"That's indeed a lot!" Avery looked at the woman who had just entered the small room. It was their Editor-in-Chief. Trophies and awards from various theaters and preaching ceremonies in a few years almost filled Avery's walls.
During her years as a T.V. reporter and occasional news anchor and making various documentaries that aired on television, she often drew awards. She will not brag, but she can't stop being proud of herself. She's having the time of her life. She worked hard for that to happen. After almost five years, she gradually made her dream come true.
She faced her boss, who was already sitting on the couch. "Are you ready for the Antonio Facundo Awards 2020?" She grinned even more at what she heard. Of course, she will never forget about it. This is the first month of the year, and she is already searching the internet on whose life she will feature now.
The AFA 2020, or the Antonio Facundo Awards is a competition for journalists like her, is also often open to writers and directors. Unlike usual, they will take a subject, someone, which is very popular with people. They will publish to viewers about how that person's life is. Supposedly, Avery will know the life of whoever is chosen just to win. She will make sure she gets the same award again this year. All she had to do is find someone, a person everyone looked up to with a mysterious identity.
She won AFA last year, so Avery feels enormously pressured. One of the best-selling authors, Tanya Tebrero–Jacinto, was her subject, and she didn't have a hard time with it.
Tanya is very kind. She is honest with what she feels and wants, and she quickly understands it. Avery even got a mentor because Tanya was also very good at her craft.
Her life was indeed a chaotic experience. The woman narrated life to her, but it seemed to bring her to that situation. Now, she can't be more proud of Tanya and Josiah's love story. They were happily blessed with two children - now having three children - because Tanya's pregnant.
After the showing of that documentary, they got millions of views on popular Social Media sites such as Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. They even touched the BSE News where she works which claims hundreds of applause.
"I am born ready, Ma'am. Though I have no ideas yet, my team and I will meet for the plans." She opened her cellphone. She has a few choices. However, she is not so sure if it will be popular with the people.
They need to find someone who is almost adored by the majority but still has a huge secret about his or her personality. That will seriously become a good catch.
And that's what she wants.
The viewer, the public will truly become curious, which will cause her to enjoy the documentary more.
She must be wise. AFA Award is notable for her. She can't miss that now.
Her eyes widened when the woman dropped a brown envelope on the small table. She looked at it with so many questions, but the boss just shrugged and motioned for her to open it.
She did the woman's command. Her hand almost trembled with great excitement. Whatever it is, this is connected to the AFA. Anything that's connected to AFA excites her.
When she saw the picture, she immediately frowned. The possible difficulty of getting the person on the picture revolved around her mind. She knew what the boss meant by giving her a picture of the man.
It is not just a man, though. He's the most mysterious man the business industry know.
"The most mysterious man in the business, Cormac Carter. He had this codename, C.C. People can see how rich that man is. They can see how he presents at so many conferences. He has also become a public figure because of his popularity, especially among women. But here's a funny thing, Av. No one knows her parents. No one knows what the story of his life is. It was as if he had just appeared in the business industry–" The woman shook Avery's hand out of excitement. "Hey! You get what I mean, right?"
Avery blinked-twice, thrice. There are so many speculations that are going through her mind. She is already thinking of a way to convince him because men like him are allergic to cameras. She must know that.
But aside from that, his aura speaks something strange to her. You can be scared of the man by just staring at his picture.
Of course, she knows Cormac Carter! Who would not? She has tried several times to ask him for an interview in a few conferences, but she does not get a word.
"When we get that man, we will definitely get most of the women. I know many are also curious about Mr. Carter, and this one's a good break. I really hope the opponents will not overtake us." The boss fixed her hair and then looked at Avery. "This is a good catch, Av. Many are joining AFA today, and we need to stand out-you need to stand out. For now, I can find nothing more okay with Mr. Carter. He's the ace in the competition. You can get him, right, Av?"
Avery immediately nodded at that question. Cormac Carter has a lot of friends and colleagues, and that's where Avery will start. Only then can she get information from the man, the things he likes and dislikes, his passion for work, and his past. Sooner or later, Avery will also get him in an interview. She has nothing to miss now.
She knew she would have a hard time, but she can't be more sure about her goal. She'll get AFA 2020.
"I'll get him. I will take all the chances in the world. I will win the AFA 2020," she fiercely replied, putting all her hopes up.
Avery Taylor's
"Cormac. . . Cormac Carter," I said incredulously. I now focused directly on finding at least a little information about the man. Still, I've already spent two hours in front of the computer, and I can't find anything but his age, date of birth, and a little information about his own company.
