The teen was effervescent upon hearing those words. He knew that he was good but never in his wildest imagination that he could be that great. The man handed him his calling card offering him a regular spot in his joint. Aloy accepted the card, and said that he had to consult his parents regarding his offer. He added that he would call him the morning after to inform him of his parents' decisions.
As he pulled over at the parking lot of the Budding-A, he realized he had gone a long way since began singing professionally, two years ago. He took his backpack and guitar and headed towards the back door.
"Chris, honey, let's go."
"Coming!" He shouted for his room. He entered the living room buttoning his polo.
"Hi, handsome. Looking as gorgeous as ever." She said seductively, as she stood up from the sofa.
"Oh, don't start Debbie, we might not make it of Jake's party, if you keep it up."
"Start what?"
"You know what."
"No I don't know what."
"Oh, quit it, babe." As he approached her side and planted a kiss on her lips. Then, he pulled away teasing her lower lip.
"Now, looks who's starting what."
"Oh, come on." He looked at his watch it was nearly 8:00 p.m. "We better head out or Jake would 'really' kick my ass this time, if I am late. I'd promised him that I wouldn't."
Debbie picked up her bag from the coffee table and Chris searched his pockets for his car keys.
Chris had met Debbie while they were in sixth grade. He became infatuated with her the very first time he saw her in their school cafeteria. During the weeks that passed by, Chris contented himself with stolen looks and simple smile every time he would see her in the vicinity. He only mustered enough courage to approach her and introduced himself, when he lost a bet from Jake during a game of basketball.
Jake knows Chris from inside outside. Their relationship was forged since birth, when Jake's mom became Chris' godmother and vice-verse. Since then, the rascals had been inseparable. They studied school in the same school, took their first communion vows together, and gave each other moral support when they were circumcised, even being scolded by their mothers at the same. Though, they treated each other as equals, Jake, who was merely a month older than Chris, had always been custodial of his god brother, and best friend. These feelings of protectiveness began when Chris' dad died from cancer when they were five years old. Thus, Jake took it upon himself to play the surrogate father to friend, from then on.

Jake was waiting for Chris and Debbie at the pub. He recalled how he fixed Chris and Debbie the first time. He knew the Chris had had a crush on Debbie from the very first time his friend saw her. But, he knew Chris would be to reticent to make the move to do anything about his feelings for Debbie. So, he thought of a plan how to bring the two together. And basketball was the perfect plan. Since he was a better player than Chris was, he was sure that he could beat him. So, he made a bet that who ever loses would do what the winner wishes. He knew that Chris was an honorable guy and he would do anything just to keep his word.
He was proud of what he did twelve years ago. Now, Chris and Debbie were engaged and planning to get married sometime soon. Then waiter came with his order of ice tea and menu list that he requested.
"Thanks." He said to the man waiting on him. He looked at the menu and decided what he wanted to order. As he was about make his order, he heard his name being called.
"Joaquin Nobles Torendo!"
"Christopher Calulan Garcia!" he shouted back as he stood up from his chair. He hugged Chris. "Man, it's so good to see," as he unlocked their embrace.
"Happy Birthday!"
"Advanced to you too.!" Jake turned to Debbie. "Hi, Debbie," and then planted a kissed Debbie on the left cheek. "Come on let's sit down, I was about to order."
"Jake, you look so awesome. You seem to be at peace and so happy." Debbie said.
"I am!"
"I think that's what priesthood does to a man, away in solitude and just sitting in their butts and do nothing but pray. I'm surprised that you look so fit and trim, Joaquin" Chris laughed.
"First, it's Father Jake to you. And second, we keep ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually fit. Sound body and mind to have sound spirituality." He said in his most "fatherly" tone.
"Man, I can't believe that my best bud is now a full pledge priest."
"Better believe it."
"So, before we get to caught up with our conversation, let's order I'm starving." Debbie interrupted.
"I second demotion that!"
"You're always hungry, Jake." Chris said.
The three of them laughed and then ordered. Just in time, after they had finished eating their meals, the lights were dimmed.
"Testing 1,2,3... testing 1,2,3..." a voice on stage was heard. Chris looked at the stage when it was lighted by the spotlight.
"I'll be damned!" he exclaimed.
to be continued next week ...