4

"Okay, so here's your next event, it's tomorrow at noon. Don't worry, I recommended you, and even though I won't be there, Liza will be. You know her, right?" Kei said, and I nodded in response.

"Then, I'll see you later?" She smiled, nodded, and kissed me on the cheek. "I'll call you when I get to the venue tomorrow."

I caught the raised eyebrow she gave me. "Why would you call me tomorrow? Call me when you get to the hospital, bitch." I just laughed and gently pushed her. She grinned and waved before finally getting into her car. I was left at the restaurant where we met, so I sipped my glass of wine before grabbing the envelope.

"Now, what do we have here?" I opened the envelope Kei gave me. Inside was a list of songs, indicating which parts I should sing and how long I should perform. The next page had the details of the event, probably for me to follow along. The call time for us was at nine a.m., even though the wedding itself was at one o'clock.

What caught my attention was that I could choose one song for their first dance as a married couple. I couldn’t help but smile. This is what I love about being an event singer—they give me the freedom to choose a song for those special moments.

"Addi?" I immediately looked up when I heard a familiar voice from a distance. "I knew it was you! I could tell just by your hair!" I was too stunned to speak. "How are you, after the, you know," my ex-boyfriend, Gabriel, said. I was too stunned to speak because my body instantly whispered to me that I should punch him right in the face. "The breakup, I see you cut your long hair short. I heard that’s what most girls do to move on from heartbreak."

I took a deep breath and stopped myself from saying something I might regret later—he might start whining if I did.

"Gab, hello," I noticed he was staring at me from head to toe. What’s his problem this time? "I’m okay, well, my long hair was getting too heavy, so I decided to cut it," I replied, though it seemed like he didn’t believe me. Well, what do I care if he doesn’t?

"Really?" His voice was mocking. "Good for you then. How have you been? Are you still, you know, poor? Luckily, you know what, after our breakup, I found the real woman for me." I wasn’t stupid; I knew exactly what he meant. "She’s a financial manager at Spencer Company. I bet you have no idea what that is."

I just smiled at him, and the more I looked at him, the more I realized I was the lucky one in our breakup. I never knew he could be such an asshole. He was a simple and kind guy when I met him.

"Oh, she’ll be here any minute now," he said, glancing at his Rolex. It was obvious he raised his arm just to show off. The only thing missing was for him to slap me with the fact that he’s doing slightly better in life now. Did he think I’d envy him? I really didn’t care—I wasn’t even bothered. "Oh, she’s here," he raised his hand and waved gently behind me. I caught a whiff of strong perfume as she walked past me—I almost gagged. "Hi babe."

I glanced briefly at the woman. I knew he wouldn’t pick just any girl—he always wanted someone who could benefit him. I’m not jealous, but his new girl is definitely worth flaunting; she’s a beauty.

"Hey, who’s this?" she asked, raising an eyebrow and looking me up and down like it somehow made her prettier. "Crazy ex?"

"Uhm," wow, the audacity of this guy to answer with an "uhm" as if he really had to think deeply about it. "Nah, we just ran into each other. She’s an old schoolmate. I helped her with a lot of things back then. I almost became the reason she graduated."

I looked at him in disbelief. Sorry, but what? It seemed like he was reversing the truth—he graduated because of my help. I’m the one who did his projects, thesis, and final output.

"I know, right? I always knew you were helpful, babe, especially to those in need."

They really are a perfect match—both condescending. I hope they stay together forever and stop messing with other people and their relationships.

"Uh, yes, nice seeing you again, Gab. I’ll go ahead." They both nodded with smug smiles. "And, I do hope you two stay together for good, no more breakups."

I said as I left them. I could brag a lot in their faces, but I didn’t bother. It would’ve been a waste of breath to argue or compete with those two. What a stress.

---

"Thank you so much! Your last song was amazing, Miss Addi," I smiled and shook the bride’s outstretched hand. Her groom stood beside her, smiling. You could see in their eyes how happy they were on their special day. Kei was right—it was a wedding that even I would want to experience. They’re both lucky to have each other.

"My pleasure. Consider it my wedding gift." They both nodded and invited me to eat, which I accepted—I was starving. I grabbed just enough food for myself before sitting down at an empty table. Kei wasn’t there, but she had called earlier to check on me. She had an out-of-the-country meeting to meet an investor.

"Is this seat taken?" a voice asked from in front of me. He was holding a glass of wine and wearing a three-piece suit, like the others. I didn’t really look at him closely since I wasn’t interested.

"No," I answered briefly and continued eating my dinner. He quietly sat beside me, leaving one seat between us. I could smell his cologne—Ocean, I bet that’s his perfume. I’m quite familiar with that scent. "These goddamn greedy businessmen," I heard him mutter as he looked around. I didn’t pay attention; he might think I’m eavesdropping.

After finishing my meal, I got up and said goodbye to the couple, telling them I’d be leaving. I headed to the restroom first to change clothes—I was wearing a dress, and I didn’t want to go to the hospital dressed like this. I’m not that comfortable in dresses.

As I was about to enter the hospital, Kei’s call came in. I answered it within seconds, "Kei."

"Giiiirl!" she squealed, so I held the phone a little away from my ear. "I have a super duper ultra mega mega good news for you!"

"And what’s your super duper ultra mega mega good news?" I asked, unable to suppress a laugh at her excitement.

I heard her scoff, "Whatever. Anyway, remember when I invited you for a vacation, but you refused? Well, I received a call from an old friend of mine. Her brother is getting married next week, and she invited me. The good thing is, you’re coming with me!" I sighed. This girl is so persistent. "I know, I know, you’re going to say you can’t because you’re working, right? But you must come with me! They’re looking for a wedding singer, and of course, your pretty best friend recommended you, and they agreed immediately!"

My face lit up at what she said—a new job? "How much is the f*e I could get? I don’t want to end up losing money." I wasn’t shy about asking; Kei is the last person who would judge me based on my questions.

"About seventy thousand, for three days. Isn’t that enough for your aunt’s medicine and bills? Plus, you can enjoy yourself while working—how does that sound?"

I nodded, unable to stop smiling. I can enjoy myself while earning—who wouldn’t want that?

"And that’s not even the best part of the news," Kei squealed on the other end, making me laugh. She’s always like this, and you can expect really good news when she’s like this. "The wedding, guess where it is."

"I have no idea, Kei. Do me a favor and tell me," I said as I walked toward my mom’s room. My siblings are at home now—they’re there when I have gigs. They’ll go home when it’s late because they know I’m coming back, and they have school tomorrow.

"Avenese Island." My feet stopped moving, and I was momentarily stunned when I heard the location she mentioned. "Your dream destination, Addi. You have the chance to see it face to face."

My mind went blank. That’s the place I’ve always wanted to go, ever since I was a child.

"Sooo, are you coming?"

"Bitch, who wouldn’t?"