Chapter 66 Chapter 66 - The Plans

Ella and I visited the lot one fine day.
"The size of it Uncle bequeathed to you. You can have a cafe here and a resort at the same time. This is big enough." As Ella twirled her eyes.
"In the past, I have this event place where I wanted Nikolai and I to have an engagement party.
I told myself when he proposed to me, we would have a celebration there. I love that place and it is so romantic.
That is also what I wish to do in this lot. An event place with a cafe and a pool which is inspired with white sand.
You feel like you are in Boracay. Then the romantic setting for your engagement or wedding. That you will cherish for the rest of your life." I looked back.
"That is a promising idea, Eve! There are many events for the whole year. So for sure, we will not lose a client.
Although, you will need a lot of money for the establishment and the business." Ella's announcement.
"Yes, I need a lot of money. I have saved some so I will just find a contractor to inquire regarding the expenses.
I prefer to pursue the idea, Ella. And then the name of our business will be "Garden of Leto Events Place and Resort"." I am delighted to declare the business name I thought of.
"You are not too excited because you instantly thought of a name.
It is the Garden of Eden, isn't it? Who is Leto?" Ella asked laughingly.
"In Greek mythology, Leto is the goddess of motherhood. This seems to be my tribute to Mama and Mommy Darcie as well as to myself because I am also a mother." I demonstrated to Ella.
"In fairness, that name is nice. For sure that will also be trending once we operate and create a website for Garden of Leto." Ella's prediction.
Abruptly, that business name came to my psyche. I did not think much but if the business continues, I will pursue that business name.
Garden of Leto Events Place and Resort!
One afternoon, Mommy instructed Nanny Trish to call me. I am in the bedroom arranging my things.
"All right, Nanny Trish, I will be next to you," I told her.
Nanny Trish nodded. Ella is in the garden and occupied gardening there.
I looked at myself in the mirror. I look better now after almost two months of our stay here in the province.
Even if I do not groom myself, I still look good. Still pretty!
I smiled at what I thought. Sometimes we need to boost our confidence to create good vibes.
I obeyed Mommy Darcie's call. When I went downstairs, I saw her in the living area and she looked like talking to someone.
I have yet to see who she is talking to. Maybe Ella or Phil.
"Eve, come, I will introduce you to my nephew." when Mommy Darcie glanced at me.
Ella was the one I immediately saw sitting on the couch as well.
She motioned for me to come over.
"Eve, meet my nephew, Paul. Paul, she Eve, Phil's sister." Mommy Darcie's prelude.
"Oh! Wow! I now finally see you in person, Eve Lopez!" and the man Mommy Darcie called Paul, stood up.
"Hi, Paul!" the words I could utter.
I was surprised when he held my hand for a handshake.
This one is handsome.
He is the one Phil refers to as his cousin. The amazing, successful, and single cousin, Paul!
"I would better leave you first so you can talk about business. I will prepare something you can eat." and Mommy Darcie bid goodbye.
"Eve, sit down. And talk to Paul about your plans with the business." smiling Ella let out.
I also sat down to accommodate Mommy Darcie's guest.
"So, you have a plan to open a business here in Aunt Darcie's place." Paul turned on.
"Yeah! I am just hesitant because the business might not boom since it is not very civilized here." I simply told him.
"If you want to put up a business, do not hesitate. Business is more of gambling.
If you do not try, you will never know if you will win against it. There in the other town where I put up my business, only a few people from the town patronized my restaurant.
But to tell you, a lot of tourists and travelers visit the restaurant. Probably it is just about the marketing, the facility itself, the people, and of course your strategy.
You can still help people here and give them jobs." Paul's litany and advice.
"That is my main purpose, to help other people get a job." I smiled.
"Then, proceed with the plans. I can help you with the construction. I know a contractor and I can ask for a discount from him. What are your plans?" Paul spoke very certainly.
Almost everything he says makes sense and is persuading.
