From Frost to Flame

Chapter 3: Shadows of the Past

As Vegas stepped into the café, the warm buzz of conversation enveloped him, a stark contrast to the icy fortress he had built around his heart. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on Kinn, who waved enthusiastically from a corner table. The bright energy radiating from his brother felt almost blinding compared to the somber mood that clung to Vegas.

Porsche sat beside Kinn, casually sipping his drink, while Pete fidgeted in his seat, a mixture of eagerness and nervousness written all over his face. Vegas gave Pete a brief nod before his gaze shifted back to Kinn and Porsche, already feeling the weight of the conversation he wasn't ready to engage in.

"Hey! You made it!" Kinn stood up and greeted Vegas with a warm hug, his enthusiasm unshaken by Vegas's detached demeanor. "This is Pete," he added, gesturing toward the younger man.

"Nice to meet you," Pete said, his voice carrying both excitement and nervousness. He extended his hand, which Vegas shook with a brief but polite nod before returning his attention to his brother.

"Vegas!" Kinn said with a grin, "You look great! What's your secret?"

Vegas raised an eyebrow, unsure whether to take it as a compliment or not.

"Maybe he's finally found a decent barber," Porsche joked, nudging Kinn playfully.

Kinn feigned shock, putting a hand on his chest. "Hey, I take offense to that! I'm the one who takes him to all the best spots!"

Porsche chuckled and winked at Vegas. "Just admit it; you've got the better hair."

Kinn crossed his arms in mock offense. "This isn't fair. I'm the older brother; I should get all the compliments!"

Porsche smiled, his eyes twinkling. "You know what? You've always been the pretty one. I'm just here to keep things interesting."

Kinn playfully pouted, crossing his arms. "Pretty? I prefer 'handsome.'"

As Kinn pulled out a chair for Vegas, their eyes met, and Vegas couldn't help but smile a little at his brother's gesture. Kinn's simple act of brotherly love felt grounding, if only for a moment. They all settled into their seats, and a comfortable silence fell over the table.

"So," Porsche started, breaking the ice as the four of them settled in. "How's everything going with you, Vegas? Haven't seen you in a while."

Vegas shrugged, his eyes scanning the menu. "Busy," he replied shortly, his tone not inviting further questioning.

Kinn, ever the peacekeeper, tried to keep the mood light. "Yeah, I feel that. Life's been crazy on my end too." He waved a waiter over, leaning back in his seat with a sigh. "Have you tried the new red wine here? It's fantastic."

Vegas didn't respond, lost in his thoughts, his eyes fixed somewhere far beyond the café walls.

Kinn leaned in, repeating, "Vegas, the red wine. Did you try it?"

"Huh?" Vegas blinked, finally snapping out of his daze.

Kinn frowned, clearly a bit concerned. "The wine. Did you try it?"

Vegas paused, realizing Kinn had asked him twice already. "Oh, uh... no, I haven't." He gestured vaguely at his glass. "But I'll take your word for it."

Porsche, sensing the tension, jumped in. "So, how's business going, Vegas? I heard your company's working on some pretty big projects right now."

Vegas swirled the wine in his glass before answering. "Yeah, a few things in the works. Mostly just keeping up with the usual... trying to get through the next quarter."

Kinn smiled, trying to ease his brother into the conversation. "Speaking of projects, have you seen the new developments downtown? I was just talking to Porsche about it. They're saying it's going to redefine the skyline."

Vegas gave a noncommittal nod. "I've seen the plans. It looks promising."

Porsche leaned in, his tone playful. "Come on, Vegas. I bet you've got some insider knowledge. What's the scoop?"

Before Vegas could answer, Pete, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, felt a surge of determination. He leaned forward, trying to catch Vegas's attention. "I saw some of the designs for those projects," he said, his voice tentative yet hopeful. "They're really impressive. I'd love to hear your thoughts on them, Mr. Vegas."

"Pete's got some impressive designs lined up," Kinn chimed in, clearly trying to bridge the gap. "Maybe you could share some insights on your projects?"

"Sure, if you think they're worth sharing," Vegas said, but his tone lacked enthusiasm.

For a brief moment, Vegas glanced at Pete, and their eyes met. Pete's heart raced, hoping to break through the wall Vegas had put up. But just as quickly, Vegas's focus drifted back to Kinn and Porsche, leaving Pete feeling invisible and frustrated.

"Vegas, you've built quite the empire," Porsche said, breaking the silence. "What's your secret?"

"Hard work and a lot of luck," Vegas replied tersely, glancing at Kinn. "Right, Kinn? But it's more about surviving the setbacks."

Kinn's smile faltered a little. "Yeah, but you've done more than just survive. You've thrived. I admire that about you."

Vegas forced a smile, but inside, he felt the weight of Kinn's words. Thrive? Was that how people saw him? He had built a facade so carefully, yet here he was, sitting among friends, and all he could feel was the heaviness of the past pressing down on him.

Kinn's laughter filled the space as he shifted the conversation. "What about you, Porsche? What's new with you these days?"

Porsche grinned. "Well, aside from keeping you out of trouble?" He shot Kinn a teasing look. "Just working on a few personal projects. Some new clients have been keeping me busy, but nothing too crazy."

Kinn chuckled. "You? Keeping me out of trouble? I think it's the other way around most of the time."

Porsche grinned back. "Maybe I'm just the distraction you need, keeping your life interesting and your hair stylish."

As laughter rippled through the table, Pete felt more and more like an outsider. He glanced at Vegas, who seemed lost in thought, the distant look in his eyes making Pete's heart sink. "What do I have to do to be seen?" he wondered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

The conversation had strayed far from the topics he had hoped to discuss, particularly his internship. With each passing moment, he felt uncertainty settles over him; if he couldn't even engage with Vegas, how could he expect to make an impression so he could get his internship? He didn't even think he had the chance to show him his designs.

"Am I risking my chance here?" he thought, anxiety gnawing at him as he watched the warm interaction between Kinn and Porsche.

Just as he was about to speak up, Vegas's phone pinged loudly on the table, breaking the moment. His eyes flickered to the screen, and for a brief moment, an unreadable expression crossed his face.

Kinn noticed immediately. "What's up?" he asked, concern etching his features.

"It's nothing," Vegas said quickly, but the tension in his voice was palpable.

"I have to go," Vegas announced suddenly, pushing back from the table with an urgency that surprised even him. He grabbed his blazer and walked out without looking back, leaving a stunned silence in his wake.

The abruptness of his departure hung in the air, silencing the table and leaving a palpable tension. Pete watched Vegas walk away, a mix of confusion and disappointment swirling in his chest. "What was that all about?" he asked, barely able to mask his concern.

Kinn sighed, shaking his head. "Nawee..."

"His ex?" Porsche added softly, understanding dawning on his face. "Yeah. That's still a sore spot for him."

Pete blankly watched Kinn and Porsche, confusion swirling in his mind as he tried to grasp what was happening. "What just happened?" he thought, feeling a deepening sense of concern for Vegas...

To be continued...