Fifteen years later…
My office hours start at eight in the morning, but I’m already at the office by seven. I have a job orientation scheduled today for our newly hired employees, and I’ll be dealing with payroll in the afternoon.
Being an HR officer is exhausting with all the paperwork, but I’ve grown fond of my job. In fact, I’ve been with Mr. Samer Khalifa’s company for four years now.
Whenever I think of him, I automatically look at his picture hanging on the wall of my office. Who wouldn’t be drawn to the photo of our boss when it’s as big as a plywood and framed on the wall?
The man has quite a lot of pride in everything he does. As a newcomer in the hospitality industry, he wants to rise quickly in the business. His dream is to be number one in the industry, and I believe he’s getting close to achieving it.
He didn’t make a mistake in choosing his strategy to become number one – by putting his employees first. Exactly at 7:30 AM, the telephone rang, and I picked it up immediately, greeting the caller.
“Good morning, Mr. Khalifa, did you have a sweet dream last night?” I asked the person on the phone.
“Miss Jamie! Guess what? We’re coming over to Cebu!” said Samer’s son, Khaleel.
“Really?” I couldn’t believe that Samer was planning to bring his children to Cebu.
“Yeah. In fact, we’re already at the airport. I, Ameera, and Baba are going to see you very soon.” Khaleel excitedly said.
“In that case, tell your Baba to send me your flight details, then I will pick you up at the airport later. Deal?” I played along with the kid’s prank to stop him, and I shook my head while talking to him.
“Deal,” Khaleel said.
I met Samer in college when I enrolled in summer classes with Attorney Smith. We sat next to each other, so during break time, we would chat. I found out that he was graduating that year, and the only subject giving him a hard time was Attorney Smith’s class. Who wouldn’t find it challenging?
Although Attorney Smith used English as the language of instruction, Samer still had a hard time understanding, especially when they discussed Philippine laws about business. I felt sorry for him, so I helped him with our assignments and exams.
When he finished, he gave me one of the garlands he wore. Since then, we became close friends. I felt a bit sad when he graduated because we wouldn’t see each other anymore.
“Alright, please say hi to Ameera and your Baba. I’ll see you later,” I said.
After I hung up the phone, I heard my cell phone ringing, so I took it and read the message from Samer.
He must be kidding!
I read the flight details again, and he wasn’t joking. They were already at the airport!
“Good morning, Miss Jamie!”
Who would have guessed that seeing my assistant would make me glad?
“Rhea, good morning. I’m glad you came early today,” I said.
“I’m always early when coming to work, Miss. You just never notice me because you’re too busy with work,” Rhea replied.
“I’m really sorry about that. You know how our boss is, always so persistent. Anyway, have you had breakfast yet?” I asked her again.
“Not yet,” she answered.
“Alright, let’s have breakfast together. Come on,” Rhea and I walked together to the hotel’s restaurant.
The entire 7th floor of the hotel was designated as the office for Khalifa Group employees. It was the first hotel Samer established, so it held sentimental value. One of the benefits for us employees was free meals.
I chose a table in a corner so Rhea and I could have a more private conversation. Among my assistants, she’s the only woman, but she’s also the most talkative.
“So, Mr. Khalifa is arriving today?” Rhea asked repeatedly, and I was getting annoyed.
“Yes, I know, Rhea. If you keep asking that question, you’ll drive me crazy!” I warned her, but it was just a joke.
“You’re too serious in life, Miss Jamie. Hmm, I wonder why they’re here?” Rhea asked again, and her constant pestering was starting to irritate me.
“I don’t know. We’ll ask them later, okay?” I told her.
“I think Mr. Khalifa might propose to you!” Rhea exclaimed.
I almost choked on my coffee upon hearing what Rhea said. Why would Samer propose to me? We’re not romantically linked.
Moreover, I know he’s still deeply in love with Sarah. And I won’t be fooled again because I don’t want to experience what happened between Brent and me again!
“Propose? Why would he do that? He’s not my boyfriend,” I asked Rhea where she got the idea that Samer would propose to me.
“Are you sure? I thought he’s always the one calling you every morning,” Rhea replied.
What is Rhea talking about? Yes, Samer and I are friends, but we’re not that close to calling each other every morning. This girl is so nosy!
“Ah, I don’t always talk to Samer in the morning; it’s actually his son, Khaleel, who calls me,” I told Rhea the truth to correct her misconception.
“OMG, I’m sorry, Miss Jamie. I thought it was the boss who’s always calling you,” Rhea said apologetically.
“It’s okay, just don’t assume next time, ask first.”
I’ve gotten used to Mr. Khalifa being called Khaleel whenever he calls me. Oh, Khaleel, you’re such a troublemaker; people might start gossiping about me.
When I arrived at the waiting area of the domestic arrivals, many people patiently waited for their loved ones. I witnessed various emotions – some were crying as their spouses arrived from other countries, some were happy, and others were worried.
But the most notable was the sudden shriek of a gay man beside me as he enthusiastically greeted a foreigner who was extremely handsome and muscular. I couldn’t help but feel envious as I observed the scene.
“Are you jealous?”