Billionaire's Childhood Love

IV. M.I.N.D 25th Anniversary

Hailey's POV:

I've seen many unusual things this past half a year, but this took the icing on the cake. I tug Josh's shirt, and he bent his knees to my level, "Does this look weird to you too?"

Josh revert his eyes towards the trio then tilt his mouth to my ear, "Definitely." His lips tickled, but I held the giggles in. Now doesn't seem like the right time to laugh.

"Oh, now this is a surprise," Madison said. "You-" she pointed to Ricardo. "I don't remember you being a member of this club. I mean, I was considering it." She looks at Josh who's eyes drift elsewhere.

"I'm not," he said.

"Then, why are you here?"

Ricardo didn't respond to Madison's question.

"No!" Josh suddenly burst out. He stomps towards the trio, grabs Crystal's arm, and tugged her toward the fireplace.

"What?" Crystal screams.

Josh points a stern finger at her, "No!"

"I'm not doing anything!"

"You know what you're doing!"

"No. No, I really don't."

He threw his forefinger across the room towards Ricardo, "Him!"

"Him? I'm not doing him."

"Not that!"

"I ran into him when I saw Tani! I was on my way to the store, and she abducted me."

Josh's eyes squinted, "Really?"

"Yeah." Crystal threw her hands in the air, silently telling Josh that he is unbelievable.

I'm completely lost in the conversation.

"Tani-" Madison suddenly said. "You're the one who dragged Crystal here?"

"Yeah," Taniyah replied.

"What about Italian boy over there?"

"Insurance. If I come here alone, I lose, right?" Taniyah seems to be interested in the scavenger hunt.

I look down towards the ground. Why didn't she pick me as a partner? I know I'm stupid and not helpful, but I still wanted to be in the same group as them. If she picked me, we could've run into Crystal together, and the three of us would've had a fun time together.

I glared at Ricardo. This is his fault! He took my rightful position.

Ricardo's eyes caught mine and his brows crunch. He looks away but then looks back.

Yes, that's right. I'm upset with you, roommate. I was starting to see him as a friend, but not anymore. He had been demoted.

Madison smiles, "Well, it's a good thing that you ran into Crystal because you needed someone to be a part of M.I.N.D to participate. We can't just allow anyone in."

Taniyah looks at Ricardo, "You may leave now." It's translated to: I don't need you.

"Oh, where is the fun in that?" Madison said. "For you, Ricardo Winston, M.I.N.D is willing to make an exception. Will you stay and participate?"

I swore I saw Ricardo look in our direction before he responded: "Sure."

Madison looks towards us, "Josh. Let go of your cousin. She needs to be with her teammates."

"She can be in this group, with Hailey and me," Josh responds.

That would be magnificent. Now, if Josh includes Taniyah, we can all be together. I guess Ricardo can come along too. The five of us would have so much fun together!