The Philippine Affair Ch 01

For Davis, this was the best part of his day. In a few moments she would turn the corner and walk up to his table. He would stand, pull out her chair, and seat her before sitting back down himself. He would pass her a welcoming smile to let her know he was glad to see her. In return, she would either lean in and offer a soft kiss on cheek or extend her hand to be taken by his. They would banter about their work day in generalities, or laugh about some silly comment one of their ill-informed colleagues had made. But they would never discuss the details of the project after work hours. They would keep the conversation light and decide on whether to have drinks with dinner or whether to have dinner there or somewhere else. Or he would ask if she wanted to dispense with dinner. Whatever transpired at the table always led to an evening concluded in his hotel room, where he would enjoy the pleasure of her company.

Davis had four and a half weeks remaining on a three-month consulting contract in Manila. He was in no hurry to return home, having made Christine's acquaintance during the first week of his stay. He was part of a team of five sent over from the Atlanta engineering firm of Barnhill, Naymond, and Pearce. Having never worked overseas, he was somewhat reserved about being introduced to the local culture so soon after his arrival. His Philippine counterparts were gracious and fun-loving hosts, and he was a good sport about going along to the after-work dinners and drinks. He participated in moderation, just enough to feel the effects of the alcohol but not enough to impair his judgement. When his American colleagues ventured to the more recreational nightlife, he begged off with a claim that he was still fatigued from the time difference, that his circadian rhythms were slow to adjust.

When Christine joined the team on the fourth day as a junior engineer, he found the work more rewarding and purpose-driven. Initially Davis was surprised that a woman with Christine's striking looks didn't distract the project. It wasn't that her attraction went unnoticed, but there was a professional decorum maintained by her Philippine colleagues. She was one of only two women on the project, and yet she was afforded the same degree of respect as the men, at least during work hours. Davis had close access to Christine since he was the project expert on hydraulic motion in varying altitudes. With his area requiring additional assistance for research verification, Christine was given one of the two assignments to work directly with him. Before long professional distance gave way to personal attraction.

The glances became short stares, and soon he found himself creating excuses to be close to her. Of course, he had to maintain the pretext of professionalism. He knew the opportunity to know her better would come after work hours. And he was well aware from her body language that she was responding to his subtle attention, this despite the obvious hurdle of the wedding ring on his finger. Back home in Atlanta his wife and two teenage kids carried on with their lives, secure in the knowledge that he was on an important career-defining assignment in Asia. And indeed his company was selected over many other engineering firms for their expertise and success dealing with water-dominated terrains. Davis was advised to take the spot on the consulting team. He had little choice in the matter. Still, he didn't mind.

"Are you going to the weekend excursion in Palawan?" she asked, though she knew his answer before he spoke.

"I wasn't planning on it. A few weeks ago I would have gone. Jerry and Taft don't really expect me to tag along with them much anymore." He took a drink of his beer and thought about how, with each passing day, he had widened the distance between himself and his American team colleagues.

Davis understood that ascending the ladder involved time with the management team, as the path to junior executive in the firm meant a social investment with colleagues, both during work hours and after. Two Saturdays prior Christine took him to Patungan Beach, where they frolicked in the surf and lost track of the time. Between the tricycles and catching the bus from Maragondon, he was doomed to miss his tee time with Jerry and the others. He didn't mind. The choice between playing golf in General Trias or swimming the surf with Christine wasn't very difficult.

"You should come with me and keep me company. You can see my house, and I will introduce you to my cousins," she said as much as asked.

"I'll think about it," he replied with a smile, which meant he accepted enthusiastically. Then, without prompting they stood up and walked together, heading for his room.

Once there they spoke little, though little needed to be said. The restraint they exercised during the course of the working day gave way to a long night's passion. They took their time, as there was no urgency, just the passage of the evening into pre-dawn.

When she awoke later in the darkness, she gathered a dress and undergarments she brought along in her purse. Though she moved quietly, he awoke to her stirrings.

"Come back to bed and go to sleep," he implored. "We'll go in together."

She didn't answer and continued dressing herself. It was the same request he made each time she stayed. He marveled at her foresight in planning, her care of detail even in the mundane, like something as simple as bringing a change of clothes. He knew as well as she that she couldn't go into the office with him, or even in the same entrance. She had an elaborate routine worked out. Once she readied herself and left his room, she made her way to a coffee shop that opened early. There she would be sure to be seen by some of her regular colleagues who worked the early shift. She would eat her breakfast before proceeding to the office, timing her arrival and entrance in the main lobby to indicate by all appearances she was coming from her home. About a half an hour later, Davis would arrive from the parking garage entrance and engage with Jerry for the daily debriefing. A little while later they would assemble in the large conference room with two other team members and pick up the project from yesterday's stopping point. He would glance her way, smile, and offer a nod. She offered her own subtle knowing glance and then commence with the work at hand.

Firmly ensconced in the tropics, career advancement was the last thing on his mind. He was living for the moment. There was no past and no future, just the here and now, and Christine.