Champagne Problems

T H R E E

It's 9 in the evening, and the boys have been serving the guests of Monsieur Arnault for eight grueling hours. What started as an impromptu performance in the Monte Carlo square has quickly turned into a night of forced labor. After being caught by security, Monsieur Arnault ordered them to work the event in exchange for their freedom—a punishment none of them anticipate.

Monsieur Arnault insists that the boys wear the proper waitstaff uniforms. While the blouses are tolerable, both Riley and Levi take one look at the oversized, unfashionable trousers and flat-out refuse to wear them. They're used to their skinny jeans, which fit their style and personality. But after a heated argument where Monsieur Arnault dismisses their preferred attire as suitable only for "less fortunate girls," the boys reluctantly give in, grumbling as they pull on the ill-fitting pants.

Surprisingly, serving the wealthy guests isn't as dreadful as they'd imagined. Sure, there are a few snobbish individuals with inflated egos, but there are also those who are friendly and even engage in lighthearted conversation with the boys. It's almost enough to make them forget their circumstances—almost.

Yves, needing a break, wanders into a side room where a large TV is mounted on the wall. He recognizes the space as a private lounge area, usually reserved for the hotel's more exclusive guests. The room is filled mostly with men, all focused on the television screen. A conference is underway, featuring none other than Remy Montoya, the 20-year-old Formula 1 world champion, who is discussing the upcoming race in Monte Carlo.

Yves isn't particularly into racing, but he watches the occasional race with his father as a bonding activity. It's more about spending time together than a genuine interest in the sport. Left to his own devices, Yves would much rather binge-watch a series like How I Met Your Mother or Friends.

As he looks around the room, Yves's gaze falls on a familiar figure—the blonde man in the suit who stood in the front row earlier that day while they were performing. The man sips on a glass of champagne, his attention fixed on the screen.

Yves's thoughts return to the TV as a reporter asks Remy, "Who has been your biggest supporter so far?"

Remy, speaking in a polished British accent, replies, "Well, that would have to be my sister, Chantal."

The reporter smiles. "Oh, that's right. We see your sister at every race."

"Yeah, she's great!" Remy confirms with a grin.

A picture of Remy and his sister Chantal appears on the screen, and Yves can't help but stare at the beautiful woman in the photo. Chantal is stunning, with elegant features and a smile that could light up a room. Yves finds himself momentarily lost in thought, imagining what it would be like to have a girlfriend like her.

His daydream is abruptly interrupted when a woman steps in front of him, blocking his view. "A glass of champagne, please," she says, thrusting her empty glass into his hand.

Yves sighs, slightly irritated. She has not only ruined his view but also pulled him back to the reality of his situation. "Of course, Madame," he replies, forcing a polite smile as he takes the glass and walks over to the bar to refill it.

Meanwhile, Levi is still in the main hall, scribbling down drink orders from the guests. He can't shake the discomfort of the ill-fitting pants he's forced to wear. The fabric itches, and it does nothing to keep his "business" in place. He shifts uncomfortably, trying to find a way to make the situation more bearable.

"Isn't he adorable?" Levi overhears an older lady say to her friend, her eyes fixed on him. She looks like the kind of grandmother who would pinch your cheeks every time she saw you, unable to resist commenting on how much you've grown.