Episode 2: Marguerite Turns 18 [1st Part]




"Hey... Why the long face?" Antoine asked.

I just got off the phone with Henry and he asked me if we could push our dinner another day because "something came up". He, of course, apologized and sounded very upset about it.

He even said he could really try and make it tonight but I of course said... "No, no, no... That's alright sweetie... It's just dinner... It's okay, we can have it some other time. See you soon."

I tried my best to sound cordial and very matter-of-fact, but the truth is I feel like somebody just reached for my intestines pulled it out and strangled me with it.

I know he's married and I know the rules. I may be his other woman but I am still a woman nonetheless.

I heaved a heavy sigh, "Nothing... It's nothing." I told Antoine. He was not convinced but out of respect he did not bombard me with questions. He knows anyway.

"We better get going," I told Antoine in a convincingly perky tone. "We have a meeting with the Allegros at nine!" I picked up my laptop bag and inhaled deeply to pull myself together. Right now I have to set the matter aside for later.




We met the Allegros at the clubhouse of their subdivision. It has a playground and an Olympic pool and the lawn was well manicured.

Bernardo Allegro, A medium-scale business man in his early fifties, was with his wife Isabel and daughter Marguerite to discuss with us the details of his daughter's upcoming debut party.

Bernardo and Isabel Allegro makes a beautiful couple. Just by looking at them I can tell that they have an active social life, which I was able to prove when they handed me the draft of their guest list. "150 people. Wow..." I commented in my head. I glanced at Marguerite and she doesn't seem pleased at all.

"We know we only talked about 70-75 guests..." Isabel began, "... But we thought of inviting some people from the Rotary and some councilors -- " She was interrupted when Marguerite pushed her chair back noisily and stood up.

"I'm not needed here. I gotta go, excuse me." Was all she said before leaving.

There was an awkward silence. Isabel smiled despite, obviously, feeling embarrassed. "I apologize for my daughter's behavior." She said finally.
"Oh no... Don't apologize Mrs. Allegro." Antoine quipped, "That's okay. We understand."
"Uhm... Mr. and Mrs. Allegro," I blurted, "I have a feeling this is not the kind of celebration your daughter wants... Have you spoken to her about... Ehrm... What she wants to do for her 18th birthday?"

Bernardo chuckled and and gave me that look, like I don't know what I'm talking about or I somewhat said something wrong. "What do you know about our daughter?" He asked in a challenging tone.

Alarms sounded in my head. "Uh-oh..." I felt like this deal is about to go down the toilet...







*****To Be Continued*****

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