Chapter 31

Joshua asked Carlo to meet with him at Pure Act Café. He told him they will be talking about his Youtube channel, but the truth is, he just wanted him to come and see Edmalyn that night. And as planned, Ria came with Edmalyn and Carla with the intention of having a girls' night out. 'You know, it's a good thing that Carlo is here. I need to talk to you about something," Ria said as he sat beside Carlo. Now he is sandwiched between her and Joshua. Joshua realized what Ria is planning. He then stood up and asked Carla and Edmalyn to sit down, and he didn't make that much effort because Edmalyn sat beside Carlo. Carla sat beside her best friend, and Joshua sat beside her. Ria is talking to Carlo about a fashion show she's planning for her mom. She is offering Carlo and his team to be the event's photographer and videographer. Carlo accepted the job. Eventually, James joined them. Ria then transferred her attention to him, and Joshua kind of felt he needed to talk to Carla to give Edmalyn and Carlo the chance to talk. 'So, Doc, it's a good thing you had the time to join Ria and Edmalyn tonight," Joshua started. 'Ria said she'll treat us, so…" Carla joked. Joshua smiled. 'So that's the reason, huh?" 'So, how are you? I guess you felt better immediately." Joshua nodded. 'My doctor is very good and very kind. PF is to follow." Carla giggled. 'I'll be expecting that." Joshua just smiled. He caught a glimpse of Edmalyn and Carlo happily chatting with each other. It seems his plan tonight will succeed. Unfortunately, Mark and Jeralhd arrived. The atmosphere became frenzied because of the two, which intensified when Jovie came. Joshua kind of expected her arrival, but the attention of the group focused on Jovie and Mark as they are the noisiest on the bunch. 'Mayor, it's good that you were able to join us," Mark said. 'I'm actually very busy with the campaign," Jovie said. 'I just can't say no to Madame because I know she will sponsor my campaign." 'Hey! Mayor, that's too much!" Ria said before giggling. 'This is just a girls' night out, okay?" 'If this is a girls' night out, why are these guys here?" Jovie said, pointing to Mark. 'I did not invite them," Ria answered. 'Mayor, of course we will come here," Mark said. 'This is our hangout." 'I know. You put up a business because you want a hangout," Jovie said sarcastically. 'You rich people." 'You're also rich, Mayor," Mark said. 'So, you're running again?" 'That's the reason why I came tonight," Jovie said. 'I need donations for my campaign." 'Mayor, we'll definitely vote for you," Joshua said. 'So please don't ask us for donations, okay?" 'Hey, Josh! Help me with the campaign," Jovie said. 'You're not too busy, right?" 'My TF is high, Mayor. You might not afford me," Joshua joked. 'Why do you have to charge me? We're friends," Jovie said. 'Have you forgotten all the pranks we shared during high school?" Everyone laughed at what Jovie said. 'You know why Jovie is running again?" Mark asked his friends. 'Because if she's no longer the mayor, she will be imprisoned for all the mischief she has done." 'Hey! I'm a good person," Jovie said. 'Whatever! Just vote for me, okay? And Josh, help me in the campaign." 'I feel like I could not decline, because if I did you might ask the police to take me in," Joshua joked. 'Then, help me," Jovie said. 'You as well, Madame." 'Why me? I'm not a performer, Mayor. I have stage fright," Ria said. 'What I mean is, use your reputation as a writer and your influence on social media," Jovie explained. 'I know you know what to do." 'Okay, Mayor. I will fill my socmed accounts with stories about you," Ria said 'Good! Make the story romantic and exciting, okay?" Jovie said. 'Oh! So you want me to make you stories? I thought you want me to write about you," Ria said. 'Well... Mayor wants to have a love life even in fiction," Mark joked. Everyone laughed at what Mark said, excluding Jovie. 'I thought that's what Madame will make for me," Jovie said. 'Just stop explaining, Mayor," Mark said. 'You just want a love life." Mark continued teasing Jovie, which was accompanied by Joshua and James. Jovie just glared at them. 'Stop teasing Mayor," Ria said. 'Madame, make a love story for Mayor," Mark said. 'What do they call those stories again? The one that's popular with anime." 'Fanfiction," Ria said. 'Yes, that's it!" Mark said. 'Mayor, which anime character do you like to be your love team?" Everyone laughed again. 'Why anime?" Ria asked. 'Because that's how it is, right?" Mark answered. 'Not only anime. Sometimes, they use fictional characters like those from the movies, TV series, Kdramas… All sorts," Ria explained. 'Sometimes, they use celebrities that they pair together… For example, Mayor here and another celebrity." 'How about Mayor and Joshua?" Mark asked. 'It really needs to be me, huh?" Joshua asked. 'It's just an example," Mark said. 'Hmn… Who are we going to pair with Mayor?" 'It could be a fictional character, as in someone who does not really exist," Ria said. 'Mayor, what type of leading man do you like?" Jovie smiled mischievously. 'I want someone like Christian Grey." Joshua almost spilled out his drink at what Jovie said. 'That's your type, Mayor?" Mark asked in disbelief. Others just smiled at what Jovie said. Except for Ria who frowned as she fell into a deep thought. 'Wow, Mayor! That's… shocking," Joshua said. 'There you are again. You are too judgmental," Jovie told Joshua. 'What do you want us to think? Christian Grey? What else does that mean? " Mark said. 'Be open-minded," Jovie said. 'There's more to Christian Grey than his weird… hobbies." 'What else?" Mark asked. Jovie did not answer. She just took a sip of the cocktail she is having. 'You want someone to change for you just like how Christian did for Ana," Ria suddenly said. Everyone looked at Ria as Jovie gave her an impressed smile.