CHAPTER 1 VALENTINE'S DAY

It was the year 1997, Happy Hearts Day to most and Valentine’s Day to all lovers, when the song "As Long as you Love Me" by the well-known boy band of the 90's came out. The most played songs at the time were playing on the radio. Annika’s favorite song is one she loves to sing and dance to while putting on her cosmetics to get ready for work. She wears her pink lipstick as she feels cute and flirtatious wearing it. Annika makes sure she has her mascara on because it enhances and accentuates her beautiful eyes. Her long wavy hair gives off a sensual vibe, emphasizing her prominent shoulders. Should I put on this olive-green dress today? Or perhaps I mix my black jeans with an orange blouse along with a pair of boots? " As she spoke to herself. She is excited to get ready for work as it is Friday, and Bruce, an American customer with whom she had a big crush, will come to dine at the Mediterranean Restaurant where she works as a receptionist.

Bruce, a Motorola the big boss will be coming that night with all his close colleagues, John and Blake, plus some other friends. Annika was born and raised in the heart of Manila. She is a dreamer and wanted to help her parents race her small siblings. Despite all the hardships in life, Annika is always happy, full of energy, she is the life of the party, loved by her family, friends, and colleagues, and she is a gift to anyone who knows her. "I’m going to wear this orange top and black jeans with my black boots today," she thought. The weather is beautiful; the sun is up, and there's a cool breeze in the air. "Oh! how beautiful this day would be!" was in her mind as she left home on her way to the bus station. "Annika is anxious to come to work today, as it is Valentine's Day and she will be greeting all the guests tonight in her beautiful red gown that her boss bought for her to wear. She will have all the red roses in the reception that she will hand over to their female guests that night, mostly couples, lovers, and partners, and tonight is a very special night as Bruce will be her very special guest. She is hoping that somehow, Bruce may notice how pretty she looks in her red gown and gold pumps. She wore red lipstick to complement her gown and had her hair up on one side only with a very small gold hairpin with some sparking stones. All the guests started to come around 8 in the evening. They were all dressed nicely. Women mostly wear elegant, nice dresses, and so do men. Annika was delighted to greet them, check their reservations, and walk them to their assigned tables, hand them the menu for their special dinner, and call the waiter and introduce them to their guest to inform them that the waiter could take their orders. The night runs busy for Annika. And around past 10 pm, at last, the man she adores so much, Bruce, came in with his colleagues from Motorola. Bruce and Annika met before Annika started to work at the Mediterranean Restaurant La Gondola. She used to work as a bar waitress at the club Industria, one of the top clubs for elites to enjoy fermented beers, other alcoholic beverages, and music. One On Monday night, Bruce came in around 7 pm when the club didn’t have any other customers yet. It was Annika who welcomed him. Is there some kind of poisoning here? How come no one here tonight? " Bruce asked. Annika laughed and thought how much she loved the humor of this guy. "Where are you from?" This is the first time I've seen you here. Are you waiting for more friends to come over tonight? " Annika asked with a smile. "I can keep your company while waiting for your friends." Bruce thought it was a very nice gesture for a young lady to approach him. Annika was never a shy type and she could converse in English in such an easy manner. Annika learned that Bruce came from America. He was an ex-pat in the Philippines 

leading a team for the Motorola Company. Bruce was dressed in a black shirt with the words "I am an Irish. “Annika asked him, "Why does your shirt say "I’m Irish when you are an American?" Bruce liked the way Annika had so many questions and was not afraid to ask questions and start a conversation. "I love your company." Bruce says, "I think I will enjoy coming to this club every night after work. Will you be here every night?" Bruce asked Annika. And Annika answered, "Well, I won’t miss a night working if you will come here." Later that night, after an hour of waiting for his colleagues, John and Blake, came in and joined Bruce with some beers and laughs.

Bruce introduced Annika to John and Blake, all of whom are American ex-pats from the United States of America who work here for Motorola. Night after night, Bruce became Annika’s regular customer. They became friends, so close that Annika started to have a big crush on him. Bruce is such a good-looking guy. He stands not so tall, around 5 feet 10 inches in height. He has this US Army look with muscles and a nice torso. He looks great even in a simple t-shirt. He gave you the sweetest smile you can see, with gray eyes and that look of a freshly shaved beard. Annika loves how fresh he smells every time. And most of all, Bruce's got this big sense of humor. He can make Annika laugh. Annika’s night at work becomes enjoyable as long as Bruce is around. One night, for some reason, the DJ played the song "As Long as you Love Me" by the Backstreet Boys. Annika finds the song so interesting that she sings it with Bruce in her mind.