wala naman po, Sir. She just thanked me.” His secretary said briefly. “Is there anything else you want me to do, Sir Richard?”

“No, wala na, and many thanks again, Marissa.” Richard said. He know that he does not need to ask his secretary to keep this thing to herself. He is confident that what he asked his secretary to do will not be a fodder to the company gossip mill. He knew her and her husband Sonny even before he left the company more than two years ago. Sonny was his old EA. He was a ninong at their wedding. They are good people.

Richard does not expect a call from Maya to thank him as at the moment, he knew she still mad at him. But also knew that she got the significance of his ‘little gift’. Maya once told him that her favorite coffee brew and chocolate muffins with M&Ms on top, are her comfort food when she is stressing out, sad, or just want to cheer herself up. No matter how unhealthy, and even if it was just psychological, she explained to Richard, the first rush of hot cafe americano in her system, coupled with the super sweet taste of chocolate muffin and M&Ms, makes her happy. Richard remembered. When it comes to Maya, his mind is like that of a computer – recording, autosaving, and remembering everything.

Richard’s trip down memory lane

The trip to Sweden was something Richard was reluctant to take. But he needed to talk to his sister in person and get her opinion on the latest development in their family’s drama, or rather the latest episode in his and his father’s drama, so he thought at that time. He also hasn’t seen her in over a year. He had some free time so, he found himself booking a flight from London where he was living and working as a venture capitalist, to Sweden via Amsterdam. He decided to see one of his old Harvard friends living in Holland, might as well, before visiting his sister Rafaella, her husband Magnus and his little niece.

He first noticed Maya while waiting for their flight to Stockholm. She was late getting into the departure lounge. She was looking for a seat. He noticed her beautiful face, graceful bearing, and ready smile for everyone. He guessed right on that she is from the Philippines. But he just ignored the instant attraction to her. He thought, life is complicated enough at the moment, and beside, he was not really looking for any romantic entanglements during this trip or the past two years living abroad, dalliances yes, but anything involving deeper emotions, he shied away from. Then, if she is really a Filipina, she might, in the long run, connect him to his father’s company and the wealthy Lims. He had been burned that way before. There was also that Josephine thing! Though, he thought, it is extremely premature and too early to tell that this beautiful lady will turned out like the women he knew in the past. Besides, she might not want to get to know him, as well. And, I am overthinking things, he admonished himself, hindi mo pa nga kilala man lang. She looked tired also. He almost offered her his seat, but he was beaten to it by guy who was also looking at her admiringly. Then they boarded and he lost sight of her.

When the plane landed in Arlanda, he exited promptly. He just want to be at Rafi’s home and sleep. He was checking the number for the baggage claim carousel of his flight when someone bumped into him. He steadied the person and looked at her. Oh, it is the woman in Amsterdam that I admired, he mused. She does look very tired and sleepy, but still so beautiful with her heart-shaped face, and the smile that lit her face. They talked a bit, then he went ahead of her.

On the way to Rafi’s family’s house, he can’t get out her out of his head. Thoughts of her, was even distracting him from his problems. He barely listened to Rafi’s chatter while she navigated the streets of Stockholm. After he greeted Magnus, looked at his sleeping niece, Philippa, he went to sleep at the guestroom Rafi always prepared when he visits. Sleep didn’t come easily, and the last thought he had before succumbing to sleep was that of the woman he bumped into.

The folowing morning, he was up early. He knew from previous visits, that is the only day of the week that his sister and her family sleep in late. He decided to just leave them a note, to tell them that he went out. He wanted to clear his head also. He thought a walk around Gamla stan will do him good. He can just grab a bite at one of the cafe/bars there that he liked before. Richard headed to the central train station with a coffee he bought at one of the cafes he passed by. He just can’t resist the caffeine boost to his system a steaming cup of coffee usually does. While looking at the train schedules, someone bumped into him again and made him spilled the coffee he was about to drink. Good thing his reflexes were good. He looked at the other person, and  realized, that it is her again! He impulsively decided to get to know her better, as if there is an unseen force that propelled him – from introducing himself, to riding with her in the train to Gamla stan. She was easy to talk to and had this sunny personality and zest for life. Her face lit up when she was telling him the places she wanted to see and some of her funny experiences abroad. It took supreme effort to leave her when they got off the train.

Richard regretted parting ways with Maya. Several minutes after he said goodbye, he decided to ask her if he can accompany her. He went after her, but  too late, she disappeared among the throng of people going to the royal palace. He proceeded to the cafe he liked from last time, but his mind was not in the food and another cup of coffee. He knew she was going for a boat tour afterwards, so he just walked to the boat tour dock and waited for her to show up. True enough, several minutes later, Maya was there. It rain a bit and the steps going to the tour boat was a bit slippery. She almost slipped.

“Ooops, be careful, Ms. Maya Dela Rosa. Three times na that I am saving you!” He said by way of greeting her. “Paano na lang kung wala ako!”

“Ricky!!!”. Maya exclaimed, seemingly happy to see Richard. “Good to see you here. I am not usually this clumsy. Kapag nandiyan ka lang yata! You will take the sightseeing tour also?”

