The Baker {ON HOLD}

His gift stayed on the coffee table

It had been a good month and a half instead of the month I'd thought it'd take to arrange the opening of the London branch. The board and I had decided early on which partner would lead that branch as well as the layout of the building to be. After the whole ordeal was over with my associates and I were on our way back home.

Of course by this time Kenton and Ceilia had returned from their Dubai honeymoon. I was just eager to get some rest after dealing with everything. Originally I had plans to visit Amina upon returning home, but after calling she said she'd be out today. It was all good though; it meant my schedule was wide open for a good nap. 

I didn't even bother unpacking my luggage when I arrived home. I tossed my keys to the counter and headed for my room. After shedding my suit I put on some more comfortable clothes and was out like a light.

At some point the jingle of my phone woke me from my sleep.  I concluded that I had in fact slept the rest of my day away. Judging by the city, which took on a whole different look by night, I'd say it was maybe 8:00. Meanwhile my phone still rang, waiting to be answered. Grabbing the phone from my nightstand I saw that it was a call from Dillon, so I answered it.

"Hey Nikolas. All the boys are at Mickey's. We got the game, drinks, and one helluva time. You in? "

"Yeah," I said sleepily,"I'll see you guys in a bit."

"Alright see you when you get here bro," and after that he hung up.

I got up and pulled on a black shirt along with some faded jeans and boots then my jacket. Grabbing the keys I had tossed to the counter earlier I headed downstairs. Mickey's wasn't too far away, but it was quite a ride from my place. I reached the familiar building with its flickering neon sign and got out.

Upon entering the familiar smell,of alcohol and fried foods smacked me in the face.  I saw the guys and they happened to be with women. Dillion sat chatting up a raven haired lady over their beers and some giggles. His girlfriend would blow a gasket if she saw them as close as they were, but he knew better. Phillip sat happily like a kid in a candy store as two ladies vied desperately for his attention. Then there was Kenton. A busty blonde in a revealing dress tried to no avail to get his attention, trailing her fingers down his chest and playing with his tie while he sat looking visibly uncomfortable. It was pitiful especially given that his wedding band was on clear display. When he saw me he slid  away from his barstool and her.

"Hey man, you are a sight for sore eyes."

"Glad to know, the other two haven't even noticed I'm here yet."

"Yeah they are rather occupied at the monent, and happily so it seems."

We walked back over to the bar and the girls looked up at us then scurried off. I slapped the guys on the back and they finally turned to give me handshakes.

"What's up guys."

"The keg king is here, let the fun commence!" Phillip proclaimed noisily. I swear sometimes he acts like we're still in school.

Dillon had nonchalantly acknowledged me stating he was glad I could make it. We all took our seats at the bar and started to catch up. Phillip had taken the liberty of ordering a round for us all. There was conversation and some shouting about missed shots in the game. At some point I guess I zoned out because Phillip nudged me and started talking.

"What's goin' through that crazy head of yours,huh? We got drinks, the game and here you are mulling over your beer. Anything you need to talk about?"

The bartender slid Phillip another mug while taking the other in his hand and said, "I know that look. I've seen it countless times, it's a girl."

"A lady huh, never thought you'd get back out there after Cara."