A/N: Hey fellas! I decided to update early. For those who knows I'm from the Philippines, yes Pinoy po ako, there is a typhoon coming our way. My local province is affected, and the propability of getting hit is high. Please help me pray for the safety of my country and fellow countrymen. Thank you.

Also, Thank you for the support and the love the story is getting. I apprecite it so much. 

I shall update the next chapter by next week.

Have an awesome day and take care always everyone. 

Happy reading!

P.S. Hugh Burns on the side. ;)

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Six

When we got the subdivision where the Burns Mansion lived, the traffic started to thicken. I wasn’t aware where these vehicles are headed until Jade said something.

“I can’t believe this party had already spread throughout all the A-listers in the country.” Jade hissed in annoyance.

“All this cars are going to the party?” I asked in disbelief.

“Obviously.”

It took us a whole half an hour to get to the front of the house. And, as we got out of the car, cameras feverishly flashed in our direction. I freeze up for a second as I eyed the paparazzi lining up in front of the door. Is this really an anniversary party or a press conference?

After a few requested photos that were asked for us by a woman in a navy suit – my bet she is the event coordinator -, we were ushered inside the house and directed to the main room. I couldn’t help but watched in wide eyes the amount of people that were in invited to the event. And, Jade was right. Everyone that I should consider dating in this circle is here tonight.

“Hold on your panties tightly girls, this night is about to get wild.” Jade whispered to Paige and me as she putted her arms around our shoulder.

“I think I have to find a corner.” Paige stated in a whimper. “This is not my crowd.”

“Tell me about it.” I second her statement as I continued to study the crowd.

“Don’t be a party pooper. You need to get yourself out there, Mitch. Mister right might be one of them.” Jade countered grimly as she ignored our sour mood.

“I’ve met these people. I even grew up with some of them. And, from what I’ve seen these past year, no one is a husband material.” I remarked sternly, letting out a heavy sigh.

“You don’t know that. The last time you’ve mingled with this crowd was two years ago…” Jade replied with a smirk.

“Don’t remind me.” I mumbled deadly, stepping away from her. “Let’s go hit the bar first. I need a drink if I’m really doing this.”

Thirty minutes had already passed and I was still sitting by the bar, drinking my second round of vodka cran. I let out another heavy sigh after I chugged down my drink and putted down the empty glass. I think around three is about the start.

“I didn’t think I sent you an invitation?” My head wiped animatedly at the voice on my right, catching me off guard.

Seating beside me in a three-piece, gray suit, is a man I’ve respected. His familiar dirty blonde hair all styled back and gel up for the occasion. I can’t help but feel a little jealous with the lucky bride. After two years of marriage, he looked as happy as I’ve seen him on his wedding day.

“Jon! Hey… Happy anniversary.” I greeted in reply, reeling in my surprise expression.

“Who invited you, Mitch? I though you are in Vegas right now, last time I checked.” Jon asked, lightly brushing off my greeting.

“How did you know that I was in…? Oh, wait, nevermind.” I asked, but trailed off as he eyed me knowingly. “Well, I’m here because somehow my friend, Jade, had an invitation.” I replied with a small smile as I turned to look at the mentioned friend, who was at the dance floor mingling with a crowd of men. I never really know how she can be that confident with the opposite sex.

“Ah… her… I think I know where she got it.” He stated with a smirk as he looked at Jade with amusement. “I think she was supposed to be working… She does work for a magazine company, right?” He turned back towards me with a smile.

“Yes. She does.” I confirmed with a chuckle. If Jade’s boss saw her now, I think he would be pissed off again. I remember the last event she went where I was formally invited while she had to work. It wasn’t a pretty sight, and her bossed got most of the heat from the security guards.

“How are you, Mitch?” He asked sincerely, changing the topic.

“I’m fine. I’m doing fine.” I replied with a small smile.

“Well, from what I heard, you should be eccentric right now from the promotion you got.” He stated with a grin, his familiar blue eyes gleaming teasingly. Those eyes that I’ve had a love and hate relationship for the past eight years.

“I thought that would be a secret within the company before it would be formally announced.” I stated as I eyed him in suspicion.

“And, maybe there is a leak. I think there is a bug in your office.” He replied with a chuckle. “Okay… okay… I heard it from your father’s secretary when I called in for to ask you to come to the party.” He admitted.

“So, you did invite me. I though you forgot when Jade told me where we are going tonight.” I said with a pout.

“You thought I wouldn’t invite you? Oh, please Mitch. Our family had been friends even before we were born.” He snorted and gave me a soft pat on my back.

I was about to counter some witty comment when Dahlia walked towards us with a beaming smile. “Jon! There you are!”

Dahlia stopped in front of us, her eyes quickly darted towards me. “Michelle! I thought you wouldn’t be able to come to the party. Jon told me you were in Vegas with Hugh.” She greeted and pulled me into a hug, her enthusiasm as palpable.