“I would like go with you sana. I found going around Gamla stan alone, boring! Would that be okay with you?” Richard asked. “I haven’t done this the past several  times I was in Stockholm.”

“Of course, I would be happy with the company!” Maya smiled at Richard, and thanked him as he assisted her to the best seats they could find for the water tour of Stockholm.

The tour boat went on its way, and the tour guides took them along the most beautiful sites of Stockholm, telling them of the history behind a building, a structure, a scenic area, the locks that connected the city. Maya and Richard were having fun. Maya took lots of pictures. Richard offered to take some of hers, and they even had ‘selfies’, which Richard did not normally like having. It seemed like his inner child and unsophisticated side got loose with Maya. He never had this fun in a long time. In between the sites, they chatted about general stuffs. When the tour ended, Richard was reluctant to let Maya go. He invited her to have coffee with him and promised to show her more of the sites in Gamla stan. He discovered that Maya likes old buildings, old churches and all things old, and Gamla stan has a lot of those.

While waiting for their orders, they continued chatting, as if they have not been doing so since they met this morning. This time, the talk got a bit more specific. Maya asked Richard about his work and he told him about his job in London, how it was living there. He told Maya he is used to being on his own as he did that in the States while finishing his advanced studies. Then Maya told him about her job, where she works, and he didn’t know at first how he would react.

“You work for Lim Corporation? In what capacity?” He asked, while swallowing hard, trying to contain his surprise.

“I’m the head of the company’s foundation. Compared to the other employees, I’m new. I just started several months ago.” Maya said, not noticing Richard’s startled expression when she mentioned where she works. “But I like my job. It is also along the lines of my previous job with the UN. Do you know the company?”

Richard didn’t know exactly what came to him at that moment, probably a knee-jerk reaction as coupled with his surprise, all his problems and the situation he was in, came rushing back. He didn’t want to lie directly to Maya, and outrightly deny his connection to Lim Corporation, so he changed the topic and asked her what exactly she does as the head of the foundation and its connection to her being in Sweden for the training she mentioned.

Maya told him about the projects and programs they were doing before she left the country, and that, hopefully the foundation can do more. The invitation to join this training came at the right time since she told him, it is her boss’ mandate, Sir Roberto Lim, to expand the reach of the foundation. Richard was surprised to hear that since it was so uncharacteristic of his father. Maya also sounded she respected and liked his father. One thing is clear to Richard, Lim Corporation is indeed lucky to have Maya, seeing how passionate she is when discussing her work and the things they are doing.

They walked around Gamla stan’s cobbled streets, afterwards, taking lots of photos along the way. One thing Richard discovered about Maya, right on, she likes taking photos, which she organize into online albums. The day extended to night as they also had dinner there. This time the talk was about their likes and dislikes. Maya likes old movies, and so does he. They differ though in their tastes of books. Maya likes detective stories, crime thrillers, and sappy period romances, while he tends towards biographies, books about wars, and business. He was not into fiction much. Maya also mentioned life as a diplomat’s daugther and he told her more of his adventures as a student in the States, and as an expat in England.

“Naku, Ricky, it is getting late na pala. I need to go back to the hotel.” Maya exclaimed when she noticed that it was already 10PM. “First day pa naman namin bukas. Saka baka hinahanap ka na nung sumundo sa iyo sa airport.”

“Oh, okay. I will take you back. And no, she is not looking for me. Sanay na iyon sa akin.” Richard said, not noticing the time too. He was enjoying her company too much. “And by the way, sister ko iyon, and her name is Rafaella.” He added, needing to clarify to Maya that the one who fetched him was not a special someone, in a romantic way.

They walked back to the train station. He was solicitous in assisting Maya and making sure that she was inside her hotel before he left her. They also agreed to meet the day after since Maya said that the following night, the institute who organized the training will have a welcome party for the participants. Maya gave him the sweetest smile and thanked him for their wonderful day together.

The following nights and weekend in Stockholm, were the best of Richard’s life. He didn’t expect he will find love there, but he did, until he had to leave her unexpectedly.

Richard suddenly noticed that it was already dark outside. He had been lost in thoughts the past hour. He needed to see his mom and have dinner with her. But before he leave the office, he needed to do one more thing. He got something from his drawer, then wrote something in a small card, put the card in an envelope, and called his secretary.

“Yes, Sir Richard.” Marissa asked as soon as she entered his office.

“Marissa, I have another favor to ask please. Can you buy a frame for this, then put it in a nice box, then attach this small envelope, then give this to Maya as soon as you get here tomorrow morning.” He instructed Marissa, who took a look at what he was holding, and smiled.

“Okay, Sir Richard. Ako na po ang bahala dito.” She said, while holding what Richard gave her carefully. Marissa never thought her boss could be like this, romantic. She left his office to work on his latest request.

“Maya, I hope this will take me closer to being forgiven.” Richard mused. Then left the office. He is looking forward to tomorrow, and another day of sharing the same space with Maya. He hopes, space is not the only thing they will share in the future.