Dandelions in the Wind

22

"Good morning, Tracy. I wanted to ask you about our upcoming event. Have you made any progress on the preparations?" Bungad na pagbati ni Dionne nang pumasok si Tracy sa opisina at itinuon ulit ni Dionne ang atensyon sa hawak na portfolio.

Maririnig ang mahinang lagutok ng heels ng assistant sa marmol na sahig nang lumapit siya sa kinauupuan ni Dionne at maingat na inilapag ang papeles sa ibabaw ng mesa. "Good morning, Dionne," sinuklian ni Tracy ng magiliw na pagbati. "Yes, I've been working on it diligently. We've secured the guest speakers for the opening ceremony, and I've finalized the schedule for the day."

"Excellent." Nakangiting pahayag ni Dionne. "Please take a seat." Iginiya niya ang bakanteng upuan na nasa harapan. Agad din umupo si Tracy. "How are ticket sales looking so far? Do we need to ramp up our marketing efforts?" tanong ni Dionne.

Tiningnan ni Tracy ang hawak na Ipad, makikita ang mabilis na paghaplos ng kaniyang hintuturo sa screen. "Ticket sales are steady, but I agree, we should increase our marketing push to ensure we have a full house. I've drafted some social media posts and press releases to go out this week."

Napatango si Dionne bilang pag-sang ayon. "That sounds proactive. Let's also reach out to local media outlets for coverage." Kinuha niya ang mga papeles sa ibabaw ng mesa at binasa ang detalye. "Have we confirmed all the logistical details, like catering and AV equipment?"

Kinuha ni Tracy ang ballpen na nakasabit sa hawak na clipboard, narinig ang mahinang click nang pinindot ito. "Yes, everything is in place. I've confirmed the catering menu and AV setup with the vendors. We're all set on that front." Hawak ang ballpen, itinuro niya kay Dionne ang mga nakalista sa papeles.

Agad binasa ni Dionne ang tinuro ng assistant at tumango "Perfect. One last thing – have you prepared the welcome packets for our VIP guests and sponsors?"

"Yes, they're ready to go. I've included the event itinerary, maps of the museum, and some special tokens of appreciation for our sponsors."

"Wonderful." Nakangiting saad ni Dionne, nakitaan ng paghanga sa kaniyang mata nang maayos na nagawa ni Tracy ang trabaho. "It sounds like we're well-prepared for a successful event. Thank you, Tracy."

"You're welcome, Dionne. May gusto ka pa bang ipaayos o ipabago? There still time. We're right on schedule." Tipid na ngumiti si Tracy, ibinalik na rin ang hawak na ballpen sa clipboard.

Napasandal si Dionne sa swivel chair at umiling. "You're efficient as ever. I don't think there's still much to do. Next week na rin ang event, maayos na rin ang lahat. You can go home early or take your time do whatever you want, it's your free time." Nagdekuwatro si Dionne sa pagkakaupo at napatingin sa relo. "Oh, still early huh." Bumaling siya sa assistant at nagkibit balikat. "I know what you're thinking, it's too unprofessional to waste time when you're at work, but we're all set. Besides, this is a museum not a hospital, it's not that every minute counts," pagbibirong wika ni Dionne.

"Thanks, Dionne. I'll just stay here. Wala rin akong gagawin sa bahay." Nakangiting pahayag ni Tracy, hinanda na niya ang gamit para umalis ngunit napakunot ito ng noo at biglang may naalala. Napatikhim si Tracy. "C-can I ask you something. It's not work related," kabadong tanong niya.

Pinihit ni Dionne ang swivel chair papalapit sa mesa at napatuwid ng upo. "Sure, what is it?"

"Uhm, your friend? Nasubukan na ba niya pumunta sa Blue Midnight Bar?" Napatuwid din nang pagkakaupo si Tracy.

"Oh? Yes." Napahabang 'yes' na sagot ni Dionne at may sumilay na pilyang ngiti sa labi nito. Sapat na dahilan para mas lalong kumunot ang noo ni Tracy at may pagtataka sa mukha.

"If there's an existing gaydar community or a gaydar machine, I think my friend broke it." Mariing napatikom ni Dionne ang labi, mukhang nagpipigil tumawa sa isipan.