Dahlia is a perky lady. Though she was a year older than me, she had this look that make her seemed younger than her age. But, tonight, she dressed up to looked her age. With her blonde hair tied back in a neat pony tail, and had a soft, natural make-up on, plus the chiffon dress she is wearing, she finally worn something I would approved as appropriate. Though, in other days, her lack of clothing and coverage makes it hard to stay in the same room as her.

“Hi, Dahlia. You look stunning.” I greeted back after she let me go from her bear hug.

“Thank you. You look nice yourself.” She countered as she looked at me from head to toe with a small smile. “Where did you get those shoes? It’s a killer.” She added in amazement.

“I think they are Jimmy Choo.” I replied hesitantly, glancing down at my beige, skinned toned heels.

“They are lovely. And, love the dress too.” She added as she looked back up to me with a smile.

“Thank you…” I replied, not sure anymore what to compliment.

“Oh, Jon! Dad is looking for you.” Dahlia snapped out of it, and turned to her husband with a serious expression.

“Well, I think that’s it with our catching up, Mitch. I’ll talk to you whenever…” Jon got up from his seat and wrapped his arms around his wife’s waist. He gave me a cheeky grin and a wink before pulling her wife away from me towards the opposite direction. Dahlia didn’t have time to say goodbye to me.

I couldn’t help but chuckle like a teenage girl from his flirty exit. But, this is always how it was between Jon and I. Our relationship from an outsider’s viewpoint would look like he was continually flirting with me. But, to us, it’s just another sweet friendly gesture. Jon and I never had a romantic relationship with one other. Though I used to have a crush on him during primary school, but it all change when puberty kicked in.

When they were gone, I was alone in the bar on my third round of vodka cran. As I took my first sip on my drink, I scanned the room for my two best friends who seemed to have forgotten about me. Then, my eyes landed on a man who was standing across from me.

For a second, I thought he was staring at someone who was in my direction. But, when I raised my eyebrow at him, he smirked in reply. I blinked my eyes twice before ignoring his stare. I looked away from the man and turned back around to face the bar as I took another sip from my drink.

A minute later, I felt someone sit down on the empty seat that Jon sat. “Can I have what she is drinking?” A deep, husky voice asked, making me glance at his direction.

It was the man that was staring at me. I couldn’t help but studied him with my peripheral vision as I turned my attention back on my drink in front of me. He had Auburn hair, a little stubble, and a killer jawline. You can’t blame me from the lack of description. I was trying not to look like a stalker.

“This is some good stuff.” He suddenly said, making me glance at him again. But, he wasn’t looking at me.

I tried to ignore him again after I had a good look at his side profile. He did have a good jaw line. “So, you’re Michelle Newman, right?” he asked, making me stiffen like he had just read me.

Finally, I turned towards him and gave him a good, long look. “Either you are a reporter, or another stalker.” I stated sourly as I raised my eyebrow at him questionably.

“Close enough. But, I’m not a stalker.” He replied with a grin, making my eyes wide at the first words that came out of his mouth. “I’m a journalist.” He continued after another sip of his drink.

“A journalist, huh…” I studied is face some more.

“I’m flattered that you are trying to remember my face, Ms. Newman. But, I don’t usually work on field. So, this is the first time we’ve met.” He chuckled as he faced me with a grin.

This was when I recognized his tantalizing aquamarine eyes. “I didn’t know you are that close with Jon Burns.” He commented with a smile.

“Really? I thought it’s common knowledge that our family is close.” I countered as I took another sip of my drink.

“Oh, it is. But, I didn’t know that you were that close with him.” He probed, his eyes glistening with interest.

“If you are trying to dig up something from it, I would say you wouldn’t find anything. And, don’t you dare start spreading rumors. I have connections too.” I warned lightly, though I wasn’t kidding.

He held his hands up in defeat and gave me a defeated smile. “Don’t worry about that… I didn’t doubt you for a moment. I’m just curious if you have any other interest with the other Burns, that’s all.” He stated without shame.

I eyed him in surprise. “Are you really a journalist? Don’t you read gossip magazines or follow pop culture?” I asked in disbelief.

“If you are reacting right now from what happened three years ago…” he stated but trailed off as I eyed him deadly.

“What do you want Mr. Journalist?” I asked almost angrily. Why is it since I saw him yesterday people kept reminding of that dreadful event?

“Nothing at all, Ms. Newman. Though, I would want to take you out for another drink… if you aren’t still pissed at me…” He asked, but trailed of shyly. Now, he was shy.

I looked at him for a second before chuckling at his scared and reserved expression. I can’t believe he marched towards me all confident and only to crumble because he mentioned something he shouldn’t.

“I’m quite amazed you have guts to asked me out after mentioning an event in my life I’d rather people forget forever. But, I admire your confidence…” I trailed off with a smirk. “You know where I work.” I continued as I stood up from my seat, grabbing my purse and drink.

“Ah, wait! I’m Eric Collin, by the way…” He called back my attention as I walked a few paces away from the bar.

