BIG SHOT #1: RICKY

Big Shot #1: Ricky ❣ Chapter Seven ❣

Game on

“Burn!”

Lahat kami napatingin kay Embry sa pagkabigla.

“Pixie.” Masuyong saway ni Ade dito.

“What?” Embry asked with a deceptively innocent smile. “That was a good burn.” She reasoned out, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly and then she looked at Ricky’s direction, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “No offense, Ricky.”

I stifled a chuckle.

Only Embry can pull this off. Insulting someone without getting into trouble because she looks so adorable.

As if there’s a note on Embry’s forehead that says, I can be mean and you can’t be mad or scold me because I look so cute?

But to my utter surprise, Natalie intervened. “Oh come on Emz. Cut Ricky some slack. After all he’s the reason why you’re married.”

Oh sh!t! Married?

Did I hear it right?

Laglag panga na napatingin ako kila Embry at Adien. “You’re married?”

Wait! Is that even legal?

Hindi pinansin ni Embry yung tanong ko. Instead, si Natalie yung binalingan nito. “Thank you Natalie.”

Nakangisi naman na kinindatan lang to ni Natalie. “Anytime.”

I took a deep breath. “God damn! You’re really married. You’re not just shitting me, are you?”

Embry shook her head. “We’re really married.”

“Shucks.” Hindi pa rin makapaniwala na usal ko habang hindi ko tinatanggal yung pagkakatitig ko sa kanilang dalawa. “Who in their right mind would get married in college?”

“Us?” Namumula na sagot ni Embry habang si Adien nakangisi lang, the entire time. He seems amuse and proud?

Wait! Maybe this is just a prank?

“Is there any hidden camera in here? Is this a set up?”

Embry rolled her eyes. “This is not a prank, Rain.”

“But—”

Adien cut me off. “No more buts. We’re awesome and we’re married. Period.” He casually took a slice of pizza. “So pizza, everyone?”

I stared at him in disbelief.

I know about his laid back attitude, pero parang sumobra naman yata?

“I need to wash my hands first.” Singit ni Embry habang naglalakad papuntang washroom na para bang yung issue about sa marriage nila ni Ade eh hindi naman big deal.

Seriously?

When Embry was out of earshot. Tumayo din si Natalie mula sa pagkakaupo nito. “Now that the cat is out of the bag. I need to go.”

“Spill and run?” Tudyo dito ni Adien.

“Let just say, Ricky owe me now.” Balik tudyo ni Natalie habang nililipat nito yung tingin nito kay Ricky. “Expect me to collect it in the future.”

I just stared at her in awe.

This is the side of Natalie that I didn’t know.

And practically speaking, I’m impressed.

“Rain, ikaw na ang bahalang magsabi kay Emz na nauna na ako.” Pinisil nito yung balikat ko. “See you when I see you.”

Akmang lalakad nang palabas si Natalie nang tinawag ulit to ni Adien. “What?”

“My future cousin in law said hi.” Tanong ni Adien.

Kung pagbabasihan ko yung nakikita kong kislap sa mga mata ni Adien at ngisi sa mga labi nito. Alam ko na alam nito yung history ng pinsan nito at ni Natalie.

But again, to my surprise, Natalie smirked back at Ade. “You want me to go there? You know, I can still spill and run, right?” Naghahamon na sagot ni Natalie.

My eyebrow pulled together in confusion as I stared at Adien’s reaction.

Adien glanced away and cleared his throat.

I looked between them suspiciously.

Natalie beamed triumphantly. “That’s what I thought.” With that, she smirked and walked away.

Tahimik lang na pinagpatuloy ni Adien yung pagkain nito ng pizza hanggang sa mawala na si Natalie sa paningin namin.

Mas lalo namang kumunot yung noo ko.

What’s with all of that?

That is so unlike Adien.

Anong alam ni Natalie na ayaw mabulgar ni Ade?

Yon lang yung naisip kong dahilan kung pagbabasihan ko yung reaksyon nilang dalawa.

I smell something fishy.

Really, really fishy.

Embry’s voice snapped me out of my reverie. “Where’s Natalie?”

Gulat na napalingon ako sa gilid ko. Dahil sa pag a-analisa ko kila Ade at Natalie. Hindi ko namalayan na nakabalik nato.

Ilang minuto muna yung nakalipas bago nag sink in sakin yung tanong ni Embry. “Went with Dave.”

Nagbubuntunghininga nalang na kumuha ng pizza si Embry bago to humila ng upuan at naupo sa tabi ko. “May date siguro. I can’t understand those two. Gusto na laging magkasama.” Sabi nito habang kumakain ng pizza.

I raised my eyebrow. “Like you and Ade?”

Napaubo si Embry sa naging sagot ko.

Namumula yung mukha nito na uminom muna ng coke bago ako nito binalingan. “We’re talking about Natalie and Dave, Rain.”

I scoffed while she playfully glared at me.

I gave her a cheeky smile.

After a few minutes, she smiled back.

Oh no!

This kind of smile is trouble!

Last time na nginitian ako ni Embry ng ganito, gusto nito na interviewhin ko si Ricky.

Realization hits me.

Damn sh!t!

Ricky!

As if Embry read my mind, she looked at Ricky’s direction.

“Embry, about——“ A desperation attempt on my part to get her attention but Embry cut me off.

“So Ricky. I need your help for my project.”

I huffed.

Without beating around the bush, Embry really went for the kill.

Ricky looked between me and Embry, before he settled his gaze at Embry. “What help?”

Inosente nitong nginitian si Ricky. “An interview.”

Ricky didn’t seem to mind Embry’s direct approach. “What kind of interview?”

“It was the same thing as Ade. So, you don’t need to worry.” Embry replied in a dismissive manner.

After a few minutes, Ricky sighed in resignation. “When do you need it?”

And here’s the part I’m dreading for!

“Ask Rain. Sya yung mag i-interview sayo.”

I glared at Embry.

I threw her a look that clearly stated, “watch your back because I will freaking murder you later!”

Embry smiles cheekily in return.

“Oh really?” Putol ni Ricky sa pagtititigan naming dalawa ni Embry.

I sighed and tilt my head to look at Ricky’s direction.

Napataas yung kilay ko sa nakita kong reaksyon nito.

An actual smirk spread across his face.

For the first time, I saw a different reaction on Ricky’s face aside from frowning and straight face.

He smirked.

He freaking smirked at me.

“So Rain, when are you free?” Tanong ni Ricky habang hindi nabubura yung ngisi sa mga labi nito.

He’s obviously up to something.

Napaismid ako. “Anytime you want.” I replied, looking straight into his eyes.

It’s on, bastard!

Game on!

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