Seven: Stoney

“Oh, God! My tummy’s about to blow out!” I was holding my stomach as we made our way out. Levi was by my side, doing nothing but laugh throughout our walk. He’s very cheerful, and I just further proved that he is really the opposite of Cormac now that I am with the young man.

    Yes, I have also learned that he does not have a girlfriend, but all his sisters are girls. He also explained why he knew how to deal with women, handle them, talk and treat them.

    I really enjoyed being with Levi. Too bad it was the wrong timing for this meeting, but I’m sure if the moment’s different, we will be good friends.

    He is also loud like Kuya Jac, but he only releases pure humor, not offending me or anything.

    We made a walk in the mall for a few hours and decided to eat after carrying a lot of things when we came out. “You really didn’t have to do this but thank you so much.”

    We were in the parking lot and back in his car. Levi confronted me then gently messed up my hair. “I had fun. Thank you.”

I bit my lip so hard. This guy! If only he could be the one to interview, I knew my life would be so different. 

    “I still don’t get it why you became friends with Mr. Carter,” I said, with all honesty.

    Finally! From the beginning, I couldn’t get in a way that I couldn’t offend him. I just find it inadequate to talk about someone who is not with us—but I am in need, though.

    He laughed a little before answering, “Why?”

    “I don’t know if he’s a mannequin or a stone man–” I explained, causing the man to laugh hard. 

    “Well, that’s just the way CC is. We are all his friends, and I must say that we understand him. We accept him for who he is, no matter how bad his past has been.”

    I felt all my blood went to my head, and my eyes suddenly widened because of what I heard. Past? Bingo!

    The ideas and plans were tangled up in my mind. And no, I couldn’t immediately ask Levi about that man’s past right now. My approach and my goal are very noticeable. He has been kind to me, and I am sure that I don’t want to ruin the friendship. 

    “In that case, what can I say! He is lucky with you!”

    When we got to the car, Levi immediately opened the door for me. I chose to go inside, so he did the same.

    I picked up my cellphone to secretly look at the time — it’s four o’clock.

    “It’s four o’clock in the afternoon?” I asked myself. I am sure that Cormac’s office will be empty for just a few hours, but I still can’t do anything to convince him until now.

    What is it, Avery? What plans are you going to make now?

    It didn’t take long for Levi to get inside, but it wasn’t even a minute when he spoke again, “Av? I just need to go to a bathroom. It’s just close, so I’ll hurry. Will you be okay here?”

    Without hesitation, I nodded. “Of course. No problem, go ahead. Just make sure you’ll be fast. I can also be a car thief,” I giggled, so he laughed again.

    I really love that he’s very jolly. In our age, it is sporadic to smile, especially if you’re into business. I just noticed that some are so serious about work that they forget how to smile.

    But then, Levi owns a restaurant, so maybe he is very good at talking to people. I just can’t help to feel dizzy every time that Cormac comes to mind.

    “What to do? What to do?” I barked to myself. “What about his past. . . That’s where I should focus. There’s something between his past and his personality. Is he abused? Was it a trauma?”

    I stopped when a phone suddenly vibrated. That was short, so I assumed it might be a text message.

     My eyes immediately widened when I saw something glow near the front seat. When I looked, it was a cellphone - it was Levi’s.

    Without a word, I picked it up and looked at the screen. I’m just lucky because even it has a lock, I can still see the message that just arrived at its notifications.

    A guy named “Percy” texted him, “You going?”

    I smiled as I brought Levi’s cellphone to its former position and quickly adjusted my seat. I no longer have to torture myself mentally. That way itself had approached me.

    Levi arrived shortly after. He looked at his cellphone and then hurriedly drove away. “Where will I take you?”

    I thought a few more times before answering. I just hope this plan’s really effective.

    “Ah, the truth is. . . I’m not going anywhere. I want to talk to you more,” I said. I made it look sad and hid my hands trembling because of those lies.

    Please, let it work.

    “Are you going somewhere? If it’s work, maybe I can stay at your resto. I’ll order food, promise!” I added.

    It turned to me, then looked at his watch, then smiled. “I’m not going to work, but I am very willing to talk to you. A friend messaged me about our planned hang-out, though.”

    I nodded slowly. “Ah, I see. Maybe, I’ll go where you are going as well. I’ll just separate my table. I really want to spend time away from home,” I added.

    Everything’s just hilarious. It’s funny that I’m acting like crazy here to get information about Cormac.

    “No! I won’t let you. If you are that far, I may not watch over you. You can join us. I will just tell them that I have someone with me if that’s okay with you?”

    Avery, you should laugh, I thought to myself.

    I think my lips will get tired from all the biting just to stop my laugh because of what I am doing.

    “It’s a bit awkward, but it doesn’t matter. As long as I won’t go home first.” I let out a small sigh. The next time I turned to him, I knew I had succeeded in convincing him.

    “I’ll take care of it. Cormac is also coming, so you have two acquaintances. There are only four of us, and you are the fifth.” He slowly turned back on the road after speaking.

    “Well. . . that’s way better.”

    L.O.L! That’s the best. 

    My laughter filled my whole brain even though my face was serious in front of Levi.

    When we arrived at Sweet Heavens, a popular club in BGC, my excitement is running through me. I actually know this place. Most actors go here, and when there is an actor, there is a reporter like me.

    Levi guided me inside because there were so many people who opened up to us. It is too early, but the dancefloor people were already crowded, and everyone seemed to be drinking. When we arrived inside the VIP room, which his companions allegedly occupied, my knees almost lost strength thinking that Cormac might be there, but all my nervousness erupted when I saw that he was nowhere. But then, I still can’t help but regret the day without forcing myself to get a piece of information.

    Will he come? If not, it is a waste of all my efforts today. 

    “Percy, Raz, this is Avery Taylor - a friend,” Levi said bluntly, so his friends quickly welcomed me.

    Over time, I wondered more and more why did they became friends with Cormac. All of them are easy-going people, but surprisingly they have a friend who seems to be covered by heaven and earth.

    Speaking of that stubborn man, where is he?

    I spent the first one hour talking to the boys. They had so much fun talking and were really kind. I’ve already taken some shots, but that guy still doesn’t really show up.

    What a load of crap. So, is it a waste of everything I did? Did I waste my time?

    “—You’re just friends, huh?” I was surprised by what Percy said. I haven’t listened yet, so I look like a fool blinking my eyes repeatedly in front of them. In the end, Levi spoke. It was only then that I found out what they were talking about.

    “Ofcourse! Yes, it is!” Levi laughed and lightly punched Percy, who was just next to him. “I’m sorry, Av.”

    I smiled at what he said as if I’m telling him that he has nothing to think about because everything is okay with me.

    I’m just watching the three of them drink, talk and make fun of each other. I’m really having fun. I just can’t picture out that that rugged and rocky person is next to them. Will he be laughing, too, or just act like a rock as he is?

    “What are you doing here?”

    I automatically stood up in shock when I heard a horrible voice from behind me.

    I quickly addressed him. Even though I was nervous, I couldn’t help but smile. He’s here. Cormac’s here, and then the plan will be easy.

    I hesitated but smiled at the man and waved my hand - I’m really trying to be good and friendly, though - but he just passed me by. What a stone man.