FLAVOUR: A Foodie Romance

A novel by Midge K. Manlapig

There are things in life that are totally unavoidable, absolutely inevitable.
The old saw about death and taxes applies here. And, regardless of what the cynics say, love
also does. It doesnt have to be the romantic sort, of course, seeing that there are so many kinds of
love. But it happens, whether you like it or not. Sooner or later, youll find your heart warming up
towards others even the Bible says that, regardless of what most Bible-thumping fundies claim about
love only coming to those who deserve it.
Most of the time, it shows up when you least expect it and its usually the last person you
expect.

This is pretty much how Ted felt at the time that things pretty much fell into place: lousy just plain
lousy.
A week with a severe respiratory infection left her worn out and haggard. The doctor told her to
take things easy, take a couple of weeks out of the office to recuperate. But two weeks were too much;
not for Ted, but for her boss.
Everyone at the office called Mrs. Malignos Morticia behind her back, seeing how her
appearance called to mind the materfamilias of the Addams Family. At fifty-odd, she wore her still-dark
hair loose about her shoulders. This had the eerie effect of highlighting her angular features and weird
pallor; being anemic, her skin looked ashen it was neither the natural Filipino tan nor was it the peachy
fairness typical of the mestiza crowd. Considering her position as a department head and, thus, part
of middle management her clothes seemed, well, odd. Long skirts with very high slits, mid-thigh
miniskirts, trousers that showed off more than a suggestion of a curved bum, black nylon pantyhose,
and long, flowing coats made with filmy, diaphanous materials like tulle or chiffon that seemed more
appropriate for the boudoir than the boardroom. The fact that her surname was Malignos the
Spanish loanword for malevolent spirits or otherworldly beings did not help matters at all.
The thing about Morticia was that she was absent more than she was present for work. When
Ted first came into the company, Morticia complained of constant stomach-aches. A month later, she
went into hospital for a laparoscopy. After a month, she seemed to be down with allergies or migraines
for much of the summer. Finally, she was down for the count all July, having been laid up with
pneumonia; the only good thing about it was that it wasnt bad enough to put her in intensive care.
All the while Morticia was away, she bugged her team over the phone or through email. But it
was not the same nor was it as effective as it would have been if she were around. Documents needing
her approval were kept on the back burner, allowing the team to work on other things that needed
doing: brochures and stuff, website copy, press releases. While she was away, everything went
swimmingly. It was only when she returned that all hell broke loose.
Have you finished the communications plan? Morticia demanded of Ted as soon as the latter
hove into sight.
Not yet, Ted admitted truthfully. Those in the cubicles nearby looked up sharply, hearing the
slight wobble in her voice. Indeed, Ted looked tired something that a few more days in bed could have
remedied. But she said nothing more as she took her place at her desk, plugging in her computer.
Not yet! Morticia exclaimed in dismay. Not yet! Docia, how could you? That was supposed
to have been implemented a month ago!
Ted gritted her teeth at this. Her full given name was Theodosia Jeanne Ballesteros and went by
either Ted or Theda. It was only Morticia who called her Docia, saying that her nickname made her
sound like a bull-dyke lesbian. Ted seriously resented her for that.
I sent you a master copy, Ted reminded her boss in a rather neutral tone.
Oh, did you? Morticia did not sound convinced. Just to play safe, would you mind sending it
to me again?
Ted said nothing, but went over her Sent Items folder for the missive in question and forwarded
it to her boss. When that was done, she quietly rose and made her way out of the bullpen.
You all right, Ted? a gruff but kindly voice asked at the bullpen door.
Oh, good morning, Sir Enzo, Ted replied, greeting the CFO with a wan smile. Im okay, I
guess.
You dont look okay, Enzo Joson remarked critically. Youre as pale as a damned sheet and
you dont look too sure on your feet. I think you shouldve stayed home a bit longer.
I wanted to, Ted assured him as they made their way to the elevators. But Mrs. M shot me a
text on Saturday morning that pretty much threw any plans of resting out my window.
Enzo stopped at this and stared incredulously at her. Whatd she say? he demanded.
Ted pulled her phone out of a trouser pocket and scrolled over to the message in question: Had
a long talk with the CEO. Give me your ideas ASAP. Brainstorming Monday. Dont be absent for any
reason. This is IMPORTANT. No excuses!
How Enzos eyes widened as this imperious command! You did tell her about what your doctor
told you to do, yes? he asked as he handed back Teds phone.
I did, Ted sighed. She called me up soon as she got the text and pretty much guilt-tripped me
into coming to work today. As she put her phone back into her pocket, she regarded the CFO gravely.
Correct me if Im wrong, sir: but in all my years in the field, this is the first and only time Ive seen the
marketing department take a stab at writing an internal corporate communications plan. In every
company Ive worked for, this was usually done by the folks at HR.
I know, Enzo replied as they entered the elevator. And you arent wrong: HR does the bulk of
internal communication work. Thats why I was surprised when I saw that Morticia included a corp-
comm plan in her business plan.
And isnt it too late in the year to make a new plan?
That, young lady, has to be the biggest understatement Ive heard all day and the days still
young, damn it all. He shook his head, obviously wondering at how foolish some people could be. Of
all the goddamned, stubborn women Ive had to work with, your boss takes the cake.
Ted managed to smile at this. You arent the only one whos told me that, she said. Miz Kate
pretty much said the exact same thing.
Enzo threw his head back and laughed. Yes, he chuckled. Kate told me as much; said she
wanted to have a good, long chat with your boss but, conveniently, Morticia was still confined at St.
Lukes and sent you into the lions den on her behalf. He eyed her slyly. You seem in pretty good
shape for someone who was thrown to the lions.
It was Teds turn to laugh. Lions like me, she replied with a wry shrug. And I do try to get on
with people; I learned from experience that you wont get anything done unless youre on good terms
with the folks around you.
That, Ted, is Gods own truth.
Ted looked glum as she thought about this. It was true: Morticia did not seem to get along with
anyone at work though she did chatter and joke with people from time to time. She had openly
declared that she had no great love for Kate Quijano, the formidable head of Human Resources, whom
she considered a pain in her backside; likewise, the only person she had any real obedience for was the
CEO. Anyone else was, in her words, a stumbling block.
But here lay the irony: it was public knowledge that Morticia was often being dressed down by
the CEO in full sight of the bullpen for one infraction or another. And she was always quick to absolve
herself of any blame, saying that HR or Sales or some other department was not cooperating with her
and her team. When the CEO left the bullpen, she would always turn to her team and make them feel
guilty not by scolding them, but by using weasel words and a hangdog, pitiful expression of
disappointment that they, in her words, did not shine as much as they could. Frankly, Ted was tired of
trying to shine at least in the way Morticia expected her to.
They made their way to the coffee bar on the second floor. Ted ordered an enormous iced latte
with almond syrup and was about to pay for it when Enzo beat her to the cashier paying for her
purchase along with his.
Consider it a treat, child, Enzo told her, beaming at her the way a fond parent looks at a child
who has done well in school. Lord knows you need one and I cannot thank you enough for taking the
lead on that press release and media blitz for the Jobs Award.
Its in my TOR, sir, Ted reminded him. But, all the same, thanks.
And to think Morticia wanted us to wait till she came back to plan that all out. Enzo looked
grim as he spoke. He regarded Ted seriously. Ted, be honest here: how do you find her as a boss?
Honestly, sir? I wouldnt know what to think! One minute, she fawns over me and tells me
how brilliant I am. The next, she goes all woebegone and tells me my work is horribly disappointing and
that I should try harder to shine. Bitterly, she added that it was all about the shine. Shine, she spat
contemptuously, but no substance.
Hmm... Enzo took as sip of his coffee as they made their way back. That said, do you see
yourself staying with us for the long haul?
Ted turned to him, hurt written all over her face. I thought so, she began slowly. But of
late... He voice trailed off into a tired sigh. I dont know, sir. I joined the company thinking it could
give me some respite from the hustle and bustle of the admans world. She grimaced and shook her
head. I guess I was wrong.

