The Perfect Gentleman ✔

22: The Bro Code

Lucas strolled into the luxurious ambience of the Lakeview Hotels and Suites club lounge at 5pm that afternoon after receiving a call that a surprise party was being thrown for James. He had been confused by the information as he did not receive any memo from his right hand man, but Stacy who called him insisted it was a party in appreciation of their three year anniversary. According to her, it was a low key event that was to end before late evening. At least he hoped it would, since Mathilda won't be coming back today, and he needed to be home in time to relieve Sara of her duty.

He was allowed free pass into the Club area, only to realize it was on hire for the anniversary party. Somehow, he found it odd. He walked to a lounge area to find Stacy and Donald drinking and laughing at a joke Stacy's comical brother, Eden told. Everyone's attention was drawn once he approached.

"Hey, look who's here!" Eden hailed, grinning from ear to ear as they shook hands.

Stacy smiled as he pulled her into a hug congratulating her. He was happy for the couple. Soon more people came to exchange pleasantries, and afterwards, Lucas found himself drinking shots after shots and joking about his childhood and grown up days with James and Martin. Soon though, it was 7pm and Lucas was pulled to excuse himself and leave. Just then, Stacy ran into the room and said James was on his way. Then everyone scrambled to their positions as Stacy went out to bring in her boyfriend.

Lucas heard people talking and laughing and then James walked in first into the dimly lit room, followed by Stacy.

"Surprise!" Everyone yelled, startling James, who in his reaction pumped his fist in defense stance. People burst out laughing at him.

"Damn! I nearly had a heart attack." He exclaimed, breathing hard.

Lucas strolled to his friend smiling. "Remind me never to pull a surprise prank on you. You look like you're Jackie Chan's protégé."

They hugged and exchanged pleasantries.

James scoffed. "I'm just merely alert to my surroundings. Stacy has never done this kind of stuff before. Damn, this surprise shit is not good for my health," he complained, rubbing soothing hands across his chest. A waiter brought them drinks and the two friends went into a drinking competition, reminiscing the good old days. Then the DJ hit the music and a party was in full swing.

His eyes caught the time and he groaned. Sara must be waiting for him to return. He went to James to make his excuse for the second time that night. He was already walking towards the double doors when it was opened from the outside and someone strolled him, grinning mischievously at him. For a moment, he had to pause and blink and assure himself that he was not hallucinating.

"What, Lucas? Leaving when the party is just starting. I'm disappointed," he commented in an amused fashion. He held out his arms for a hug.

Lucas felt his jaw extended at the grin that filled his face suddenly. "Idiot! What are you doing here?"

Martin laughed even as the pair pulled each other into a man hug, teasing each other. "Cleared up the family issues back home and thought I should be back here. Don't tell me you missed me?"

Lucas scoffed. "Not on your life," then looking behind him, he yelled over to James. "Hey James. This madman is here. The third musketeer, Martin!"

James was shocked and barely hid it as his jaw dropped open in bewilderment.

"Martin! Craze man, you're in this town? How and when?" He quizzed in one breath making his way to the pair. He beamed as he pulled Martin into a man hug. "Damn, I missed you."

Martin extricated himself, smacking him behind his head. "You sound like my girlfriend and I don't even have that."

The trio laughed at his comment.