"This is frustrating!"
There should be another way. I can't lose right away on my first try. I need to know every little thing, and I will start that by knowing what the man wants. I wanted this. I need to be more diligent in what I do, especially in considering AFA 2020. What our Editor-in-Chief said was right. The man will seem to be the key to us, to me. If I wanted to win, I just had to wait for the opportunity to take him.
The world doesn't even know more about him. People will get curious and stumble upon waiting for that documentary of mine.
Ha!
"Staffs! His secretary! There should be anyone to call." I have approximately six months to do the job. One month to convince the guy and five months for the shoot.
I shouldn't waste time. I must be ahead of other journalists. I immediately picked up my cellphone on my side and quickly dialed the number posted on the said website.
After almost eternal ringing, it was as if a thorn had been pulled out of my throat when someone answered, "Good afternoon. C.C Cars. Who's this?"
I felt my hands water. There's something inthe man's voice that I found very uncomfortable. "Is this really the case with that Carter company? People are frigid," I said to myself.
Maybe a CEO's life is really different from the way we deal with people every day. It is part of our lives to smile, laugh, carry and prolong the conversations. We need to be very jolly and enthusiastic so that people can really trust us.
I have never seen anyone in the media who always frown-that's a fact. We have to be very, very cheerful.
"Goodmorning. This is indeed C.C Cars." I was able to sit up, my hands resting on the table in front of me.
"Yes. Who's this?"
I could not count my successive sighs afterward. What I wanted to say was already tangled in my mind. Should I ask him where's his boss directly, or do I need to slow it down first?
"Are you his secretary? This is about Mr. Carter, is he there? Can I talk to him?"
Come on, come on. Tell me the man is at his office, and it has nothing scheduled for today.
"This is Cormac, and I am asking for your name," he said coldly. I can get almost close there if you're this fortunate, Avery.
"Avery. I'm Avery Taylor. . . Mr. Carter, I need to talk to you," I said bluntly. It's up to you. I really think I need to plan this thoroughly, so he is already there, eh. I already talked to him on the other line, so why should I delay?
There's no harm in trying. And especially for AFA, even if I try a few more times, it won't matter.
"May I ask why?"
Now, I know why even though so many women stumble upon him, no woman dares to approach him. He is so intimidating! even his voice you will just hate in the extreme cold.
He is also said to be vying for thousands of investors, but only a few can get close.
I mean, shouldn't he be cheerful too? It will also welcome people and investors.
"Can we talk about this in person? It will not be clear if it is-"
I heard deep sighs on the other line, so I fell silent immediately. "Media?"
I almost sank into the seat. How did he predict that right away?
"I. . . I just don't know how I matter with you guys. I don't have any issues, events, or conflicts about my company, but you are persistent in contacting me today. Well, of course, the journalists who called me yesterday were excluded. Quit it, alright? I just don't want to get involved in any media or news agency."
I was stunned by what he said. Is he mad? Am I really the tenth person from the media to call him? Why? Are they planning to get Mr. Carter for the AFA 2020, too? If that's the case, I need to speed up my action! I won't lose this opportunity, especially now that he has the eyes of a few participants.
"Wait, Mr. Carter–"
"Miss Taylor, my decision is final. If this isn't about my cars, don't bother calling me." I was about to speak when I heard that he had cut off the call completely.
This is bullshit!
My brain went blank when I tried to call that phone number again. With each ring, I almost lost my shit. Why do I feel so desperate? If I have not acted hastily, others will be ahead of me!
"Good afternoon. C.C Cars. Who's this?"
"I'll get one."
The man on the other line became quiet. I had to count another ten seconds before he spoke again. "Excuse me?"
"This is Avery Taylor, and I'll buy any of your cars," I said.
If only my boss were here, she would have rained on me because I didn't think right. But then, I am here in this situation. If I let go, I will regret it for a long time. This is disappointing!
It is really up to me where these bad decisions will take me.
"Well. . . I should start calling you, Ma'am, then. I'll be waiting for you on C.C Main. "
You should wait for me, patiently, Cormac Carter. I'll make you to win you, to win the AFA and make my boss and the company proud even after a hundred times.
I don't care if that may be the hardest thing to do or to mak, I can't be more excited on my following days with you.
"Are you out of your mind?" My eardrums were shattered by that scream of Ma'am Cassandra, our Editor-in-Chief. The more I got to know it, the more I almost accompanied that shout in my mind. I knew very well what else could she say.
