Blind Date's
49. Competitions

...49. Semu Attention...

On the 3rd and 4th days Sasmaya went to Holland's office in The Hague. Offices for publishing and printing fiction books and magazines.

In fact, he also visited retail bookstore at some point. See directly the circulation of books from the publisher to its marketing.

Then on the 5th day, we went back to Holland Publisher's office in Amsterdam. Receive several dummy representative books that have been translated in 3 languages. It is Dutch, English and German.

The books are books that have been agreed to be purchased copyright—copyright—from the author who has been bound by contract with Gama Pustaka.

There are 50 children's books. Culinary books 35 titles. Even HPG has re-submitted cooperation to acquire some non-fiction books.

“Next month we'll go to London Book Fair,” Dennis said.

Of course he's proud. Books from Indonesia circulated abroad. Join the books from other countries. Adding literature and literature to the world. It's an incredible achievement.

“We will also provide tickets for best seller writers to London Book Fair,”, added Dennis.

From the side of Gama Pustaka also handed over 15 books of rights purchased from the publisher of Holland to be translated in Indonesian.

He and Elena stood up. Shake hands with each other. Exchange books. Symbolist. Then stand side by side holding books to document.

“Thank you.” He and Elena spoke at the same time. Throwing each other smiles.

“Later tonight we invite you to celebrate this cooperation,” Elena said.

“Thank you for the invitation.”

“Skybar Jakarta Hotel,” Elena concluded. Pampit him. “Don’t miss it, please!” hold up his index finger as it passes.

Dennis handed him the id card. “For you,” he said.

It accepts, “Dank u.” It is an honor to have both an invitation and an entrance ticket to see the Amsterdam International Antiquarian Book Fair tomorrow.

Down ladder. He wanted to get out of Holland's office without waiting for him to cross with Masala.

“Maya, you—”

“Hai, Mas,” sweep.

“You—”

“There is work here,”.

“Oke ..oke. wait here a minute. Promise for a moment. I have to hand this over.” Masala lifted a bag. Only 2 steps of his feet stopped. Rotating his body, “May,” call him.

He who had just arrived at the last step looked back.

“Please, wait for me.”

He nodded and smiled. Designate an empty seat that is used to receive guests.

Masala quickly turned her heels. Stepping in half running. Even with a range of 2 stairs one way.

While he sat. Take her phone out of the bag. Send a message to Dirk. Open up social media. Choose a few photos to post on Instagram.

Since his arrival in the Netherlands he has not posted any of his photographs. The last time was at Schiphol Airport.

“Sorry .. sorry long,” Masala said with a gasping breath. “Since when arrived here?”

It stands. “Udah 4 days ago.”

Masala looked disappointed. “If the turnstile is closed, at least we can still be friends.”

Her lips are pulled upwards. “For 4 days solid schedule. Two days ago I went back to The Hague. Sorry,”.

“And I stayed in Utrecth. 26 minutes also up to Amsterdam by train,” protest Masala. He did not accept not informing her of his arrival.

They walk in tandem.

“Where do you live, May?” ask Masala.

“Jakarta Hotel.”

Masala's steps stopped. “Until when?” soon caught up with the woman who was still left in his heart.

“Maybe 2-3 days more.”

Masala clucking. “I've worked there. After that I moved to Utrecth,”. They arrived at the tram stop. “This time I'm the dealership, please ...”

He shook his head while smiling. Then take the tram. Masala appears to attach 2 chipcards to the ticket reader machine.

“I have 2.” Masala said while showing 2 blue dominance cards. Able to guess that he did not pocket the card. It did not take long because it was the distance of Holland's office with the city center close. The tram they boarded stopped at the destination stop. Masala again looks to attach 2 cards to the machine.

“You hungry, May?” lunch time has passed. “I have a good place, you must like,”. He took Sasmaya to a cafe. Favorite places.

Entering the cafe Masala opened the door. Please allow him to enter first.

He ordered, “Mango smoothies.” Then see the food menu that only visible writing only, “zeeland mussels.”

Masala shakes. “It was from the clams. Your allergies will recur.”

His eyes returned to the menu. Most of his writing is unfulfilled. Speaking Dutch.

“I order the special dish here,” sergeant Masala. Because the woman in front of him seemed to be confused. Masala then called the recommended special menu.

Sasmaya smiled as the cafe waiter left them.

"thank you. Turns out you still remember I'm allergic to shellfish.”

“I even remember what you like and don't like.”

“But it may have shifted a little. Because I have to follow the times.”

“That means forced,” refutes Masala. Their drinks are coming.

“Many places here that you can go,” proposed Masala. “Yang is not in Jakarta.”

He chuckles. “All are not in Jakarta. So what should I go to.”

“I'm ready to be your tour guide, May.” Masala drank his drink.

“You don't work?” tanyakanya. Sipping his drink out of a straw.

“I work at a hotel. One of the largest hotels in Utrecth. Today I took a break to hand over some of the scripts to Holland Publishing.”

“You work in Holland too?”

Masala shakes. “Literary agent.”

