The Perfect Bribe

Chapter Two: Waiting in Vain.

Grant closed the door of his private office to have some time alone. He's still feeling irritated after what happened between him and Taylor. He was about to take a seat on his swivel chair when his phone suddenly rang. He answered the call rightaway when he saw Anthony's name on his callerscreen...

"--I heard Taylor tried to seduce at the photoshoot. And I heard that it was an epic fail."

Grant can clearly hear his friend laughing on the other line.

"And what's so funny about it?" Grant curtly asked him.

He won't be surprised how Anthony found out what happened in the photoshoot earlier. He is the owner and the CEO of StarLight Talent Agency, and it was Taylor's talent agency since she started her career in showbiz...

"---- and I heard he called you gay." Anthony chuckled.

"And that is your fault. Because of that disgusting picture, everyone's thinking that we are in a relationship." Grant roared back at him.

Two years ago, they have a paparazzi photo wherein the two of them were hugging in a bar. Their faces were too close to each other and many people thought that they are making out in the bar.

And that was the beginning of the neverending speculation of other people about his gender preference...

But it was a total misunderstanding. He was so wasted at that time and he was also deeply heartbroken because his girlfriend left him. Anthony was just there to support him...

His train of thoughts suddenly stopped in a halt when he heard Anthony's voice again.

"Let other people think what they really want...Hey man, I have to attend a meeting now. Let's just meet later for a drink or two. Same time and same place, okay? " his friend quickly said goodbye. Afterwards, he ended the call.

It’s been a long time since he had a drink at talked with Anthony. and had a drink with Anton. They’ve been very busy with their chosen careers so that's why they don't see each other often.

He's looking foward for their drinking session again...

********************

“From the very first time I rest my eyes on you, boy ... My heart says follow through. But I know now that I’m way down on your line. but the waiting feeling’s -----! ” Gianna couldn't finish singing because she suddenly bursts into tears.

“Why the heck would you torture yourself by singing this song?" Marsha complained, while pressing the stop button of the karaoke's remote control.

The three of them are at a karaoke bar, as they are trying to release their stress from work by singing and drinking...

"You know what, girl? This is probably the right time for you to stop your madness with our Boss. Secretly loving him doesn't do you any good." Brittany suggested, while drinking a glass of margarita.

"Hey, why don't we just go to a club? Maybe you'll meet someone there, have a one night stand with a random guy and forget about Grant Claravall!" Marsha chirped at Brittany and Gianna.

"Come on, let's be serious! Gia, we've been friends for a long time, and we don't want to see you getting hurt like this. Maybe you need to let go of your feelings to our Boss, Gianna. It's been a two since you fell inlove with him, but nothing has changed. He doesn't even know your name! It's better to focus your full attention on other things, like being a better make-up artist! That was you dream right? You seem to have forgotten that dream since you fell in love." Brittany seriously relayed her thoughts.

Gianna wiped away her tears.

"Maybe you're right. He doesn't even call me by my name. I'm only known as the "All-Around Assistant," and he always gets mad at me." she sniffed.

"Yeah, that's our girl! You've finally realized that Grant Claravall is such a pain in the neck! And to celebrate this momentous moment, why don't you sing this sing that I prepared for you..." Marsha excitedly announced, while giving the microphone back to Gianna.

Gianna smile when she saw the title of the song on the TV karaoke screen. It was "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor...

She stood up and began to sing, hoping that she can forget about her heartache even just for a moment...

Go on now, go, walk out the door

Just turn around now

'Cause you're not welcome anymore

Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye?

You think I'd crumble?

You think I'd lay down and die?

Oh no, not I, I will survive

Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive

I've got all my life to live

And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive

I will survive, hey, hey!

********************

"How long has it been since Sofia left you?"

Grant suddenly stopped drinking when he heard Anthony's question.

"And why do you ask?" he questioned him back

Anthony stared at him, with a serious look on his face.

"Because it's still obvious that you're still affected by it. Look,it all happened two years ago, and you should've moved on! You should be inlove with someone else now. Or maybe you really are gay?" Anthony joked, as he was trying to lighten up their conversation.

"Oh,don't forget that you're involved in this "scandal" as well." Grant said, whike smirking.

"Of course. Because of that photo of us." Anthony replied with a smile.He picked up his phone and searched something on the internet. Then, he showed something to Grant.

Grant almost choked on his whiskey when he saw a photo of him and Anthony on a society entertainment website. It was the picture taken by a paparazzi when they were so drunk inside the bar...

He remembered being a bit tipsy at that time, while Anthony's barely able to stand on her own because this i***t drank too much. He was trying to support him while they were walking at the parking lot, when they suddenly lost their balance. They accidentally hugged each other,

then the paparazzis entered the scene, and took photos of them.

And that’s where it all started. They became the most searched on search engines with the keywords:

"Two sought-after bachelors in a forbidden love."

They've decided not to file a lawsuit against the paparazzi because they thought they're just wasting their time with these trivial things...

"--But do you still remember why we got drunk that day? It's because of Sofia." Anthony reminded him.

"Do you really need to say it right into my face?" Grant muttered, while shaking his head.

"It's because I also want to remind you that life still goes on. You've been living like a zombie since the day she left you. She didn't even tell you why she wanted to end your relationship! You deserve someone better. " Anthony started preaching Grant.

"---Wow, check out that woman,dude! Isn't she your type?" Grant suddenly changed the topic.

One of Anthony's weakness is seeing a beautiful woman. And whenever he sees a drop-dead gorgeous lady, he looses all of his senses.

"Where?" Anthony asked, as fast as a lightning.

"She's over there. She looks like she's alone. This is your chance." Grant responded.

The woman looks bored and it's obvious that she needs company.

"Looks like you have to go solo, my friend. I'll just see you when I see you." Anthony hurriedly said. He got up and walked towards the woman.

"Go get her, tiger." Grant said, in an amused manner.

Grant did a bottoms up on his drink. Afterwards, he paid their bill and he decided to go home...