It was a long morning.
Before noon, Ted had finished three press releases and a couple of new brochures. The press
releases were pretty much a rewrite of what the consultant had written.
Given the quality of the original drafts, Ted had to raise an eyebrow as she couldnt believe that
these were the work of a professional PR writer. Hell, they looked worse than Teds first attempts at
writing a press release in her Introduction to PR Writing class back at university! Worse, she did not
understand why her boss never allowed her to draft the press releases herself. It was always Thats
what the PR consultants are there for, Docia. Thats what we pay them to do.
As a long-PR practitioner, it didnt sound kosher to Ted; normally, the client would do a bang-up
draft containing the details of the event and the consultant would just clean it up before seeding it to
the broadsheets not the other way around!
She popped her midday dose of antibiotic into her mouth, washing it down with a swig of
calamansi soda; she sat back, closed her eyes, and sighed. She felt wobbly all over both because she had
not yet recovered well enough and because the antibiotic was a pretty strong one that made her feel
odd.
She opened her eyes when she heard something land on her desk with a loud thud.
The US office sent us these materials, Morticia declared sans preamble. You should look
these over and rework them into something we can use on our local clients. Im pretty sure you can give
me a draft by 1 today. She waved airily and turned to leave. Toodle-oo! she sang, gaily. Im off to
lunch!
Ted stared at the massive pile of brochures and flyers lumped in front of her. Suddenly, she
couldnt breathe and everything went black.

