TAGGED WITH OM RICH
39. Nothing Is Free.

“Pak Richard is cool, yes?”

“Iya. He's very handsome. Reportedly still single.”

“No. This article on the internet says if she is married. But, his wife's name is kept secret.”

“Wah must have been lucky for the woman who became the wife of Mr. Richard. He is handsome and well-established.”

Renatta snorted annoyedly at the hearing of the other students talking about the husband in the campus cafeteria.

The woman's hand clenched squeezed the bottle of orange juice she had bought.

“Why? Hot huh? Hence, the status of the legal wife should not be kept secret.” Said Gista chuckled at the face of the friend who was flushed red from holding back his annoyance.

“No. Thanks though. I'm still sane. What would college people say if they knew I was married to a lecturer myself?” Renatta pressed his own shoulder.

“Already. Don't discuss it. Let them talk about Rich. Most importantly, he belongs to me.”

Gista agreed by nodding his head.

“Oh yes, Ta. Have you got the right job for you?” Ask Renatta later.

Gista sighed softly. “There are a few options. But I haven't sent a proposal.”

“What if Saturday tomorrow you come with me? Cousin's brother Rich opens a new cafe. Who knows, you're suitable to work there.”

Gista seemed to think. He was not happy with Renatta who always helped him.

“But, Re—

Renatta shook his head.

“I don't want to hear any more rejections. You have refused to accept money from me. Now you can't refuse any more.” Renatta spoke with a firm and undeniable intonation.

“Good. But, is it possible that Richard's cousin will accept me to work? I mean, does he accept part-time workers?”

Renatta nodded his head.

“Definitely accepted. He's a good guy. Like ignorant, not stiff like om Rich.” Obviously Renatta then.

“Then go what time tomorrow?” Ask Gista later.

“Sore. I'll pick you up at three.” Renatta prepared to rise from the canteen chair he had occupied.

“Re, wait. Are we also going with Rich?”

“Ya.” Answer Renatta.

“You just tell me the address. Let me come alone.”

Renatta understood the meaning of Gista's words that might be confused with Richard.

“Good. I'll send you the address. You should come. Watch out if you don't! I don't want to know you anymore.” Threaten Renatta later.

The cyst thrusts the little finger as a promise it will come.

“Good. Let's go to class. I don't want to get angry at the lecturer.”

Renatta got up.

“Tell me if you can't wait to meet Mr. Rich.” Gista Cibir.

The girl got a sharp pinch on her arm as it spoke a little loudly and made some of the female students look towards them.

***

Next day.

Renatta and Richard are preparing to go to the opening of Dirga's new cafe.

They wear matching suits and dresses. Light green is the theme today, because the cafe Dirga open has the concept of Garden Cafe.

“What is your friend coming with?” Richard asked as he helped Renatta hook the button on the woman's back.

“So, um. We will meet at the place. He doesn't want to be picked up.” Renatta. He felt the breath of the husband hit the skin of his neck.

And sure enough, when he saw the mirror reflection, the man's face was now right on the overdraft of his neck.

“Om, don't fuck.” Renatta. Looking at the husband.

“I just asked for a reply from what I have done. You know, in this world nothing is free.” Richard said with a small grin.

Renatta sighed softly. “Ya, I know.”

He remembered their marriage which occurred because Richard helped Setiawan company.

Yep. Nothing in this world is free.

“Ayo.”

Richard reached out his hand, intending to take the wife out of the room and leave immediately.

But Renatta's mood suddenly changed. Maybe because it's still coming moon, so he's very sensitive.

The woman did not welcome the husband's hand, she preceded Richard out of their room.

Richard drove his car in a relaxed manner. Occasionally the adult man glanced at the wife who was silent since.

Richard tried to guess what made the little wife become silent. Then the man remembered that Renatta was still in his lunar years. So, Richard understood without asking again.

Until he reached his destination, Renatta was still loyal to his silence. He then took a cell phone to contact Gista.

“Ayo.” Richard invited him in.

“Shortly, om. I'm waiting for Gista.”

Renatta sighed softly. He did not know why his mood had become bad after hearing Richard's words.

The woman should not take heart, because in fact their relationship is based on a loan.

“Re. Sorry I came late.”

Gista's voice interrupted Renatta's daydream.

Renatta published his best smile. He had to forget what Richard said.

“I also just came, Ta.”

Gista nodded. “You alone? Mr Rich where?” Ask the girl later.

“Om Rich has been inside. Come onl. I'll introduce you to his cousin Rich.”

Renatta held the hand of the friend to enter the cafe area.

Dirga did not invite many people. Only a few colleagues, friends and family.

Renatta approached Richard who was talking to Jordan, Dirga's father.

“How are you doing, Re?” Ask Jordan and hug Renatta.

“Good. Om how are you?” Ask back.

“Om is also good. Greetings from aunt. Sorry, we were unable to attend your wedding. There's something we have to take care of.” It was clearly the middle-aged man.

“It's okay, om.”

Renatta knows, if Dirga's mother is undergoing treatment. I have to be in Singapore for a while.

“Om Dirga where?” Renatta turned his head in search of the whereabouts of his sister-in-law.

“There. He's again chatting with our co-workers.” Richard.

Renatta nodded in understanding.

“Wait a minute yes, Ta.” Tell Gista.

“You want to eat or drink something first?” Ask Richard then.

Gista shook his head slowly.

“You don't have to worry, we're not on campus right now. Outside, I am your best friend's husband.” Richard then said.

“Ya, sir.” Gista's voice is getting awkward.

He was used to seeing Richard who was firm and fierce when teaching. It's not as easy as changing his perception to ‘husband of palat’ as the man said.

Richard takes his wife and Gista to the buffet table. They tasted the menu that would become a mainstay in the cafe.

“Well, that's the guy coming.” Richard said as he pointed towards Dirga who was walking towards them.

“Sorry if it makes you wait a long time. How's the dish taste? Does it fit on your tongue?” Dirga asked looking at Richard and Renatta alternately.

He had not realized that there was anyone else between his brother and sister-in-law.

“The food is good, om.” Renatta answered with his thumb.

Dirga smiled as she blinked one eye.

When the man pulled the chair to sit down, he realized that there were other guests at the table.

Dirga asked Richard through eye sign language.

Richard understood then cleared his throat slowly.

“Honey, introduce your friend.” Said to his wife.

“Oh, yes.” Renatta then put down his cutlery.

“Om Dirga, introduce this Gista my best friend. He's the one I told you about the other day. What about om? Did Gista enter the selection as an intern at this cafe?” Renatta spoke expectantly to Dirga.

He was eager to force his sister-in-law to accept Gista as a part-time worker.

Dirga stared fixedly at Gista. In terms of appearance, there were no visible physical defects. Although not as beautiful as Renatta, but the girl looks sweet.

Being noticed like that made Gista awkward, rigidly he published his best smile.

“I Dirga.” The man extended a hand.

Gista greeted with a slightly trembling hand. “I Gista, sir.”

“You sure you want to work part-time?” Ask Dirga later.

Gista nodded slowly.

“Good. You I accept. I hope you can work well.” Said Dirga later.

Gista. Is it that easy to get a job? Is it because Dirga is a family from Renatta?

“I accept you for several things. And one of them, because you're my sister-in-law's best friend. I believe, you must be a good girl, because my sister-in-law is also good.” Obviously Dirga after seeing the Gista reaction.

“Iya, sir. Thanks though. Hopefully I don't disappoint the future.” Sahut Gista later.

“Wrong. You should have replied, hopefully you don't disappoint Renatta in the future.” Dirga correction later.

***

Seriate