We're Finally Having Our Celebratory Drinks

Have you ever had a day where all you wanted to do was have fun?

If you haven't, you must be a descendant of the Grinch.

Anyways, today was that day for me.

There I was, sitting on the couch at home with Matt, both of us mashing our controllers.

We were both focused on the game playing out on the screen in front of us. If you had the screen we did, you would too.

The game had been intense for the past hour, and Matt was trash talking me like he always did when he got ahead.

"You're not even close, bro." Matt laughed, activating his nitro with a crazy stunt, leaving my car in the dust. "This is why you should stick to business and leave gaming to the experts."

"Yeah, yeah." I muttered, trying to get my car back on track. "You got lucky."

"Heh." he chuckled. "You wish. Your McLaren can't save you now."

"If only I wasn't using this controller." I grinned.

He said something in response but my attention was grabbed by my phone buzzing.

Normally, I'd ignore it but why not be an ass when I'm already losing?

I paused the game with a grin. "Wait a minute. I've got a text."

"Come on." Matt groaned. "Face your defeat like a champ."

I picked up the phone to see it was an email from the Pine Press Country Club.

I paused, my heart rate picking up slightly. This was it. The moment I'd been waiting for since the interview.

"You okay?" Matt asked, noticing my pause.

I nodded but didn't say anything as I opened the email, reading it.

Congratulations!

Congratulations? This had to be good news right?

We are pleased to inform you that your application for membership at Pine Press Country Club has been accepted.

"Fuck yeah." I fist pumped before turning to Matt. "Guess who just became a member of the Pine Press Country Club."

Matt blinked at me for a second before the realization hit. "No way! You got in?"

I nodded, feeling the excitement bubble up inside me. "I'm in."

"Hell yeah! Dude, that's insane!" Matt cheered, tossing his controller on the couch. 

We had both expected me to get in but it's not over till it's over.

"We need to celebrate." he stood with enthusiasm.

"Exactly what I was thinking." I said, standing up with him and grabbing my jacket. "Let's hit Cafe De La Paix. My treat."

"If you say so." Matt grinned, already reaching for his jacket. "You know I can't say no to tea at that place."

Within an hour, we were seated at a table in Cafe De La Paix.

As always, we were surrounded by the same well dressed crowd that was always here.

That didn't matter though. Today, we were having celebratory drinks.

"So, you're officially in the club now." Matt sipped on his tea, grinning from ear to ear. "So, the plan is a go?"

"Fuck, yeah." I leaned back in my chair, enjoying the feeling of success.

Now that I was in, I can begin making my moves on Quinn. All I needed to do was rope one more person into the deal.

If I get a loan and I accept Quinn's money, I still won't have enough. I needed someone to help with the remaining funds.

That way, I can make sure the venture has enough to get off the ground even if I fail to seduce Quinn.

I wouldn't fail though. But it was better to plan for failure than to fail without a plan.

"This reminds me of those celebratory drinks with Mila we never got to take." Matt said.

"Oh, that." I laughed, remembering the incident. The guy who wrecked my car was probably sober now. If he wasn't, nothing on earth can save him.

"At least, I scored a second date with Riley." Matt grinned.

"Who?" I frowned.

"Mila's friend from that day." He explained. "We recently got together for a date. I've got a second date lined up. Hopefully it ends at my place. Or hers." He shrugged.

"That's great, dude." I grinned, lifting my cup of coffee. "To success."

"To success." We clinked cups and drank.

"Nico?"

I turned to see Noah standing near our table. 

"Noah, my man!" I greeted as he walked closer to us.

I stood and we clasped hands, bumping shoulders. "What are you doing here?" I asked before laughing. "Stupid question. This is good timing. Come join us for a drink."

"Don't mind if I do." Noah said with a grin, pulling up a chair. "Congrats on getting in, Nico. Not that I ever had any doubt."

Figures that he'd have heard about it.

"Thanks, man." I grinned. "Appreciate the help."

Noah waved off the compliment. "Mila did most of the work, but glad to see it all come together."

He turned to Matt, giving him a nod. "And you must be Matt. Nico's told me about you."

Matt grinned, extending his hand. "Guilty as charged. Nice to finally meet you."

Noah shook his hand, then leaned back as the drinks arrived. He took a sip, glancing between Matt and me.

"So, what's next? Now that you've officially joined the club, how's the project shaping up?"

Of course, I'd told Noah about the project. I hadn't mentioned anything related to Quinn though.

Hopefully, I can rope him in as the third partner.

I smiled at his question, projecting confidence. "Gray's working on the details. It's coming along quite nicely. I'll show you the details later."

"Alright." Noah nodded.

"Speaking of things moving along… how's it going with Mila?" I asked. "Any progress there?"

I needed someone to take Mila off the board. That way, I can chase after Quinn without any unresolved romantic attachments.

All I had was five years or I would be wiped from existence. I needed to be able to seize every opportunity I can.

"Not much, to be honest." Noah chuckled, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. "I've been trying to figure out the right way to approach it, but she's been pretty focused on her brand lately."

Matt raised an eyebrow, not one to be left out. "You like Mila?"

Noah glanced at me before giving a small nod. "Yeah, for a while now. Just haven't found the right time to make a move."

I leaned forward slightly, offering a supportive grin. 

"Look, man, you've got nothing to lose by asking her out. She already trusts you, and you've known each other for longer than most. What's the worst that could happen?"

Noah sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, I know. It's just… complicated, you know? I don't want to screw things up between us."

"I get it." I nodded, understanding his hesitation. "But sometimes you have to take a risk." 

Please take the risk for my sake.

"Besides, if anyone's got a shot, it's you. Mila respects you, and you're already in her circle. Just be yourself."

Matt chimed in, smirking. "Nico's right. Worst case, she says no, and you two stay friends. Best case? You get the girl."

Noah chuckled again, this time more genuine. "You two make it sound so simple."

"It is simple." I said. "You've just got to stop overthinking it. Make a plan and go for it."

Noah nodded at my words. "You know what? You might be right. Maybe I've been dragging my feet for no reason."

Matt grinned, raising his cup. "There you go. Now let's drink to Noah's next big move."

"Fuck yeah."