ROYCE
I genuinely think I made a great decision to have my breakfast in the potion cafe. I've been to many city cafes, but the potion cafe instantly became my favorite. The place had a lovely ambiance and was not crowded like the fast-food restaurant where I first met Nelly. Not complaining. If not for that little curiosity, I wouldn't meet the beautiful woman I get to stare at while having my morning meal. It's not that I haven't been to a fast-food restaurant before. Only it was on our high school campus several years ago.

To my surprise, my appetite was good. Probably because I came from a morning workout or probably not. I had french toast and egg salad for breakfast. When I was full enough and finished my coffee like the usual breakfast at my condo, I constantly sneaked a look at Nelly a few tables away from me. Perhaps the beautiful view has contributed to my appetite. Her mere presence brightens up my day. Never did I set my eyes on a gorgeous woman like her, not even Roxie. My heart constricts to the short thought of the woman's face.

I leaned back against the chair when I saw Nelly standing up as well as her friend. If I am not mistaken, this is Marica. I was a bit puzzled when they headed to my table. Yes, I was not mistaken. Nelina curled up her lips as she was approaching, leading her friend.

"Hi, I want you to meet my best friend, Marica," she said, pointing to the woman beside her. "Marica, this is Royce," she said as she shifted her eyes to me.

"Nice to meet you, Royce," the woman said. She extended a hand to propose a handshake that I gladly took. She was tall and thin, almost skinny, wearing a body-hugging halter dress, which I think suits her well. Her skin is like a typical Filipino morena type.

"Finally, we met. So, you are Nelly's best friend?" I asked as we entangled our hands. "So, you were the one I talked to on the phone?" I added.

"Yes, I am her best friend. And yes, it was me who took the call when you were looking for Nelina," she said, glancing at Nelina and me back and forth.

"We gotta go." Nelly chimed in

"Hey, besty, why in a hurry? Can we just talk to your friend in a minute?" she asked in a naughty tone. A sinister smile plastered on her face. Nelina just rolled her eyes at her best friend.

I cracked, realizing what Marica was implying behind her eyes as she looked at Nelina. I remember my best friend, Leo. He used to tease me the same way too. I thought Nelina is a lot cuter when her cheeks are blushing. The redness is so easy to see in her fair complexion. Her face doesn't lie. I looked at Marica.
"Yeah, that's perfectly fine with me. But I don't know about your best friend," I said as I shifted my eyes to Nelly. But it wasn't helping either.

"Royce, I'm sorry, but I still have work to do. I have a make-up appointment at 10, and before that, I need to prepare for the incoming significant events with our team. So I hope you don't mind. But, we really have to get going," Nelina narrated. She pressed her lips in a thin smile that appeared forced to me.

I could not afford to ruin the beautiful blush on her cheeks and the genuine smile on her lips. So I nodded at her.
"No problem, I totally understand. But I hope we can grab a cup of coffee sometime.

I hope this won't be the last time," I said as I shifted my gaze to Marica.

"Well, see you next time, Royce. I have to go as well. I have a business to run," Marica said.

I left a bill on the table and went out of the cafe with the ladies. Marica drove with her Mercedes Benz ahead of me just before we parted ways on the next street.

Speaking of Marica, I remember my best friend, Leo. It's been days since I haven't spent time with him. He's probably busy with school work. I dialed his number and put it on my AirPods, and he picked up the call immediately.
"Hello, man, how are you? It's been quite a while."

I curled up against my lips, listening to Leo's rants about his academic stuff. Nothing new; he always complains about studying and envies me for not having to go to school almost every day. I shook my head a few times while Leo went on and on about his rants.
"Hey brother, I have cut you a bit. I can't keep listening to your sentiments now. I'm on my way home. How about we meet tonight? Are you good?"

I chuckled, hearing him celebrate my invitation. I miss my buddy too. "I really missed you, brother. See you tonight. Be good at school," I said before I cut the call.

At precisely 9 in the morning, I arrived at the conference room to tackle our target online expansion. As a young CEO of the company, my advantage is my awareness of the young generation's consumer behavior. My staff all rose when I stepped into the room. Our marketing team and social media experts were already intact. I gave a commanding wave for them to take their seats. As intended, I was beaming when I faced them as we started the discussion. I'm not a terror boss. I don't want my employees to get terrified of me.

"Good morning. I hope you started your day right and are ready to take on a new journey with our company," I started. They nodded in response.

"So, before we start with our agenda for today. First, I'd like to be clear with you about our boss-employee relationship. We are a team here. As a team, we should uplift each other and not the opposite. When we are united, we are stronger. If we are strong, it would be easier for us to attain our goals. Another thing is, that we have to work harmoniously. If you have complaints regarding your colleagues, we can handle that in the right forum in our HR department. And lastly, I know that incoming challenges are on the way as we start to dominate the online market, but know that I am with you. And every effort you put in will be rewarded."

"Anyway, you have a leaflet of our company policy, just adding that having a younger boss would be a different experience for you. I am more open compared to my uncle. So that's it. Do you have any questions?"

The team started staring at each other but didn't say a word. "Feel free to ask me anything," I reiterated.

Then one of our social media strategists raised a hand. A petite lady, short dark brown hair, wearing eyeglasses, beaming as she stares at me. The woman might be in her early 20s, just as young as her teammates.
"Yes, Ms..." I barely know their names as we have just started the online expansion of our business.

"Anna"

"Ms. Anna, do you have a question? Just say it."

"Yes, sir," she said with a hint of hesitation. She paused and stared at her colleagues, but she didn't get a word from them.

"I'm just curious if you have a girlfriend," she asked in hesitation. Then she pressed her lips together like she regrets asking that question. The lady's face reddened when she looked away. None of them was able to speak a word as they continued staring at each other.

I cleared my throat to kill the silence in the room. "To answer your question, Ms. Anna, I am not committed, but maybe soon," I said casually. "You don't have to be shy about it. As I've said, I am more open than my uncle. But maybe not too personal next time," I said as I cracked. Their faces brightened up as they heard me laugh.

"If there are no more questions, we can start now."
Everyone nodded in response. "Okay, should we begin with the social media team presentation before the marketing team?"

"Yes, sir," Noah answered. I recognize the head of our social media strategist because I was the one who picked him up. I was stalking him on several social media platforms, and I could confirm that he is a beast in what he does.

Both teams' presentations took almost 3 hours combined. We had finished the entire social media strategy and the marketing plan at lunchtime. By then, I only have Nelly running in my head. Comprehending if I should pursue my plan of getting her out.