The Perfect Bribe

Chapter Four: Storm is Brewing.

Later that evening.

As soon as Gianna came out from the bathroom after showering, shewent straight to her desk to check her e-mails and social media accounts.

When she opened her f*******: account, she immediately saw a message from Alisha. She's one of her close friends back in College. They haven't seen each other for almost three years because she working in Switzerland. Gianna smiled when ahe finally read her message. Alisha's coming home because she is getting married next month and she was invited to the bridal shower and to the actual wedding ceremony.

She excitedly typed on the keyboard. She congratulated her friend first, and then she asked asked more details about the wedding and her future husband.

"So where are you going to stay before the wedding ceremony?" Gianna asked Alisha.

"I'll be renting a condominium unit. I'll give you the address rightaway as soon as we arrived. By the way, you need to come to my bridal shower, alright? I have already invited the rest of our College friends." Alisha reminded her.

"That's great! I'll be there for sure!" Gianna instantly agreed.

"So,how about you? Are you dating someone? Are we gonna hear wedding bells soon?" Alisha suddenly asked her.

"Oh well... I like someone, but he doesn't like woman...If you know what I mean." Gianna replied.

"Oh, that's a shame. But tell me girl, is he handsome?" Alisha asked again.

"He's drop-dead gorgeous?" answered Gianna, while grinning from ear to ear.

"You know, we can't really change his gender preference. Anyway, just move on. My husband-to-be invited all of his friends and who knows, maybe you'll find your boyfriend OR future husband at the bridal shower." Alisha stated.

"We'll see about that." Gianna agreed.

When Alisha ended their chat, Gianna threw herself on her bed and stared at the ceiling...

"---Anyway, just move on. My husband-to-be invited all of his friends and who knows, maybe you'll find your boyfriend OR future husband at the bridal shower."

Alisha's words echoed in her mind again.

"But how long will I have to wait? I'm only thirty years old but I still haven't got myself a man." she wondered aloud, while feeling depressed.

She haven't been in a relationship since she was a teenager. She badly wants to have a boyfriend, not because of peer pressure, but the real reason is that she wants give all her love and she wants to be loved in return. She wanted to be pampered, loved and treated with respect.

"I hope I can give my love and be loved by a special man before I become a fossil." she tearfully whispered.

Gianna closed her eyes, as she tightly hugged her pillow.

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

Grant's currently watching a documentary program while enjoying his beer. He almost spit on his beer when he heard someone opening the door. He curiousy frowned when he saw his friend, Anthony, entering his condo as if he owns the place.

"Hey, man!" Anthony smilingly greeted him.

Grant glanced at the wall clock. It's already 1 am.

"What the hell are you doing here at this hour?" he asked him.

Anthony walked straight to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of beer first before he answered Grant's question.

"My dearest mother tried to set me up again to one of her friend's daughter." he replied, while rolling his eyes heavenward. He handed a can of beer to Grant and sat at the sofa.

"If you don't want your mother to meddle with your love affairs, why don't you find a place of your own?" Grant suggested.

"I can't do that. My Dad and I made a deal that I can't leave home until my little brother finishes his Master's Degree at New York University. Once he finished studying, he'll be able to take full control of the company." Anthony explained.

"Well, for the meantime, why don't you try dating the woman your Mom likes?" Grant asked him a follow-up question.

"Hah! I have no intention of committing suicide! I was born in this world to be free and to be single forever."

"Whatever." Grant shook his head helplessy.

"So,how about you? Why don't you date?" Anthony asked him the same question.

"No way. I don't want to suffer from a headache." Grant instantly declined.

"Is it because of Sofia again? Are you still waiting for her? Do you still love her?" Anthony bombarded him with more questions.

Grant laughed at him when he realized something.

"You sounded like a possessive girlfriend, man."

Anthony gently carresses Grant's hair in a teasing manner.

"That's right. I'm feeling jealous right now---honey." he joked.

"Stop it or else I might smack you." Grant grinned in return.

They both howled in laughter after that.

====================

After a few days.

At a certain condominium building...

Gianna excitedly entered the elevator. The day of Alisha's bridal shower have finally arrived. She's looking forward to see all of their College friends, have a good time, get drunk and do crazy things. And just like what they both agreed on, she will document all the events at her friend's bridal shower.

Alisha told him the details of where the Bridal Shower would take place. She rented a condominium unit in this building. Alisha said that the party will be held at Room 108.

When the elevator door finally opened, Gianna stepped out and immediately searched for Room 108. She helplessy sighed when she saw how long the hallway was and how many units she would have to look at before she could find room 108.

=======================

Meanwhile ...

Grant opened the curtains and lets the sunshine in. It's such a beautiful morning. The sky is bright, and the morning sunshine makes him feel really good.

He shook his head in disgust when he heard Anthony snoring on his bed. He decided to walked towards the bed and hit his friend with a pillow.

"Hey, wake up! My house is not a hotel!" Grant decided to wake his friend up.

Anthony groaned aloud in return.

"Just let me sleep more,man! I'm just regaining my energy because I've been working like a dog for the passed few days!" he begged him, while scratching his head.

"Then why don't you just check in at the hotel if you don't want anyone to bother you?" Grant shot back.

"You know I'm not comfortable staying at a hotel. I feel more comfortable and relaxed here." Anthony tried to reason out.

"Anyway,just get up and let's eat lunch. Your stomach has been empty all day." Grant said to his friend.

"Wow, you're so sweet.. If I were a woman, I will definetely fall inlove with you." Anthony teased Grant again.

"And even if I become a woman,I'll never fall for a playboy just like you." Grant saracstically responded. After that, he walked back to the kitchen.

Anthony followed him, as he suddenly feels hungry.