"I plan to establish an events place and resort. Inspired by the white sand of Boracay and available for all kinds of events." I mumbled with a smile.
"Alright, if you are willing to talk to the contractor, I will settle it.
Anyway, did you know I once told myself that I would get you as an endorser of my restaurant?
I did not think you are the sister of my cousin, Phil. And I just want to tell you that, I did not make a mistake in wanting you to be the endorser of my restaurant.
You look better in person. You are lovely!" Paul said very frankly.
"This friend of mine is really lovely even without make-up." Ella's teasing.
"Ella, stop it!" I rebuked her.
"Ella is right! You are really beautiful. Will you still accept offers? I am still looking for an endorser." Paul raised a question.
"I am sorry, I do not accept offers anymore. Perhaps, it is not an undercover thing to you what transpired to me.
The whole Philippines knows the story of my life." I asserted sadly.
"That is why you are here! You are trying to escape!" Paul's prophecy.
"Not exactly to escape but to start a new life." I forced a smile.
"Let me help you start a new life!" meaningfully said, Paul.
What does he mean?
"Probably, he pertains to his willingness to help you with your business plans." when Ella and I were in the room.
"I enjoyed talking to him because it seems like he knows so much." I shrugged.
"And he is handsome, admit it!" poking fun at me of Ella again.
"Yes, he is indeed impressive. But isn't Nikolai even more handsome than him?" and Nikolai's appearance flashed through my sanity.
"By the way, it has been two months, what is your heart condition now?" She altered the topic.
"I no longer feel nasty with Nikolai. I realized that it was not his fault either.
He only trusted Luna because they had known each other for a long time. I know he is also struggling with what he is going through.
And how I wish, we grieved for the loss of Gabriel together. But rather, I chose to leave him and be furious with him.
Ella, I want to begin my new life but I also want to talk to Nikolai to tell him that I have forgiven him.
But I thought everything has a reason. Perhaps, it has to come about for me and Nikolai to be separated from each other.
I will just leave it to fate for us to meet again. Or maybe we will never meet again." I stared at the emptiness.
True, that is the content of my heart. I want to see and be with Nikolai furthermore.
But my senses said I need to put myself first now.
Their Point-of-Views
"I am blaming myself for not giving much time for Ella. I miss her so badly." Nathan said while looking barfly.
"Why can we not do anything? But let them make their decision. Because if we insist, they will not forgive us.
What should we do? Just like that? Get drunk just to forget about troubles?
I also lost a child. It hurts me to lose Gabriel and the reason is the person I trusted.
But why do I seem to be the only one at fault?" Nikolai was also intoxicated.
"We are miserable like this but Eve and Ella seem to be in good shape.
Let us live our life to the fullest, Dude! I will introduce you to someone. I have friends who are coming tonight." And Nathan sipped the beverage again.
Later, women arrived at their table.
"Hi, Nathan!" the greeting of a woman.
"Mela, you made it. When did you arrive?" Nathan begged.
"Just yesterday. I am with my friend, Fritz." Mela's introduction to her companion.
"Wow! Nice meeting you, Fritz. This is my friend, Nikolai!" foreword also by Nathan.
"You two look tipsy already!" Mela noticed.
"No, we are waiting for you! Join us," said Nathan.
Mela and Nathan are talking and laughing. Mela just arrived from Ireland. She is currently on vacation here in the Philippines with her friend, Fritz who is also a Filipina.
Nikolai glanced at Fritz. She is beautiful and just looks calm.
"Do you want some?" Nikolai inquired to Fritz.
"Sure!" she answered with a smile.
Nikolai and Nathan started earlier so they are intoxicated already.
"Nikolai, that is enough, you are so inebriated." Fritz tried to stop him.
"Is it a turn-off for a woman for the first meeting to see a drunk man?" Nikolai implored.
"No! I like barfly man particularly when he can still handle himself." almost in a whisper, Fritz announced.
And they went on with their party.