CHAPTER 17

 GARY

The day unfolded seamlessly, marked by the perfection of our date.Dropping Emerson off, she finally voiced the words, "I'll be waiting for you. I love you." Her declaration lingered in the air as I prepared for a photoshoot that would grace the cover of a prestigious magazine. The prospect of being recognized as the best model filled me with anticipation, and I couldn't help but wonder if Emerson viewed me in the same light.

Amidst my reflections, a text from Daniel, a friend, interrupted my thoughts. He proposed celebrating my birthday at a club, unaware of my relationship status. I rebuffed his curiosity about my girlfriend,unwilling to share the details. Ignoring his probing questions, I decided to text Emerson, attempting to keep our conversation light:

GARY: Hi! Beautiful EMERSON: Hello! Whatsapp? GARY: Nothing, just a jerk friend texting me EMERSON: For what? GARY: For plans about my birthday EMERSON: Wait a minute; you are having your birthday?

GARY: Yup, so then? EMERSON: When? GARY: Next week on Monday

EMERSON: Oh, no! I'm having my exams GARY: What! Really? I thought maybe you owe me something EMERSON: Really, stop being cheesy on text. Well, I can't come, so make your plans with your friend GARY:You mean party with friends EMERSON: Just shut up!