Shaira Rose Gustilo Fernando POVI fly through the piles and piles of paraphernalia that litter my bedroom floor. I will be late. On a Friday, after being on time all week, I would be late. 'Pearl!' I shouted furiously. Where are you? I ran out onto the landing and threw myself over the banister. 'Pearl!' I hear the familiar sound of a wooden spoon hitting the sides of a ceramic bowl as Pearl appears at the bottom of the stairs. She looked at me with a tired expression. This is an expression I have used recently. 'Keys! Have you seen my car key?' I puffed at her. 'They're on the coffee table where you left them last night.' She rolls her eyes, taking herself and her cake mixture back to her workshop. I crossed the landing in complete panic and found my car keys under a pile of weekly glossies. 'Hiding again,' I whispered to myself, grabbing the tan belt, heels, and laptop. I went downstairs and saw Pearl in her workshop spooning cake mix into different tins. 'You need to tidy up
The lawns are greener than green, the house looks like it receives a daily scrub down and even the gravel seems to receive daily maintenance. If the exterior is anything to go by, then I can't imagine the interior needing any work. I looked up at the dozens of sash bay windows, seeing soft curtains hanging from all of them. I'm tempted to call Herman to check I've got the right address, but it says The Country Hills on the gate. And that miserable sod on the other end of the intercom was obviously waiting for me. As I pondered my next move, the doors opened, revealing the largest man I had ever seen. He saunters out to the top of the steps. I gasped when I saw him, taking a slight step back. He was wearing a black suit - specially made to be sure because it was not a regular size - a black shirt and a black tie. His shaved head was shiny, and sunglasses covered his face. If I could form a mental image of who I expected to show up at their doors, it certainly wouldn't be him. The man
I took a sip of water to moisten my dry mouth and cleared my throat before returning my gaze to his sharp gaze. 'So, may I ask why?''You can.' He removed his leg, leaning forward to place his bottle on the table, resting his arms on his knees, but said nothing more. Wasn't he going to elaborate on that?'Okay,' I tried to maintain eye contact. 'Why?''I've heard good things about you.'I felt my face heat up. 'Thank you. So, why am I here?''Well, to design.' He laughs, and I feel stupid but also a little irritated. Is he laughing at me?'Design what exactly?' I asked. 'From what I've seen, everything is pretty perfect.' He certainly didn't want to modernize this beautiful place. It may not be my forte, but I know class when I see it.'Thank you,' he said softly. 'Do you have your portfolio with you?'"Of course," I answered as I reached for my bag. Why he wants to look at it is beyond me. It won't show anything like this place.I put it on the table in front of him and expected him
Engelbert sat down on another stool. 'It's amazing. The Italian way of skiing follows their quiet lifestyle closely,' He smiled broadly, the first proper beaming smile since I had laid eyes on him - all straight, white, and green. This man is a God. 'I got up late, found a big mountain, ran up the slopes until my legs gave out, slept late, ate late and started again the next day.' He addressed us all but stared at me.His passion for the slopes is reflected in his wide smile.I couldn't help but return his beam. 'You're good?' I asked because this was the only thing that came to my mind. I think he is good at everything.'Very,' he confirmed quietly. I nodded my approval, and for a few seconds, our eyes met. I was the first to break it.'Shall we?' He asked, pushing himself off the stool and motioning towards the exit.'Yes.' I smiled. I'm supposed to be here to work, after all. All I have achieved so far is a hot flush and an establishment of extreme sports. I was in a trance.From t
'You're just there. I was just going to call you,' Pearl exclaimed, without looking up from placing the figurine on the wedding cake she was decorating. Her tongue was sticking out, resting on her lower lip.It made me smile. 'Do you fancy going out?'She still didn't look up. "This is good. I'm sure my face would give away any attempt to feign coldness. I'm still a little confused after my lunchtime meeting with a Lord of the Country Hills. I don't have the energy to get ready and go out.'Shall we save ourselves for tomorrow?' I tried.I know this will mean a bottle of wine on the sofa, but at least I can put my PJs on and chill out. After the day I had, calming my racing mind was paramount. My head hurts and I can't concentrate all day.'Indeed. Let me finish this cake, then I'm all yours.' She rotates the fruit cake on the stand and dabs edible glue on the icing. 'How was your day in the countryside?'"Ha! What do I say? I was expecting a handsome country bumpkin, but I got a devas
I turned to Herman's office to ask if he had notified Mr. Montero of the change in arrangements, but then it rang again, stopping me in my tracks. I sighed and connected the call. If Herman hadn't advised him, I would have. And if it doesn't fit, it's bad luck. I was making a mess of convincing myself that I passed on the contract because Herman was better suited for the project. I know damn well that's only half the reason'Hello.' I say, stamping my foot a little for sounding apprehensive in my greeting. I aimed for sure and confident.Shaira Rose?' His husky voice had the same effect on my fragile senses as it had on Friday. But at least on the phone, he doesn't see me physically shaking.'Who is speaking?' There. That's better - professional, businesslike, and firm. He laughed a little, and I completely passed out. 'Now, I know you already know the answer to that question because my name came up on your phone,' I cringed on the spot. 'Trying to play it cool?' Oh, the proud ass! H
'Soon.' he whispered. It is a promise. He let go of my stiff thigh and got up. 'Nice to meet you, Pearl.''Hmmm, you too.' she answered thoughtfully.He stepped towards the back of the bar. Good God, he walks with purpose and it's sexy as hell. I closed my eyes to collect my mind, which was currently scattered all over the bar floor. It is absolutely hopeless. I turned to Pearl, finding the accusatory bright blue staring at me as fangs had sprouted.Her eyebrows hit her hairline. 'Fuck me, that was intense!' she spat on the table.'Was it?' I start pushing my sandwich around my plate.'You better stop with the blah-fucking-zay shit now, or I'll shove this fork so far up your ass, you'll be chewing metal. What question are you thinking?' Her tone was fierce.'I don't know,' I turned away from her. 'Attractive, arrogant and has a girlfriend.' I try for vague.Pearl let out a long, over-amplified whistle. I haven't experienced that yet. I heard about it but I didn't witness it.''What are
"Yes, and I want to talk to you personally. Are you available tomorrow afternoon or evening?""Sister, you know that I am very busy with my job, very important or just a bonding moment?""This is very important, regarding your brother Marco Fernando Junior and your grandfather. Well, as for me, it is very important because of your inheritance. Are you interested?"Shaira Rose Fernando listen very carefully when she heard the word, inheritance. "Well, of course, I am interested to know my status for the inheritance.""Okay then, what time and place we will meet? Well, I suggest Le Jardin, a French Restaurant in BGC Taguig? We had the place on our own when we had lunch there, a dreamy place at the penthouse of W5th. Modern yet classic, I must say the irony blended well. Romantic but not boring. Complimentary slices of bread and small appetizers were served and the timing of every food we ordered was well observed (appetizers - mains). Also, there's a wine cellar where they keep some of