I push back my chair and get up as James declares the meeting for finished.
Shaking hands with everyone as they leave the room, James throws me a pointed look, telling me to stay for a few more minutes. Once everyone left the room he motions for me to sit again and pours each of us a whiskey. He hands me the glass and sits down.
"You know, I still have to drive." I say.
"As if that ever bothered you." He replies and looks out the window into the dark sky.
The meeting took quite some time but we got everything important settled.
I grin at him guiltily and sip on the whisky, the burning liquid flowing down my throat and creating a warm feeling in my stomach. It would take me a lot more to get drunk. Since my ex cheated on me, alcohol and weed have become my new best friends.
"It's been a while since we properly talked. How have you been holding up?" He questions.
"I guess we both have been quite busy with work. I've been doing fine. Thought of some ways to advertise the new collection and Lee asked me to come into the studio for a few times to help him out."
" I'm not asking about your work. I'm asking about you."
I sight. "There would be no me without my work James. Private me is a Nobody."
I chug down the rest of my whisky, get up and put on my coat.
"Where are you going?"
"Out. I'm meeting up with someone at Rex'. Want me to drive you home?"
"Yes, please. My driver's at the hospital because his wife is giving birth to their second child and I still have to discuss something with you."
On the way to his mansion he told me that he will have to leave the state for a few weeks and wants me to fully take over the business for that time because he can't be reached wherever he will be. He told me to think about it as I park in front of his gate and he gets out, wanting to walk the rest of the way.
I have to laugh silently to myself as I drive to my next destination. Rex' nightclub. James wants me to take more time for myself but then asks me to work more because he has to leave. He knows that he won't be able to change my ways so might as well take the opportunity.
I park a few blocks down from Rex', not wanting my new car to be stolen or vandalized in the sketchy streets.
I fold up the collar of my coat and light a cigarette as I walk towards the club. No one notices me due to my dark clothing and my silent movements. Just a nobody.
As I step into Rex' however all heads turn towards me but I keep a straight face. My formal and expensive attire stands out from the short dresses and bright shirts.
I make my way to the back of the club, towards the bar and everyone steps out of my way. I order a whisky on ice and look around the room in search for Gerald.
Half naked bodies are grinding upon each other and the air smells like sweat, alcohol and smoke. The DJ plays some kind of house and rap music that I don't know but everyone else seems to like.
Just as some random girl with barely any clothes to cover her butt and breasts starts to grind up on me I see G waving me over to a couch that's in the corner to create an atmosphere that's kinda private.
I gently push the girl aside and make my way over to him.
We greet each other with a side hug and a pat on the back before he leads me to a table.
"I hope you don't mind but I invited my girlfriend. Her name's Ashley. Maybe you've heard of Halsey?" He asks as he sits down on one of the couches.
I nod as I myself take a seat.
"Yes. I used to listen to her music all the time. Yours too."
"Why not anymore? If I may ask." He questions and waves for the bartender to come over.
"Not a lot of time right now." I reply and hold up my now empty glass of whisky, showing the man that I'd like a refill. "And a bottle of Champagne for our guests."
"I'll take a whisky as well." G says.
"On the rocks?"
He nods and the bartender leaves.
"Sooo, you want a taste before you buy? Cause I could really need something to loosen up a little." I offer as I reach into the inner pocket of my coat and pull out a little box.
He hesitates for a moment and looks around.
"It's totally on me dude. Besides the owner of this club is one of my customers so you don't have to worry about anything." I encourage him as I take the joint between my lips and light it up, taking a deep drag. I keep the smoke in for a while before exhaling with my eye closed. I inhale and exhale a few more times before leaning forward and holding the joint out to him.
"What do you say?" I ask him with a grin on my face and a wicked gleam in my eyes.
He chuckles and takes the joint.
"I owe you tho. For the joint and the champagne." He says before taking a drag.
"You owe me nothing. I offered and even tho I don't do friends, I see you as my companion. I want my people to feel good." I explain and sit back as the man with the drinks arrives. He sets the champagne in the bucket of ice down and hands each of us our whisky.
Just as we are about to clink our glasses a light, raspy voice shouts ...