Okay, shes coming to! Shes coming to!
Someone get water quick!
You gave us quite a scare there, young lady, Enzo remarked as Ted stared at him blearily.
What happened? Miz Kate demanded, her eyes as wide as saucers as she helped Ted into a
sitting position.
I... Ted began weakly.
Hush, Ted! Enzo admonished her firmly. Dont talk till youre a bit better.
One of the girls whose cubicle was catty-corner to Teds spoke up. Mrs. Malignos told her to
look over those documents on her desk, she declared. Said that she had to turn in a draft by one
today.
Its a quarter to one, Miz Kate said, checking her watch. She looked around, a fierce
expression on her already grim face. And where, may I ask, is Mrs. Malignos?
Out to lunch, Ted replied feebly.
Have you had lunch, Ted? the company nurse asked as she began taking Teds blood pressure.
Ted shook her head. I just took my antibiotic, she explained. And I was going to grab a bite
when she dropped the US brochures off on my desk.
Enzo looked grim at this and Miz Kate was livid. I suggest you hold things off for a while, Miz
Kate said decisively as Ted managed to clamber into her chair. Youd better go home, Ted; youre in no
shape to work.
But the deadlines...
Miz Kate held up a hand to quell her. No buts, Ted, she said. Soon as youre on your feet, let
me and the girls know. Well grab one of the drivers to take you home.
But...
I said no buts, Miz Kate repeated firmly. But her smile was kind as she patted Teds shoulder.
You go home and rest, dearie. Ill deal with that boss of yours.
Ted looked up at her, grateful for the respite. Youre one of the good guys, Miz Kate, she said
warmly. Even if Morticia does call you a hag.
The older woman laughed uproariously at this. Well, now! she exclaimed. Look whos
talking!

Still shaking in every limb, Ted managed to get home to her flat in one piece.
She sank onto her favourite armchair and seemed to stare at nothing for a moment. It was just
a little too much for her to take in. It did not help that Morticia made a scene just as she was being
ushered out of the office by the worried girls from HR. She was all about the deadlines, about how she
shouldnt be showing weakness at a time like this. She even hissed at one of the HR girls when the latter
tried to explain that Ted was still in no condition to work.
Fortunately, Enzo and some of the sales heads who were like older brothers to Ted intervened
and she was able to hop aboard an elevator that would take her away from Morticias unreasonable
tirade. Jude Monserrat, one of the sales heads and a long-time friend of Teds escorted her right down
to the parking lot where a company car was ready to take her home.
Youre in the wrong business, mate, Jude remarked without the faintest trace of irony as he
led her to the parking lot. We were all thinking youd be joining the family business when you left your
last agency not working from the other side of the fence.
Mate, thats as close as youve gotten to telling me I told you so to my face, Ted shot back.
But she had to admit he was right. Yknow, I could see myself writing cookbooks, teaching folks how to
cook, writing about food full time.
So, why dont you?
I dont know, Ted replied with a shrug. Maybe I dont really know what I want in life.
Please! Jude snorted, rolling his eyes in disbelief. That doesnt sound like the Theda
Ballesteros I know; that didnt sound like my buddy, the chick with the plan. What happened to her?
She burned out, mate, Ted confessed ruefully. She burned out and thought she could make
things work as a marketing exec.
Bad move, Jude grunted. But he companionably squeezed Teds arm. Think about it, Ted; do
what you want to do do what you love to do rather than something that pays well but drives you
bugfuck crazy. Its not healthy, yknow. He shook a warning finger in her face. Dont forget: its what
killed my ma ten years ago.
Ted grimaced at this. Judes mother was a singer of note, but died in her mid-fifties because she
burned out. It was a grim end for a magnificent diva who shone upon the worlds stages. In truth, Mrs.
Monserrat would have dropped everything just to be a proper wife and mother to her family.
Think about it, Jude repeated as Ted got into the car. Think of what you really want to do,
mate.
And Ted did think about it. She thought about it as she rested in her armchair, thought about it
for the better part of the afternoon. Finally, she stood up and went to her kitchen.
As she fixed herself a bowl of beef curry over rice, she thought about what she would say to her
boss and how she would say her goodbyes. In the meantime, she was hungry.

+++

Shortcut Beef Curry
1 cup sliced cooked beef
1 shallot, peeled and sliced thinly
1 small carrot, peeled and diced
cup fresh oyster mushrooms, sliced into strips
1-1/2 tablespoons cooking oil
1-1/2 cups water
1 cube Japanese curry roux
2 eggs
2 cups cooked rice

Set a saucepan over medium heat. Once the pan is smoking hot, add the oil. Allow to sizzle for a few
seconds, then add the shallot. Cook until softened, then add the carrot and cook for about three to four
minutes. Add the mushrooms and beef, stirring well. Stir in the water; bring to a boil, then add the
curry roux. Stir to dissolve; lower heat to a simmer and allow to thicken a little. Crack the eggs over the
curry and cover. Cook for about two to three minutes. Divide the rice between two plates, top with a
poached egg each and half of the curry.

Serves 2.