"Pretty Little Promise's"

CHAPTER -7 CHAMPAGNE

RISA POV:

Imee, you won't believe what I have to tell you," I chuckled, my voice a low whisper as I spoke into the phone.

"What? sinagot ka na niya?" Imee's voice was sharp with curiosity.

No, but..."

"Spit it out!" she demanded, her impatience evident.

"You're so excited," I teased.

"Seriously, Risa, tell me what happened," she urged.

"I think I like her even more now, and guess what? I kissed her," I confessed, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur.

What?!? No!! You're such a flirt," Imee exclaimed, her voice laced with both amusement and disapproval.

But I have a rival, you know, the Mayor of Sual?Yung di Naman kapogian" I continued, my voice taking on a more serious tone.

"Yes, him? Oh, I guess he's been courting Pei for months now, but she's not interested in him." Imee's voice was laced with a sense of triumph.

"Good, I'm glad to hear that," I replied, a sense of relief washing over me.

Imee and I continued to chat, my head resting on my pillow as I recounted the events of that afternoon.



***

The next day, I was buried in my office, lost in the details of a new case I was investigating. The work was demanding, and by the time I left, I was exhausted.

As I walked through the door of my apartment, I saw Imee waiting for me in the living room.

"Risa! You're finally here. antagal mo " she exclaimed, her face a mixture of annoyance and amusement.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice weary.

"Let's go out for dinner," she suggested, her voice bright and enthusiastic.

"Pagod Ako eh " I replied, hoping she would understand.

"Come on, I invited Alice, and she's already at the restaurant. anniversary namin ni nancy" she said, her voice taking on a pleading tone.

"Oh Ano pang inuupo mo diyan Tara na di ka naman magsasabi kung sinabi mo kahapon edi nandun na sana ako" I countered, a wry smile playing on my lips.

"You wouldn't come if Alice wasn't there," she retorted, her voice teasing.

I quickly started the car, my eyes meeting Alice's as we entered the restaurant. It was a beautiful, elegant space, and I felt a pang of jealousy as I watched Alice take in the surroundings with a delighted smile.

"Why are you here?" she asked me, her gaze curious.

"Because I'm here," I replied, my voice light, a touch of sarcasm in my tone.

"Pilosopo " she retorted with a playful glare.

"Hey, I was just answering your question," I said, feigning innocence.

"Anyway, Happy Anniversary to you two," I said, raising my glass to Nancy and Imee.

"How long have you two been together?" Alice asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"We've been together for fourteen years, and today is our fifteenth anniversary," Imee replied, her voice full of pride.

"That's amazing!" Alice exclaimed, her voice laced with admiration.

"Kain na Tayo" Imee said, cutting off the conversation.

The meal was a whirlwind of laughter and conversation, and I found myself drawn to Alice's vibrant energy. I tried to be discreet, but I couldn't help but steal glances at her beautiful face, her eyes bright and sparkling, her laughter ringing through the room.

After we finished our meal, we ordered champagne, and Alice was about to pour a glass for herself.

"Alice, are you sure you want to drink that?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.

"Yes," she replied, her tone defiant.

"You might not be able to handle it. Champagne is pretty strong," I warned.

"Mind your own business, Ms. Risa," she said, her voice firm.

Undeterred, she took a large gulp of the champagne, and I couldn't help but watch her every move, a strange mix of fascination and worry rising within me. Nancy and Imee were already tipsy, but I was still sober, my senses heightened, my focus entirely on Alice.

As the evening wore on, Imee realized it was getting late and suggested they head home. We were in the parking lot when Imee and Nancy said goodbye, and Alice stumbled towards her car.

"Alice, are you alright?" I asked, a hand reaching out to steady her.

"I'm okay," she slurred, her voice unsteady.