Chapter 32

'Madame, you really amaze me," Jovie said. 'I really admire your wit." 'So you like a guy with a messed up life who will eventually change for you?" Mark asked Jovie. 'Not really," Jovie said. 'I think you haven't read or watched the story very well. Let me explain, then. When Anastasia Steele came to Christian Grey's life, he changed. Before, he's used to being in control. He slowly gave that up just for him not to lose Ana. He slowly gave in, and suddenly it's okay for him to not be in control. It was okay for him to be controlled by Ana instead." 'So you want someone you can control," Mark said. 'It's not like that," said Jovie. "What I want is, somehow, I would be one of his priorities…" Jovie suddenly looked in front, and it seems like she's in deep thought. 'I know his role in the community is very important, but can't he give me his time once in a while? As for me, I'm more than willing to make time for him. Why can't he do the same for me? Doesn't he think of me even once? Do I ever cross his mind that is very focused on his work all day? When you're in love, no matter how hectic your schedule is, and no matter how focused you are on your work, shouldn't your mind be bothered by the person you love?" Everyone felt silent as they listened to what Jovie said. No one was able to react and answer her question. 'Maybe, he's like that because he doesn't really love me," Jovie said before drinking the cocktail on the glass she is holding. 'Don't think like that, Mayor," Ria said. 'Maybe he's just really busy. He's a public servant, just like you. So, you should know the struggle that he's having when it comes to his schedule and priorities in life. " 'I can make time for him if I want to. But why can't he do the same for me?" Jovie asked. 'Then now, he decided to run for mayor. What will happen if he wins? I won't be surprised if he decide to live in the city hall just because of his too much dedication with work." 'But it will be such a pity if the people of Pasig can't utilize a good and dedicated public servant like him, right?" said Ria. Jovie frowned. 'What did you say?" 'What?" Ria asked back. Jovie gaped at Ria for a while. The latter just looked back at her. "You're really gossipy, Madame," Jovie suddenly said. 'I just happened to know about him," Ria said. Jovie shook her head. "You're really gossipy." She suddenly stoop up. 'I need to go to the bathroom." 'You want me to come with you?" Ria asked. "It looks like the alcohol is starting to get into you." 'Never mind! I don't want to go with a gossipmonger," Jovie joked. 'I want Doctor Carla to join me instead." Carla was quite surprised at what Jovie said, but she still agreed to accompany her. 'Okay," Carla said as she stood up. She looked at Edmalyn and asked, 'You want to come with us, Besh?" Edmalyn shook her head. 'No, I'll pass." So Jovie and Carla went to the restroom. 'Hey, Mdame! What's up with Jovie?" Mark asked Ria. 'Huh? What do you mean?" Ria asked innocently. 'The one you said earlier," Mark said. 'Is she in love with a politician?" 'Well… there's this councilor. He's running for mayor in Pasig," Ria answered. 'And apparently, he and Jovie has a thing… You know, you don't know him so let's just leave it like that." 'How about you? How did you know?" Mark asked. 'Well, I just happened to be the person who introduced them to each other," Ria answered. 'So, you're their cupid." Ria looked at Jeralhd. She seems unfazed at what he said, and it was Joshua who kind of got alarmed with that question. 'Not really," Ria answered. 'The introduction was not intentional. It's just a random party and I happened to be there, and they happened to be there as well, and I happened to know both of them. So I introduced them to each other." 'So, it's like love at first sight?" Mark asked. 'Wow! Look at that!" 'Why do you seem so interested?" Joshua asked Mark. 'I'm just glad for Jovie," Mark said. 'But, what if they really end up together? Where will they live? Will they stay here in Tarlac, or… where does the guy live again?" 'Your mind has traveled too far," said James as he suddenly stood up. 'Where are you going?" Mark asked. 'I need a refill." James showed him his empty glass. 'Me as well," Mark said. Jeralhd followed his two friends to also refill his glass with cocktail drink concocted by the bar tender. Joshua, Ria, Edmalyn and Carlo remained on their table. When the three men left, Joshua transferred to Ria's side. 'So, is he her red thread?" Joshua asked Ria, almost whispering. 'Huh?" Ria asked. 'The guy. Is he Mayor's red thread?" Joshua asked again. 'I don't know," Ria answered. 'I wasn't looking that time." 'You didn't check after?" 'Well, that was the first and last time that I saw them together," Ria said. 'And your red thread vision was not activated that time?" 'Josh, I'm not a Cupid 24/7. Sometimes I'm just a friend who makes people meet each other," Ria told him. Joshua did not comment further as he agreed with what Ria said. He just looked at Edmalyn and Carlo who were talking happily as if no one is with them. Joshua smiled. 'By the way, I have a plan later." Ria looked at him. 'What?" 'I will talk to Tats' Guardian and ask his help for her car to suddenly break down, so that she won't have a ride home. Then, since she and Carlo has the same way home, I'll suggest that she rides with him. How's that?" Joshua smiled proudly. But instead of praising him, Ria asked, 'You're sure about that, huh?" 'Of course," Joshua said. 'Check it out later." 'Okay. As long as you're sure you planned everything, then go!" Ria said. What else does he need to check? Joshua is confident that he made the plan very carefully and that he can execute it very well later.