When I dropped the call earlier from the C.C Cars, I immediately asked her for a consultation.
I also asked about a good car to buy because it looks like I was tempted to buy something in no time then she became mad about it instantly, screaming her lungs out.
"Ma'am, you know it's not a waste. Kuya's been so addicted to cars. It will be a few months since his birthday. I could send that to him as a gift, right?" I've never been so unsure about this.
"I just really have no choice, Ma'am. This is the only option I have. If I have a chance to get this, I will definitely be ahead of others," I explained. Even if I wanted to ask the woman, I decided to give up. If there's anyone who can help me with cars, Kuya Jac should really be the one I called.
I quickly picked up my keys and left BSE. I should be going by now. The sooner, the longer I can talk and convince Mr. Carter.
While driving, I decided to call Kuya Jac. I am just hoping he'll help me. After a few rings, he answered it immediately. "It's too early to make a fuss, Av."
He sounded good, so my ears almost clapped. Just this once, please. I hope my older brother's brain is in the proper order.
"I need your help. Are you busy?"
"What is it? I'm still watching Jacques, but he's sleeping. Tell me. Is that a man? "
"Men are tr ** h," I said bluntly. I still do not take my eyes off the road.
"Women, too." Here we are again. When my brother says that, I just really accept it wholeheartedly. No matter how much I want to defend women, I can't.
My brother was cheated on by his fiancee a few days before their long-awaited wedding. We found out that the woman is pregnant by some other guy- the man she was with when my brother could not go home every day because of work. Jacques, their child, was just one back then. In the end, the nanny proved that his fiancee was bringing another man to their own house.
It seems like Kuya Jac also disappeared from our lives then. Yes, we always fight, but the two of us will always be here for each other.
It took him almost a year to accept everything. It was a long-term relationship. They have been with each other since high school, and they have been planning a wedding for a few years now, but just a day apart, everything became in turmoil.
But then, I am glad that we had a chance to found that out soon enough. What if the marriage proceeded before we found out the truth? It will be more disastrous for Kuya.
The incident happened two years ago. Jacques' now three, and somehow Kuya Jac became okay. He may be a little jerk, but I love him as well as his son whom he supports alone.
"Come on. What is that?"
I quickly reached the place and looked for a place to park. Their main branch is hella huge! I can't just imagine many cars you can find here and how tight the security is.
"I'm at the C.C Cars right now. Which car do you like best here?"
Kuya Jac chuckled slightly before answering, "You buying for me?"
I let out a few more sighs before getting out of the car. I also adjusted the dress several times, which was slightly tangled due to haste. "Just answer the goddamn question, Kuya."
"So you are really buying that for me? Yes, birthday present!"
This annoying. "Shut up, will you? I'm buying it for Jacques!"
I just let the brother laugh out loud. He'll stop soon. I know him.
As soon as I arrived at the entrance door, I was quickly greeted by the guard there. It is true that the security here is really tight. The place is very intimidating as it is.
"Fine. Go, get me that 1991 Black Eagle." I quickly turned off the call after hearing it.
He should get a life. All I want is the name of the car I should buy so that I don't look stupid by staying here longer.
This is indeed horrible! It was as if I had entered a haunted house, with a class.
I almost burst into laughter. I cannot imagine my life should be for the next twenty-four hours, giving the best thing I could to convince the man. I won't give up just yet, or simply- I won't.
I don't always get what I want for nothing.
"Excuse me. I'm here for Mr. Cormac Carter," I said as soon as I reached the lobby. I gently smiled at the woman there then showed the identification card I was carrying. It moved slightly to tell the woman about me as I immediately introduced myself.
"Avery Taylor from BSE News."
"Me! Sorry, Ma'am. We can't let you in–"
"Let her in, Jessica."
Mr. Carter's office is very pleasing in the eyes. It was as if I had entered a hotel with superb facilities, stairs and so on. It screams authentic elegance.
"You can enter the room, Ma'am. I'll be downstairs," said the woman named Jessica.
I did give thanks before turning the doorknob and opening the door. A very fresh smell penetrated my nose. It was as if 'thunder' has its own scent-very manly and cold.
Moments later a man approached me. There is really something about him.
He seems so. . . mysterious. . . heartless.
His aura screams danger.
His lips curled up for a furry grin which almost take my breathe away. "So, Miss Taylor. Which car are you going to take?"