I Love You But...

vii

It is the second part of the contest, and I'm waiting for Al to sing. My friends and I will go to karaoke later; Jimmy cannot make it, so he will just pick me up after. Perhaps I could invite this guy and introduce him to them. Yes, that will be a good idea instead of me going alone.

Al is now on the stage. My goodness. I thought he's the last one. He's singing I Do by 98 degrees, and I think he's looking at me. I can feel the emotion as he sings... I feel loved. Did I just think of that? I am one of the audience who listens to him, and I'm already thinking of that? Oh, Al... you and your magic.

The host said that there would be seven finalists. Seven out of fifteen. I believe that Al will be one of them. If I felt a strong emotion while he's singing, then the judges must have felt it too.

Just then, I can see him smiling and talking to the other contestants. He's a finalist.

"Jamie, I made it!" He said as soon as he approached me.

"Congratulations, Al." I smiled. "You wanna go out with me?"

"What?" He looks surprised. Has no one ever invited him?

"My friends and I will go for karaoke. That will be a little later. You could come if you want."

"Uhm..."

"I got it. You are shy because you think you're a stranger; I will introduce you to them. Don't worry. I know for sure that they will like the way you sing, just like I do." I hope I was able to convince him.

"Okay. I'll go with you."

I introduced him as my events singer when we arrived at the karaoke bar. The girls look at me with teasing smiles on their faces, and I know what they mean.

"Jamie, that is one handsome guy."

"Hey girl, what an eye candy you've brought."

And so on.

"Jamie, thanks for inviting me. I had a lot of fun." Because those guys made you sing a lot, it became a concert night for you.

"You're welcome. See, it's pointless to be shy. They liked you."

"They are nice people."

My phone is ringing. It's Jimmy. Maybe he's stuck in traffic and is going to tell me that he'll be late.

"Excuse me. I'll just answer this."

I moved a little farther from Al. Of course, he might be uncomfortable to hear some sweet stuff.

"Hello, babe. Where are you? Are you going to be late?"

"Hi babe. I'm sorry, I cannot pick you up. I was given a new project, and I better start working on it, so - "

"But you promised - "

"I know I promised you, and I'm sorry that I cannot do it again this time. I hope you can understand."

"You're an idiot."

"I'm sorry."

"Can I hate you just for once?" I wanted to cry, but I can't. There's someone near me, and I don't want to include him in this drama.

"I know you're disappointed in me, and I'm really sorry."

I did not say anything anymore. I stayed silent for a few seconds and hung up.

"Hey, are you okay?" Al asked me with a concerned look on his face.

"It's my boyfriend. He's supposed to pick me up, but he won't be able to because he's working on a project."

"If you don't mind, what does he do for a living?"

"He's an architect."

He paused and thought of something before talking. "Maybe someone likes his works, so he was given a new project. I know it's supposed to be his time with you, but don't think negatively. Just think that he's working hard for your future."

"Al, I never knew you have a way with words."

And he had that shy smile on his face again.