I can’t join you

The grace period of five minutes had passed and no signs of Mr. Gonzalez so the meeting pushed through. The food they ordered arrived as they start the meeting. David facilitated the meeting and she assist him.

"… LMK is buying your land at a price higher that the market value. We will also shoulder everything regarding land transfers, certificates ET AL. We are also giving you an exclusive membership on the Farm Resort for a year when it becomes operational. Please feel free to contact us if you have any other conditions. We will do our best to accommodate it or find the best possible way." Everyone seems enticed of the offer and with the looks of it they will sign the contract.

"If you don't have any other questions I think we can now proceed with signing the contract." He said as he looked at President Lee.

"We will provide you with the copy of notarized purchase agreement once ready. Thank you for trusting us." David said.

"Thank you for time today. It's our pleasure to do business with you all." President Lee said as he stands while Mr. Kim shakes their hands.

It was only the three of them left inside the room when Sammie walks towards Mr. Kim to hand him the contracts.

"Mr. Kim, here are the contracts. My work here is done then I'll leave now. See you at the office."

"Wait, you look different today do you have a date today?" he jokingly asked her.

She looked at him and rolled her eyeballs. "It's our restaurants soft opening and blessing today and I'm already late thanks to you."

"Oh It was today. Aren't you going to invite me?" he asked.

"humph! No." she said as she crossed her arms on her chest.

"wait, don't tell me you really have a date that is why you don't want me to attend. Do you?" he teased her.

Sammie looked at him and move a little closer "Okay, whatever. You can come with me but I'm afraid you still have work today." She whispered as she looks at President's Lee direction.

Martin is busy checking his email but he heard their conversation. After yesterday's incident he was more curious about Sammie. He didn't buy her alibi and wants to discover her real motive. His cellphone rings but before he answer the call he looked at his assistant.

"Mr. Kim it's already lunch time. Lets all have lunch elsewhere." He said is a bossy manner and then picks up the call.

Sammie pitifully looked at David. "Help me, I can't join you. I need to go now." She whispered.

"Let me see... why not we go to your restaurant and have lunch there. It's just 10 minutes away right?" he suggested.

"What? I don't think it's a good idea." She nervously refused his suggestion.

"Sammie, look. We need a place to have lunch and you need to go the restaurant so I think this is the best way. Unless, you want to decline his invitation directly." David knew that Sammie will not refuse President Lee's offer. She doesn't have the guts considering his unpredictable temperament.

Faced with no other choice Sammie just nodded her head. After the call, President Lee looked at David "Let's go." He said as he walks out of the room. David and Sammie followed him outside. While walking David called the driver to pick them in the restaurant's lobby.

When the car stops in front of them Sammie took the passenger seat and President Lee and Mr. Kim seats at the back. Sammie then gave the driver the direction to the restaurant as she fastens her seat belt.

During the ride she was pondering. "Do I need to introduce them to my friends or should I just pretend that they were ordinary diners?" she kept thinking "It will surely puzzle him if the staff greets me… oh well, just tell the truth otherwise he might blame me again for it. I don't want to give him any reason to add more ridiculous things on the contract." She pouted her mouth as she looks at him in the rear view mirror. To her surprise he was also looking at her with that typical cold expression on his face. She instantly looked in the window avoiding his stare. "why do I feel he is observing me right now. It feels strange and intimidating though." She thought.

From the moment they entered the car President Lee is already observing her. "Why do I have this feeling she is hiding something?" he thought. He was staring at her in deep thoughts when she suddenly looked at him in the rear view mirror then avoided his glare. "Sammie Saavedra, how many secrets do you have?" he pondered.

"We are here." Sammie exclaimed as she signaled the driver to stop on the restaurant's entrance.

Sammie entered first followed by David then Martin. Upon entering the restaurant Mizzy saw her and walks toward her to greet her.

"Sammie, why are you late?" she asked.

Sammie lowered her voice "I'll explain later. I have company." She said. Mizzy then called a waiter to lead them to their table.

Once their seated the waiter handed them the menu. "Hello Ma'am Sammie, Good afternoon sirs. Here's the menu." He greeted them.

"Frank, I'll call you once we are ready to order." Sammie said then the waiter left.

"Miss Saavedra, are you a regular here? President Lee asked her while looking at the menu.

Sammie already expected his question since the waiter address he by her name. "No President Lee, I'm not a regular here. I am a part owner of this restaurant and today is our soft opening and blessing as well." She said while smiling.

"I see." He said still browsing their menu. After a few seconds his cellphone rings. He stands up and hand over the menu to Sammie. "Order for us." He then answered the call and step outside the restaurant.

Although confused Sammie looked at David and asked him if he wanted anything in particular then she called the waiter to place their order.

"David, is there something wrong with President Lee? He seems weird today?" she asked.

"Ha? I don't know he seems fine to me. Why did you say so?" he keenly asked.

"Nothing. forget about it. Oh, by the way our food here is great. My best friend Cathy is the chef." She proudly said.

"And the ambiance is also nice and refreshing. I should bring my wife here soon." He excitedly told her.

Outside the restaurant

"Brother, are you busy tomorrow? Can you stay here in the hospital with Grandpa?" it's Rebecca on the phone.

"Yes, what's up?" Martin respond.

"I just need to go somewhere important. It won't take too long."

"Alright. I'll be there in the morning." He replied then ended the call.

"President Lee, what a coincidence?" a familiar voice greeted him as he steps back inside the restaurant.