He nodded while pointing at Masala. “This is, competitor editor,” I must pretend. It is common knowledge that editors and literary agents compete to find talented authors. Yes, it can not be blamed also if a literary agent first finds a talented author. Because today many events or meetings that involve literary journal races, poetry readings or short stories, author associations and so forth are attended by a literary agent.

The man sitting in front of him laughed. Coincident waiters came to bring their orders.

It feels like his relationship with Masala is better like this. Without bringing up their past. Without asking for hope in the future. And start for friendship.

Before returning home, Masala took him to Central Station. The largest station in the Netherlands. They eventually split up in front of the hotel lobby. He reasoned tonight he would attend an invitation from Holland Publisher.

“Before returning to Jakarta, I hope we can still meet, Sas,” pinta Masala. “And I will definitely come if asked to accompany you to spend the rest of the day in Amsterdam,”.

Sasmaya smiled. “Thanks, Man. Thanks for today,” reply.

...***...

At 7:30pm local time, Sasmaya had been wearing a plain pencil skirt cut below the knee. With a classic banded blouse top in the crate area.

It is a simple sheer average. Light, inconspicuous, almost similar to the original skin. But it is more polished and looks fresher.

While Gama.

The man only sent her messages at night. Twice in the morning. Which means that when he sent Gama's message he wasn't asleep. In Jakarta in the early hours. Or even early morning.

Telephones.

Once.

Video calls.

What else. Never does.

He does not want to expect high. Even though his heart wants. Doesn't he want a partnership? Put faith in that man. Whatever else you have to face.

Yes, even though a lump of meat entrenched in his body named heart was disappointed. But he did not then languish. Because he believes Gama has his attention. It means that the man cares. Even in a strange way. Which he doesn't understand. Sometimes even excessive.

Arriving on the 8th floor of the skybar he was immediately greeted by Dennis. He thought there would be a lot of people. In fact, they are only three. Himself, Dennis and Elena.

Dennis scratched the chair for her. Then leave them.

“Sorry ... Dennis,” he said a little confused. Looking forward to the departure of the manager of Holland Publisher. Why did Dennis leave after welcoming his arrival. Didn't ...

Elena poured the drink into two small glasses. Put 1 in his direction. “For our success,” he said while lifting the glass. Sip with just one.

He doubted. Because she knew what kind of drink Elena was offering her. “May I order something else?”

This beautiful woman in front of him snapped her fingers. Then a servant came.

“Orange juice,” it says.

The waiter was silent for a moment. Then shake.

“Coca cola,” say it again.

The waiter nodded again. While Elena had gulped her glass a second time.

“Mocktail,” disconnect. If this drink does not exist either. Or is it wrong to be in this place.

Again for the umpteenth time the waiter shook his head. Then mention the drinks in the skybar. Various cocktails and alcoholic beverages.

“Cocktail the joker,” Elena said. "Favorite drink here."

He resigned.

Skybar visitors started to get crowded. He could clearly see the view outside. The IJ River and the city of Amsterdam.

“Thank you for coming, Sas,” Elena said. The woman waited for him for a moment. Because the waiter came to take their meal order. “Steak best here. Please ...”

“Thank you,” reply. Before long the waiter came to bring his cocktail order.

They both enjoyed their dinner. No one interrupts speaking. Until Elena spent her dinner first and said, “I have found the answer why this hotel is sold?”

Elena's expression caught her attention even more. So he stopped the knife and fork for a moment.

“Mister Sofyan wants A back to Indonesia. By selling this hotel.” Elena shook her little glass. “All this is definitely related to our relationship.” Uphold drink.

He stopped his eating. Choose a glass filled with mineral water to drink.

Elena laughed heartily. “Indonesian men who until now are still difficult to forget. Our relationship is only 3 years. But I think he's a guy who can change a lot of things in me. Although I know, many women have been close to him.

“We live together like a normal couple. Doing things you like together. Road trip to Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Paris. Yes ... as the pair should be.”

He was hard-earned to just wet his throat. Even his eyes like blocked by a liquid wall that maybe if he winks a little will spill.

“In fact, I was hoping to conceive her child. But it turns out A didn't want a child from me.”

Phrasement. Outpourings. It was Elena's line that made her unable to stay on one table with the woman.

How Elena loves A. Willa left the Netherlands if she is asked to stay in Indonesia. Unfortunately, it seems that Sofyan Putra and his wife did not approve of their relationship.

Because Elena and A are not tied to marriage. Both agreed that they would not marry.

It pierces the cold of the night air. His bike was full of emotion. Her tears were unstoppable again. She fell like a sweat flowing between clothes.

A rough swipe on his cheek was repeatedly done. He's ashended.

Maybe the universe is a little bit sorry for him. His meeting with Elena was soon ended. The woman got a call from her best friend. Which sounds important, so Elena has to leave immediately.

While himself.

He chose to go out of the hotel. Don't know the purpose. Just wanted to remove the spill on the chest.

“Dirk, I'm in the Red Light District,” he said by phone. With hasty breath.

-

Happy weekend ....

Thank you for the friends who are still loyal to Sasmaya. I hope you enjoy it until the end of the story. Sorry if I didn't say hello one by one. In shay'a Allah is endeavored to reply like commenting.

Thanks again for the support...

Greetings 😘