LOVE THE EXPATRIATE

7. The invitation to Fine Dining

Edward made a working visit to Bandung accompanied by Adrian by driving a car. At seven o'clock in the morning the car driven by his assistant departed from Jakarta and at eleven o'clock in the afternoon they had entered the Dago area.

Unlike the one in Jakarta, Zafora outlet in this city is not located in the plaza, but in the center of shops in the Braga area. A famous and iconic road that must be visited by people who come to this city. Braga is filled with historic buildings built during the Dutch colonial period. Not only in the building, ancient architecture can also be seen in the street lights.

After visiting the area directly, Edward understood now, why Europeans in Indonesia in the past dubbed this city as Paris van Java. In colonial times, this city was a favorite place to visit for the Dutch people besides Lembang and Batavia.

The Zafora outlet uses a two-storey shop. The first floor is focused on wadrobe, while the second floor is for skincare and space manager. Edward was greeted directly by Permadi, the outlet's manager. He was an appraiser, the age of the man was younger than him. Maybe a ride with Adrian. It seems that his predecessor deliberately recruited young people to fill the position of manager.

Sorenya, Edward went straight to Yogyakarta. He was heading to the city on a plane. Adrian is back in Jakarta.

 

Edward sat down on an all-in-one computer screen at his desk. The man was analyzing the results of his week-long work visit. After going to Yogya, he went straight to Surabaya. And the last outlet he visited was the Zafora outlet in the Kuta area, Bali. Yesterday afternoon Edward returned to Jakarta. There are two more cities that he has not visited. Medan and Makassar. And the man has been glorifying it next week.

“Good morning, Mr. Edward.” greet Adrian as soon as he enters his room.

“Good morning too, Adrian.” He looked at his assistant with a smile.

“How are you doing after vacationing in Bali?” tanyanya prank while sitting in front of her boss.

“I go there working Adrian, not for holiday.” he said flat as his eyes remained staring at the screen.

Adrian grimacing. According to him, his new boss is a typical person who does not like to joke. Everything is taken seriously. Or are the British really that? Always keep his attitude and his words? Thought in the heart.

“But in my opinion, two days is a long time just to visit one store, Mr.”.

“You should be able to enjoy good moments while there.”

“Actually I already intend to take a walk to the beach enjoying the sunset after the business is finished.” he said.

Adrian smiled as Edward finally confessed.

“But two days Kuta was drenched in heavy rain. Last thing I can do is just stay at hotel.”

“Maybe one day I'll be back there again. The place is indeed beautiful, Adrian.” he said again while turning to his assistant.

Adrian smiled with a smile. Actually the man entered the room Edward did not want to find out what his boss did while in Bali. But he wanted to let you know about the invitation to Edward who broke into the office email two days ago.

“Oh yes, sir, I would like to inform you that tonight you got an invitation to fine dining at The Ocean’s Hotel. Our partner, Graha Indonesia will hold a gathering. I forwarded the invitation to your email.” Adrian told his boss.

Graha Indonesia is a property company that is a developer for the Grand Jakarta Land superblock where Zafora offices and outlets are located.

Edward opened the email to see the invitation. During the monitoring to the area, the man had not opened his email yet .

"Do you think I should attend the show?" edward asked his assistant for his opinion.

“My suggestions, you should be present at the event. It's a good time for everyone to know Zafora's new spirit under the new leadership. We need that, Mr.”

"You'd better come right away. Signore. Because our partner does not know you" said Adrian rose from his seat.

The man came out, but just as his hand was about to open the door handle, he remembered something.

“If you feel reluctant to attend because there is no partner, you can invite Miss Anjani. He is also a part of Zafora. That way everyone will see that we are a solid team. Sorry sir, this is just a suggestion.”

Edward threw his back on the back of the chair as soon as Adrian came out. The man felt that what his assistant said had a point. He needs to blend in with Jakarta's business people. And this was his first gathering during his stint here. And Adrian's feeling is also right if he doubts because there is no partner. It would be very strange to attend fine dining without a partner.

But it did not cross his mind at all to invite Anjani on the show. The man remembered Mikaila. He missed that woman. They haven't seen each other in a week. His smile expands and he picks up his smartphone to ask Mikaila to be his partner at the show later tonight.

“Halo, Mikaila., how are you?” greet Edward.

“Halo too, Ed. good news.” Mikaila's voice sounded across.

“Oh yes, Mikaila. Tonight I got a fine-dining invitation at The Ocean,s Hotel, can you accompany me?”

“Oh. I really want to go with you. But I can't Edward.”

“Why, Mikaila?” Edward frowned.

“Today I have a double sift. We are working on a big project and have already pursued deadline.”

“Padahat before I really hope you can accompany me, Mikaila.” said the man was disappointed.

“I'm sorry, maybe next time I can. Sorry Ed, I have to get back to work. Good day.”

Tut. tut's.

The phone across from me was closed. Edward was a little upset by the rejection. Also because the woman cut off the conversation just like that. Again he made a call. But a busy tone sounded from across there. The man made another call, but this time it was for his assistant.

“Halo Adrian. Please convey to Miss Anjani to accompany me later tonight.”

“Good Sir, soon I will contact him so I can cancel if later tonight he has another event.”

“ And I need your help.”

“What is it, Mister?”

“Find me a suit.”

“Good, Mr.”

Tut. tut's.

Edward interrupted the call and took a deep breath. The man still could not believe that he would finally invite his own model to attend a banquet from Graha Indonesia. For some women, fine dining is a procession that has a very deep meaning. Could it be that Anjani will not unravel this procession with a wrong interpretation?