Real.Doc - Part 2 - Joe (English Version)

Cesar said he would be here

Later that evening, Vince invited me to dinner. He said he wanted to talk about things. I tried to get out of it, but he insisted. When I was about to refuse, he laid it on thick.

"Ah, so now you don't need me anymore. Is that it?"

Vince had helped me when I needed it most. I thought it best to accept and settle this matter between us.

"And we have a party to go to afterward," he said before hanging up.

The audacity.

~ ~ ~

"I'm going out tonight," I announced to the whole group, who happened to be in the living room.

"With whom?" asked Rony.

"Vince."

"He won't give up so easily, will he?" Rony mused.

"That one has an abnormal desire for power," MaryAnne added.

"I couldn't escape this time."

"Where are you going?" asked Jase.

"He's taking me to dinner and then to a party."

Joe sighed. A party with Vince directly reminded him of the photo.

"I think I know about this party," commented Jase.

"That's good, because I have no idea."

"Yeah... don't worry. I know where it is. Joe and I can meet you there."

"Joe and... what?"

"It might backfire," MaryAnne commented. "If he sees Jase at that party, he'll feel betrayed... And you don't want that."

"Not me," Jase shot back. "I'm used to those parties."

"But Cao isn't. Even Chaos wouldn't go to such parties that offer... services. And it wouldn't look good for Chaos to arrive there with you."

Jase didn't like MaryAnne's comment at all. Those two bickered daily.

"Unless he goes as one of the guys," suggested Jase.

"Oh, no." It was my turn to protest.

"Yes, I don't like that idea either," agreed MaryAnne.

"And all this for what?" I asked, because none of it made sense anymore. My comment revealed more than I intended. Everyone understood that I meant Joe's presence was unnecessary, and that he would be "the jealous husband" if he went. Joe looked at me dead serious and confirmed.

"I'll be there as one of the guys."

"Aaah, shit," Rony muttered.

~ ~ ~

Later that day, I went to Joe's room to talk about the event.

"Hey," I said, timidly entering the room.

"Hey," he replied without much emotion, apparently sorting personal hygiene products.

"So... about that party... this is new for us, huh?"

"Yeap."

"I'm afraid of what might happen."

He sighed, put down what he was doing, and asked me to sit next to him on the bed.

"During our marriage, I remember times when you weren't so happy and I don't want that for you anymore. So, don't worry about tonight."

"But I'll be there with Vince."