𝘉𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘚𝘪𝘥𝘦 #1

15. Lucky Strike

No one cares – Michele Morrone

The meeting had gone relatively well after three intense hours at the office where they'd summoned us. However, something didn't quite add up about these people, and for now, I couldn't pinpoint what it was. As soon as I left, I called Dad to share my thoughts; he agreed to review everything again, and I told him I'd investigate the company further and what they'd done previously. I also texted Vlad, asking for his help and offering to send a document with their financial movements over the last five years, but asking him to dig deeper if he found anything suspicious.

I arrived at the hotel after lunch, and Jack had ordered room service as if he knew I was on my way. I smiled in gratitude and collapsed onto the sofa for a few moments while we waited, with him beside me, before taking my laptop to research the people I'd met with today. He watched what I was doing, asking how my meeting went, and I shared my suspicions. His gaze, each time it met mine, was fascinated, aware he didn't fully understand what I said, but eager to learn. He made insightful comments and offered new perspectives and ideas on where to find helpful information.

As he got up to receive our food, I kissed him. He wheeled the cart over and replaced my laptop with a plate of mashed potatoes, meat, and vegetables that smelled amazing. My stomach growled, and I complained, having eaten nothing since grabbing a coffee at Starbucks earlier.

We ate while he shared that he'd spoken with Leah and her meetings went well. I nodded, trying to hide my feelings. He suggested we have a girls' night out with Leah, but I wasn't sure if the idea came from her or Jack. Either way, Leah had texted me minutes before I returned to the hotel, suggesting the same, which I'd already agreed to.

He was feeling slightly better from his injury and could move his arm without grimacing or complaining, and his medication had decreased significantly, though he still took a couple before bed. Leaving him alone today wouldn't be so bad.

As night fell, and the city's neon lights illuminated everything, I left the hotel to pick up my best friend. I decided to forget any thoughts involving Jack, no matter how hard it was. Lee had the same idea, making me promise that tonight would be just for us, with no mentions of Jack or Wade allowed. She wanted us to get drunk, and I wasn't about to object. That's why she had me leave the car at her hotel and hail an Uber instead.

We stayed until around 4 am, maybe later, and I'd bet we were on the verge of alcoholic coma. I couldn't recall how much we drank, but bottles and glasses kept appearing as we talked and laughed louder, as if worries didn't exist. The music blared, and we sweated excessively while dancing to every song playing through the club's speakers. Life here was intense and chaotic, with everyone laughing and shouting around us.

At some point in the night, the alcohol betrayed me when I asked the question I'd been avoiding:

"So..." I slurred, taking a sip of my vodka, "you and Jack. Are you guys friends now?" She looked at me with a playful grin, equally intoxicated.

"We started talking more when Wade left," she shouted over Plan B's "Por qué te demoras". "We know he'll be happy we're getting along." She gestured with her hands, and the word "more" echoed in my mind, but was quickly erased by dizziness and the struggle to survive the night. More? "Besides, he told me he hooked up with his boss and they talked, I think, on his first day in Greenland." It took her a moment to say it, and I fought not to frown. I downed the rest of my drink.

"So, you've heard from Wade through Jack?" Hadn't she mentioned that either?

"No, no," she quickly denied, shaking her head and placing her hand on my arm. "It was just that one day, and then he lost contact. I think it's something online or... I don't know." She sighed and shook her head again, sipping her margarita. "But I still feel something's off, you know?"