What Happened at East Houston Street

Chapter 31

After leaving their cars with the valet, Mason and Roland walked into the Algonquin Club. Mason was on a mission to seal the deal the men had just made in his office. In his mind, the only way to solidify the promises they both vowed for Brent and Lauren's unborn children was to toast with a glass of Armand de Brignac. Mason's mouth was already watering thinking of the drink. In the old days, when he was busy closing deals, he would be at the Algonquin Club several times per month, toasting with his newest client. He hasn't had a drop of his favorite champagne in over three years and he couldn't wait for the first sip.

Clapping his hands and rubbing them together, he said to the waiter, "Two glasses of the Armand, Melvin." With a nod, the worker retreated to the bar to fill the request. With a satisfied smile, Mason turned his attention back to Roland, who was grimacing in the direction of the pub area. Confused as to the sudden shift in demeanor, Mason turned his head to look towards the pub and saw Cal, slumped, with a fresh drink in front of him.

Before Roland could ask, Mason excused himself. Rising from his chair, he said, "Excuse me. I'll be right back," and casually strolled to Cal. He placed his hand on the back of his son's neck, giving him a tight squeeze that jolted him out of his slump. With a slight jump, Cal said, "Jeez, Dad! You scared the shit out of me!" There was a faint slur to his words. Mason smiled and looked at the bartender, giving him a wide grin. He leaned in close to Cal's ear and muttered, through gritted teeth and still smiling, "What the hell are you doing here?"

Cal furrowed his brow and rolled his eyes. "Drinking, Dad. That's what I'm doing here," he said at a louder pitch that did not match his father's tone.

"Keep your voice down," he warned. "I've got company with me." He nodded over his shoulder, letting his son know to be on his best behavior.

Cal looked at the table where his father pointed. He groaned when he saw Roland staring back at him with a scowl on his face. Having just had one of the worst days of his life after dropping his wife off at rehab, Cal finished his drink in one gulp and got up from the bar stool. Mason immediately grabbed his arm.

"Where do you think you're going?" he sputtered.

"Home," he responded with a tone of exhaustion.

Mason shook his head. "First you stand him up at the office and now you're walking out on him here?"

Cal wrinkled his forehead. "What are you talking about?"

Mason pulled his son back down onto the bar stool and whispered, "Had it not been for me, we wouldn't be celebrating the Binney Street deal, among other things to come, tonight." He gave him a satisfied grin, raising his eyebrows in excitement.

Cal, still confused by the description of the day's happenings, leaned in to his father and said, "Dad, use your words. Tell me exactly what happened today. What are you talking about?"

"Son," Mason leaned against the back of the bar stool with his arms folded, "When Roland Mistler came looking for you today and you weren't there, I stepped in to represent your best interests. After some negotiation, I got us a sweet, sweet deal. The payoff will continue for generations to come!"

Cal could taste his father's pride. It hung thick in the air. He inspected his face, noticing the happiness in his usually icy blue eyes. He hadn't seen him this elated since he had finalized his divorce from his second wife many years ago. He was curious as to what could cause this reaction. "Tell me about this deal, Dad," he said, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

Mason put his arm around his son's shoulder, pulling him low to the bar. "Your Lauren and his Brent get engaged in the next month. The guy is desperate for grandkids. He'll do anything to make it happen," he shook his head in disgust. "Good thing for us, though. He agreed to finance the whole Binney Street deal and even cut his percentage by half!" Mason could hardly contain his excitement. "We need to get the whole family together to celebrate. Call your wife and let her know your ship has come back in! Tell Pete and Lauren to come home this weekend. I'm going to throw a party at my house for the two lovebirds!" He clapped his hands together at his last statement.

Cal looked at his father, who was giddy like a little girl. He cocked his head at him with one eyebrow raised.

Mason continued detailing his plans. "I'm going to call Scott over at Century 21 and see if there's any suites on Devonshire available. Better to get in there now than wait," he shook his head in delight. "Cal, Lauren is the best thing to ever happen to this family! Good job, son!" He clapped his hand on his back.

In all of his 54 years on earth, he had never heard those words come out of his father's mouth. The pressure in his head that he had been feeling all day began to ease. A weary smile appeared on his lips.

Mason pulled him in for a hug and said to the passing waiter, "Make that three glasses of the Armand!"