19 The Preparation

Why am I so unlucky this week? Losing an opportunity to talk to him once is acceptable but having it twice is already too much. I had waited for his message and call the whole day yesterday. I had a chance to meet him 3 hours ago and I spoiled that chance.

I replied immediately. "Sorry, I just read your message. I was busy preparing for something. I really want to meet you but I know it's already too late."

End of message.

I didn't want to tell him that I was busy watching Korean drama. He might have a negative impression about me. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong watching drama series. The problem is, he might think I'm too old for that.

I'm sure he is already asleep. I feel so hopeless again. Why do I have to have this kind of feeling? I'm sure this night will be long. I would feel restless again tonight thinking and waiting for his reply.

I went to the bathroom to wash my face. I need to calm myself down. I need to remind myself that worrying and feeling guilty wouldn't change anything and there is still the next day for us to meet. He is a busy man so every opportunity to meet him is important but I'm sure if he really wants to see me, he will spare some of his time. What am I thinking? I'm getting crazy!

I got back to my room and checked my phone. No reply from him. Of course, how can he reply at this time? It is already past 2 am!

I decided to lie down, hoping to take a rest and sleep eventually with my phone on my chest. I can't miss another opportunity talking to him.

Time passed by so slowly. I have already changed my bed position more than 10 times, trying to sleep. With the phone still in my hand, I checked the time. It is already past 4. I wonder how big my eye bags would look like later.

I got up from bed and started preparing breakfast. I might as well use my time for something productive and since I can't sleep, I can just start my day early.

I opened the fridge to check on what I can prepare. I have some potatoes and vegetables. I decided to prepare mashed potato and vegetable salad. Honestly, I'm not the type of person who prefers eating healthy food, but I don't have a choice since I have nothing in my fridge except some vegetable and eggs.

I boiled potatoes and washed the vegetables. I was busy preparing when I heard my phone beeped. I dropped everything I had in hand and grabbed my phone immediately which is on top of the dining table. There is one message. I opened it immediately and the name "My Genie" popped up.

"Good morning. I am sure you're still in bed and I hope I'm not disturbing you. This will be a busy day for me, have to meet some business partners. Cheer for me."

End of message.

I'm happy that finally I got a message from him but at the same time, I feel sad because he said he will be busy today which means he won't have the time to meet me. I start typing for a reply.

"Good morning. You can do it! Take a rest when you have the time."

End of message.

I don't want to say more things, he might think that I really like to see him, or I am disappointed that I won't see him which is actually the case.

I got back to what I was doing and tried to ignore what I am feeling. He said he would meet me and now he is so busy! Doesn't he know that I waited for him since Monday night? My thoughts were interrupted with another beep from my phone.

I got the phone immediately and opened the message.

"Why did you wake up so early? You should take a rest longer and enjoy your Saturday."

End of message.

That's it?! That's all he has to say?! Enjoy my Saturday! I put the phone back on the table. I won't reply to him! I couldn't sleep the whole night just for these messages?! The phone beeped again so I picked it up right away.

"I will be free tonight. How about meeting me at Liberty Hotel? I will have someone pick you up at 5 pm. I hope you don't have any plans."

End of message.

My mood changed immediately. I decided to wait for 10 minutes before replying. I shouldn't show that I'm excited to meet him. I couldn't help but smile thinking that I would finally meet him tonight. Suddenly, I remember. I promised Annie we will stay in Liberty Hotel this weekend. That's easy! I will just call Annie and tell her about it. I'm sure she will understand if I cancel and she is also excited to know how my Genie looks like. Right! I will call Annie later.

I checked the time. 12 minutes has already passed.

"I am free tonight. I am excited to finally meet you. I have been wanting to thank you personally for the things you did for me especially having a deal with Pines Advertising. I will be expecting someone at 5 pm then. See you." I replied.

So, this is what they say about someone changing your mood in an instance. One time you are angry, but when the person you like says something sweet, everything will change. I am acting too weird. He is not your boyfriend and you are not even sure whether he likes you! Maybe he is already too old. I have to keep reminding myself not to expect too much.

"And yesterday you were heartbroken and now you are acting like a high school student who is in love." I told myself.

After preparing breakfast, instead of eating, I decided to have a beauty rest. I don't want to look haggard especially this is our first time to meet.

I put the things I prepared in a container and put them in the fridge. I am in high spirits and I'm sure today will be fantastic.

I was about to go to my room when I remember cucumber. Cucumber is good for the eyes. I got one cucumber from the fridge and sliced two small pieces from it.

It's almost 6 am now, I will sleep until 12 noon and start preparing by that time. I played soft music on the background hoping it will help me sleep faster.

…

I woke up feeling refreshed. I checked the time and it is already past 1 pm. I got up immediately and headed to the bathroom. I stayed in the bathroom for almost an hour.

I was drying my hair when my phone rings. It is from Michael. I fell a bit nervous. What if he says the dinner tonight is cancelled?!

I answered the call hoping he won't be sharing any bad news.

"Hello, Michael. What's up?"

"Sorry for disturbing you Miss Myers. I was instructed to send a chauffeur in your place at 3 pm to pick you up. He will bring you to your next destination." Michael explained.

"3 pm! I thought 5 pm!" I exclaimed. I felt embarrassed. I think I reacted in an exaggerated way.

"Sorry Miss Myers. The chauffeur will be waiting for you outside your apartment building at exactly 3 pm. You can be late to go out, don't worry. Please take all the time you need to prepare."

"Thank you, Michael. I will go out at 3 pm."

It is now 2:40 pm. I got a dress from my closet immediately and put it on. I don't have the time to choose good clothes. I got the hair dryer and started drying my hair again. I will put makeup in the car.

At exactly 2:55, I put my heels on and left my place with a shoulder bag which is quite big to accommodate my makeup.

I reached outside 2 minutes after 3 and a black limousine is parked outside. A man in black suit approached me.

"This way Miss Myers." He said and started leading the way.

I got in the car. It has white chairs and it is very spacious. There is a glass wall between the driver and the rear passenger so I can't ask the driver where we are going. The ride was so smooth, and I was able to put my make up with ease.

After 40 minutes of driving, we stopped to a building which looks unfamiliar to me. The chauffeur opened the door.

"We are here Miss Myers. The designer is waiting for you inside. I will be waiting for you here." He said.

"Designer? Why would I meet a designer? Should I just go inside?" I asked.

"Yes, Miss Myers."

The building has two floors and a sign is written in front of the entrance door. It says "Salon de beaute".

Does it mean beauty salon?