CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The graphic designer stepped back, revealing his handiwork.
"Looking for this pet. $3000 reward."
Cherry approved the work.
"Perfect!"
She handed Carlos a nod.
"Keys, please. Time for copies and publicity."
"Yes, ma'am!"
There were stacks of flyers bearing the cat's image.
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Rafael said with panic.
"Oh no, Gabriel, I've blown it again!"
He slapped his forehead.
"I forgot my hoodie and sunglasses. I rushed out like a madman."
Gabriel shot him a sidelong glance.
"So, what's the plan now? We can't exactly sneak past the paparazzi."
Rafael groaned.
"The crowd's going to eat me alive."
Rafael, Amy's boyfriend, just got back to town after a business trip.
He landed a sweet movie deal and was about to sign the contract for the lead role.
He was a top model-actor in the country, and this was a big opportunity.
As they pulled up, Rafael brought up a plan.
"Hey, I've got an idea," he said, turning to Gabriel.
"What's up?" Gabriel asked.
"Just shield me till I get inside. If anyone recognizes me, I'm toast."
Gabriel grinned.
"Okay."
They stepped out of the car and Gabriel positioned himself strategically around Rafael.
Just as they made their move, a bird swooped down with perfect timing.
Gabriel yelped as a splat of poop landed squarely on his shoulder.
"Damn!" Gabriel cursed, scrubbing his shoulder with his handkerchief.
Still, he continued shielding Rafael as they walked.
But another bird swooped down, unleashing not one, but two more bombs on Gabriel's already-soiled shoulder.
"Oh no, not again !" Gabriel wailed. "Today's officially 'Poop Day' – three strikes already?!"
Rafael's gaze drifted to Gabriel's shoulder.
"Seriously?!"
Rafael chuckled.
He fought to contain his laughter, his face was reddening with effort.
But it was no use.
The dam burst, and Rafael erupted into uncontrollable laughter, doubling over and clutching his sides.
"Ha! Hah! HA!" he roared, tears streaming down his face.
Gabriel's urgent whisper cut through Rafael's laughter.
"Shhhh! You're blowing your cover, man."
Rafael stifled his giggles with his eyes still shining with mirth.
"Yeah, yeah, got it."
But it was too late.
A fan, mere feet away, had already spotted him.
"Hey!" she squealed and got her finger jabbing the air.
"It's Rafael Gomez!"
She yanked out her phone and sprinted toward him.
Rafael's eyes widened in alarm.
"Ah, no, no, no..."
Gabriel and Rafael exchanged a panicked glance.
"Oh no!" they silently screamed in unison.
They sprinted toward the building, desperate to escape the growing frenzy.
But fate had other plans.
A sea of fans poured out from the sides, blocking their path.
They wheeled around, seeking an alternate escape route.
Instead, another wave of enthusiasts swept in from behind.
They both found themselves trapped, surrounded by a chorus of pleas:
"Please, autograph!"
"Picture, please!"
"I'm your biggest fan! Just one signature!"
Fans closed in relentlessly.
Rafael's eyes darted wildly, seeking a reprieve.
Gabriel shielded him, his poop-stained shoulder already a forgotten concern.
"Security!" Gabriel yelled with a hoarse voice from desperation.
Rafael's mesmerizing gray eyes, charming smile, and chiseled features sent fans into a frenzy.
His blonde waves and sharp jawline left them breathless.
The twin dimples on his cheeks sparked mass hysteria.
And his arm tattoo, which was a perfect work of art, fueled the obsession.
Fans succumbed to the allure, fainting left and right.
Pandemonium erupted as they clawed for a touch.
Gabriel sprang into action, shielding Rafael.
He formed a human barricade, holding back the tide.
"Back off, guys! Give him space!" Gabriel yelled.
With Gabriel's protection, Rafael signed autographs.
But the crowd's fervor only intensified.
Across the road, Carlos parked the car, their next stop for distributing the cat flyers.
Cherry emerged, masked and cautious, ever mindful of the public profile she now possessed.
Her gaze drifted to the commotion on the other side of the road.
"What's all the fuss about?" she wondered aloud.
Carlos shrugged.
"Probably just a street performer drawing a crowd."
But Cherry was still curious.
"Maybe they can help us find the cat?" she suggested.
Juana nodded thoughtfully.
"Can't hurt to try. Sharing flyers with that many people could lead to a breakthrough."
Carlos handed Cherry a stack of flyers.
"Let's go see if we can tap into that crowd."
Gabriel and Rafael finally broke free from the chaos as security officers heard the noise and escorted them into the building.
Rafael exhaled deeply.
"Finally, some breathing space."
Meanwhile Carlos, Juana, and Cherry had crossed to the other side to distribute the fliers.
Cherry's soft voice was audible as she pleaded with passersby.
"Please, I'm looking for this cat. If found, call the number on the flier."
Her words drifted to Rafael's ears as he turned back.
A veiled figure, partially hidden, caught his attention.
Her voice sparked a memory.
"Sounds familiar," Rafael whispered, puzzled.
Shrugging, he followed Gabriel into the building.
"Thanks," Rafael said to the security officer that led them in.
Cherry gathered the group, assessing their progress.
"I think we've covered this area. Have we all run out of flyers?"
Carlos nodded.
"Mine are all gone."
Juana echoed his sentiment.
"Same here."
"Alright, let's head back. We've done our part for the cat today."
Back in the building where Rafael settled into the plush office, away from Gabriel, flanked by the CEO and Manager.
Their conversation went:
"So Mr. Rafael, please sign here and here," the Manager instructed, guiding Rafael's hand.
They shared warm smiles, sealing the deal.
"We also need a Female lead actor for this movie and we were contemplating on something."
Rafael finished signing and paused.
"And what's ..that?"
"Now, regarding the female lead," the CEO began, his voice measured.
"We thought, given your... proximity to Miss Amy."
Rafael's eyes dilated.
"We were thinking, since you are very close to the star Miss Amy.. you could you ..know.." the CEO smiled as he spoke, as he felt that Rafael would understand what he meant already.