Saving Each Other

CHAPTER 3 RETURNING THE SHINY THING

His last few words stay with me. It was like an echoing tape that keeps playing in my head. So I hope you'll take your grannies' words on how to run a business. After all, I am here for my grannies; it is my pleasure to run their business and continue their legacy.

"I'm done," I muttered as I stretched my arms and I rubbed my neck, releasing all the tensions in my muscles. My working chair is my witness of how hardworking I am since the day I got to the company I inherited. As I check my wristwatch, it's quarter to 12, lunch break. When I was about to grab myself out of my chair, I noticed a shiny thing on my table. OH, the forgetful little doll's phone. Instead of heading out for lunch, I settled on food delivery from my favorite Korean restaurant.

Browsing was easy, no need for a password. "Let me see who I can contact," I said under my breath as I browsed on the phone. The first name on the phonebook got my attention; it seems she chose the person to be the first on the list. So I dialed the number, then put it on speaker mode and placed the phone on the table. I waited until the owner would pick up the call, until... I lost hope. Maybe I should try another one from the contact list. I grabbed the phone from the table when I heard a silvery voice on the other line.

"Hello?"

"Yes, is this Marica?" I responded quickly.

"Yes, speaking...is this Royce?"

Oh, she knows already. "Yes, it's me. Did Nelly tell you she left her phone in my car this morning?"

"Yes, she did. But I wasn't expecting that you'll call me. She was a little anxious, anyway."

"Ms. Marica, I'm sorry about that. It's just that I have loads of work to do that I forgot to check on her phone right away. And also, I had to ask an IT expert who could open Nelly's phone because she locked it with a password."

"Ah... don't think about it. I was reminding Nelly to just wait for today. And thank you for taking the time to call me. My best friend will be happy to know this; she is just working now. Should I call her to talk to you?"

"No need. Can you just tell Nelly to meet me after work so that I can return her phone? I'll send you the address." A sudden feeling of thrill arose to the grasping of meeting Nelly again. I felt my face temperature rise.

"Sure, no problem, Royce. Send it to me; then I'll have Nelly meet you after work."

It was on time that there was a knock on my door. I held the phone away from my mouth. "Come in."

And yes, I guessed it right; Jerry came to bring me food. I pointed out to put the food on the table and waved my hand in command that he could leave.

Jerry left, and I held the phone near my mouth again. "Thank you, Ms. Marica, so I guess that would be all."

"Yeah, Royce; I really appreciate this for my best friend."

After cutting the conversation with Marica, I called on a reservation for two in my favorite Italian restaurant and then texted Nelly about the details.

Later that night, I ended my day with my tasks perfectly finished. I ease all the stress away by stretching my arms and rubbing my neck. Eyes closed while listening to the cracks in my neck as I rolled it left to right. When swiftly, a beautiful lass entering the lobby of a building flashed through my mind. Swinging her knee-length floral dress and her beautiful dark blonde hair swaying in tune. Rushing to step forward to the building like a catwalk model carrying her white pump shoes, making her look taller. The forgetful little doll. I said under my breath. I then remember our scheduled dinner tonight, so I opened my eyes to check on my wristwatch. My watch says it's 6 in the evening. "I think I should go; it would be better if I arrive first and wait for her."