“I know. You have a name-tag, there.” I replied with a grin as I tapped the upper right side of my chest, the same side as the name-tag he was wearing.

“Oh, right…” He gave me a shy smile and glanced down at his name-tag.

I couldn’t help but laugh as he continued to embarrass himself some more. “I hope you’ll get that confidence back. I don’t want to keep making myself look like a bitch.” I stated before turning back around and walked towards Paige, who was eyeing me in confusion.

“Got it!” He called in reply. As I continued to walk away from him, I faintly heard his silent chuckle behind me.

When I reached Paige, she raised her one eyebrow at me before glancing at the bar where I came from. “Who was that?” She asked, still eyeing the bar area.

“That is candidate number one.” I replied in a whisper.

“Candidate? Him?” Paige glanced back at me and back at the bar in the same second.

“Don’t ask. I’ll tell you about it later.” I stated with a smirk. “Where is Jade?” I asked as my thoughts trailed to my other friend, who was missing in action.

I looked back at the last time I saw her, where she was talking to some rich men; but she wasn’t there anymore. I looked around the place and asked Paige for some help. We scouted the venue until we got to the huge back yard, where the party extended.

From the loud band playing to the chattering of the people around me, I’m surprised that I haven’t bumped into someone who wanted either an interview, a photo, or just ask me about business. It was a surprise since the place was packed with people who are associated with me.

“Mitch, did you find Jade?” Paige suddenly came up beside me, startling me a little.

“No. Did you find her?” I countered back in worry as I turned back to the crowd as I looked for Jade.

“Wait! I think I see her… Wait, is that…” Paige suddenly exclaimed, but trailed off as her eyes zoned into someone.

“What? Where is she?” I asked in a hurry as I try to scan the area that she was staring.

I stretched out my neck and tipped my toe as I looked over the heads of the people in front of me. Then, after a few seconds, I finally saw Jade’s back on us. With a stern face, I walked on forwards towards her. I wasn’t bothered if Paige was following behind me or not.

When I was few feet from her, Jade shifted on her position, giving me my first look on who she was talking. From my surprise, I stopped dead on my track, as my eyes grew wide from the sight of the person standing in across from Jade.

What the hell is he doing here? I though he was in Vegas. Jon said he was in Vegas. But, we were wrong. I was wrong.

“Mitch, let’s go. I’ll text Jade that you needed to go back early since you have a meeting tomorrow morning.” Paige reeled me back as she silently stood beside me. She tugged on my arm and pulled me towards the main door of the house.

“Why is she talking to him?” I whispered in wonder as Paige continued to pull me away from them.

“You can ask her tomorrow. You should go now.” Paige whispered back.

I tore my eyes from the direction where Jade and Hugh stood and faced Paige. I couldn’t help but eyed her with gratitude as I tried to express it in words. If Paige wasn’t here, I might have stood there like a statue for another minute until rage consumes me and I started punching him in his high maintenance face.

“No need to thank me, Mitch. You know I will always keep him away from you.” Paige stated with a smirk as we reached the outdoor valet area.

“I know.” I couldn’t help but smile. One thing I like about my friendship with Paige is that, we don’t need words to know how we felt at the moment. We both understand each other’s comfort zones and what needs to be done in a situation.

“Now, go home. Get some rest, and we shall talk tomorrow. I need to know who is this candidate number one.” Paige commanded as Russell sudden pulled the car in front of us.

“Did you call him?” I ignored her words as I eyed my car.

“I have his number too, you know. It’s not just Jade.” She couldn’t hide her amusement and giggled at her words.

“I really need to tell them to ignore both of your call. I’m the one paying them.” I joked and gave her a wink. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I gave her a hug before getting in the car.

I watched Paige stand by the valet area until the car exited the premises. As Russell hit the gas as we got to the highway, I pulled out my phone from my purse and check for any messages. I had one from Jade and from Paige. I picked the less insult I would read.

‘Jade is pissed when I told her you went home with our ride. But, don’t fret. We found a ride back. And, she will let everything go if tell her in detail tomorrow about the guy you met. She is trying to hound the details out of me now… Have a safe trip and Good night.’

I couldn’t help but smile as I finish reading Paige’s message. But, my smile slowly fade when I exited the message and opened Jade’s.

‘I know you’ll read Paige’s message before mine, so you already know how I felt. Don’t get me wrong; I’m still pissed, so you have some explaining to do tomorrow.

Also, I almost forgot, I talked to Hugh. This doesn’t make things even. I was working.

I’ll see you tomorrow.’

I couldn’t help but grimace as I got to Hugh’s name. But then, I sighed in defeat as I remember that Jade was there because of work. Even though she doesn’t do it most of the time, she does her fair share of work to keep her boss from firing her cute ass. And, she always gets away with it.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at my friend’s diverse personality. They only met through me. And, at first, I was doubtful they would get along at all; but, these days, they hangout more with each other than with me.