Absinthe novel Chapter 60

I barely touched my food when Vice Chairman Lee announced that he's retiring for the day. Obviously, he did not expect me to make such a demand. 10% of Samsong Holding's shares means billions and billions of dollars. No one in their right mind will give that away.

On the other hand, I wouldn't be in my right mind if I accept his offer to go back and work for him again, especially with this particular problem to solve.

If I take it, I would fail. I'm sure of it, 100%. And that stain in my career will be the talk of the entire industry, world-wide.

What's worse is that everyone will probably associate such failure with my sexuality.

So don't get me wrong. I didn't ask for 10% of Samsong Holding's shares because I want them. I just wanted a convenient excuse to not have to say no.

"I just remembered," I said, getting everyone's attention. "Is Samsong Philippines aware that you are here?"

Minsu-hyung shook his head. "This was all an impromptu decision from Vice Chairman Lee."

"I see. We'll take you to your hotel, then."

Faye footed the bill and we all filed out towards the restaurant's lobby where Faye asked for our cars. Momentarily, my trusty BMW came, looking laughable compared to Faye's brand new Benz SUV. I knew that she bought a new car a few weeks after she crashed her Range Rover against JM's. But I didn't know it was a Benz.

Vice Chairman Lee looked at my car, then to me. "We're taking Ms. Gonzales' car, BJ. We'll be in touch."

Before I could stop myself, I bowed in response and Vice Chairman Lee didn't seem to miss it.

Fuck! Old habits really die hard. "Good night, sir."

I felt Minsu-hyung affectionately tapping my shoulder followed by a light hug from Gunho-hyung. "Tomorrow, then!"

I hopped into my own car and drove back home, head full of all sorts of things. From Jiwoo, to Vice Chairman Lee, to the CEO who fired me, and to Cho Hanbi.

Wouldn't this be the best opportunity to prove to everyone, once and for all, that talent and skill have nothing to do with one's sexual orientation and preference?

That if I succeed, I can slap every single person who laughed with disdain at my termination and my sexuality. I can make headlines once again, and this time, actually get the chance to help out every single homosexual who feels oppressed in the corporate world.

But saying yes to this means saying goodbye to the Philippines once again.

It also meant saying goodbye to Jiwoo.

Ugh! I don't know what to think!

My dashboard display signaled a call from Faye. I pressed the receive button and greeted her.

"I just dropped them off. Are you home now?"

"Almost," I responded. "I'll lend Minsu-Hyung my Benz. I barely use it anyway. And it's a gift from the Vice Chairman, remember? That way, you won't be needed to drive them anymore."

"Wow! You actually thought I was driving them for charity. You might be the finance expert between the two of us, but you're forgetting that I'm the entrepreneur."

"Oh god, what are you planning, Faye?"

"Nothing," Faye said plainly, but I could still feel traces of smugness in her voice. "Just making connections, if you know what I mean."

"Whatever, Faye." I said. "Anyway, let's have lunch tomorrow. I'll cook something."

"You're not going to Maxwell's?"

"I don't think so." I said, thoughts of Jiwoo suddenly start swimming in my head again. "I broke up with Jiwoo."

"I doubt that," Faye said. "It's your first lovers' quarrel."

"Well, we're not going to resolve it if he keeps on being insecure about his financial status!" I didn't want to expose myself but my frustration just came out all the way.

"And you guys won't be able to resolve it if you keep on being insecure about your situation, either!" Faye answered back.

"What do you mean?"

"It's obvious, isn't it? Jiwoo feels insecure about his financial situation not because you're rich, but because you question yourself! You always question whether you deserve this or that! Do you know how that sounds like to Jiwoo and to the rest of the world? It's like you're questioning whether people have ulterior motives on you!"

"..."

"Sorry, BJ." Faye said. "I know you have a lot on your mind right now, so go straight home and sleep. Okay?"

"Okay."

"I'll see you tomorrow. Let's make it brunch, then let's go for some pampering immediately after."

"Sounds like a plan."

It didn't take me long to finish my drive back home, and I was basically on autopilot from the parking lot, to the elevator, up to my penthouse where I could see someone leaning his back just beside the door.

The man was pretty tall, wearing a two-toned flannel blazer, an elegant pair of black trousers and shoes to match. The shoes look familiar – probably a Berluti or a Zegna. He was carrying a sporty-looking, oversized handbag in a peculiar shade of khaki.

"Hello? Can I help you?" I asked from a distance.

The man slowly turned towards me and my panty would have vanished into thin air if I was wearing one. I actually had briefs on, not that it matters. But holy shit, it was Jiwoo and it wasn't Jiwoo at the same time.