8 years in the life

Chapter 52 - December 2014

London

Christmas lights were already shining in London. Finn exited the GMO building where he had meetings all day and decided to walk to his hotel to get some fresh air and clear his mind. He couldn't believe that he'd become a workaholic just like his college friends. Thank god they really had a good time at Yale and if he sometimes missed LDB events, this part of his life was over. Were they the heyday of his life? It's been eight years now since his graduation. He was thirty-two now, more single than ever as he had quit sleeping around, not even dating anyone.

Nevertheless, more than ever he had that disarming smile that could drive any woman to capitulate against their own better judgment. It didn't bother him that much not to have a significant other, but it was a pain at every party to have people introducing him to single ladies. That's why he was only attending business functions that were strictly necessary and never society events. Robert was now living with Rory in Manhattan. Colin and Steph were finally engaged and will get married in a few months. Clearly, these had found love. Logan was doing God knows what with Odette. Maybe love was a privilege of a chosen few. Committing to anyone had never been part of his life plan, if he ever had such a project, he had considered it while witnessing his friends but he quickly gave up. Up until recently, he always felt it was easier to enjoy the company of ladies he wasn't considering seeing again, be the life and soul of the party, just enjoying what he thought was the real life. The years passed and the harder that became to withstand. He was still relishing working but partying endlessly wasn't as much fun. Moreover, his friends weren't available anymore. He was climbing the ladder in the company, but something was missing in his life, and he couldn't pinpoint what.

In a way, he was a little disappointed in not having been chosen to be the best man, even though he knew Colin and Logan were friends since diapers. Speaking of the devil. He looked at the caller ID and answered the phone.

"Hey man, are you still on for tonight?"

"Hey Finn, about that. I just got off the phone with Rosemary, she's actually in London, and I told her to join us for dinner, is that okay with you?"

"Of course, why do you even ask? I'll be happy to see her; it's been a while."

"I didn't know if you wanted a 'guys only night' if you know what I mean."

"I can still get in Rose's pants."

"Keep dreaming, after all these years I don't see that coming," Logan laughed.

"That's because I never tried hard enough."

"I wonder how it looks like when you do try hard, man!"

"Okay, have you sent her a car?"

"I was going to."

"Then don't, tell me where she's staying, and I'll pick her up myself."

"Oh, you're seriously trying to charm the pants off her?"

"Isn't that the challenge you just gave me?"

"No, no! You only do that to yourself, don't drive me into it."

At seven sharp Finn was standing in front of his car when Rosemary exited from her hotel looking for the chauffeur and saw him. He hadn't changed much since college, just dapper now that he had got rid of his colorful clothes.

"Finn?!? What are you doing here?" She smiled at him.

"Picking you up darling. I thought it would be more personal than a driver. Surprised?" He kissed her lightly on her cheek and opened the car door.

"Good surprise," she laughed. Same old Finn, such a charmer.

"You look, adorable darling," Finn said while starting the car.