Congratulations (Part 2)

It was the perfect fall day. The leaves have been changing for a while now. Vibrant red, orange, and yellow painted the side of Route 1, just outside of Philly. Nick took the Neshaminy Mall exit. They stop by the "Mexican Shenanigans" place on the outside of the mall. The place was kinda cheesy, but they made excellent Margaritas. Before they knew it, two hours of laughing over drinks and tacos went by. It was 4pm and he hadn't accomplished anything yet.

"So, there is a laser tag arena around the block." Nick suggests. Dinah becomes enthusiastic about it, so they go. While there, they play on the same team. Its fun, but they lose, hard, to some teenagers who clearly play there everyday. When they leave, Dinah asks what Nick wants of them today. "It's a bit of everything, but I'd like to get started on that too. I'd like to get some nice new clothes. I could use your input?" Dinah's face lit up!

"Finally! You look like your grandparents dress you." Came out of Steve's mouth immediately.

"Harsh, but not far from the truth." Dinah tosses out there.

"More like I just let my ex wife dress me. This has been a long time coming, I just never had my own money for a new wardrobe before." Nick admits. Dinah was happy, "Any good makeover montage music you'd like to hear?" she giggles. Nick's eyebrow raises. "Don't say it, Nick!" came from Steve's pie hole. Nick says, "I'm too sexy, by Right Said Fred?" Steve yells, "Ahhh he said it, Jesus. Dinah, you were right, he is a fucking cliche."

***

One store after another through the area, they travel, after each stop, many bags of clothes are put into his Bentley. Suits, casuals, he got it all. A whole new wardrobe populates the trunk of his new car.

The last stop for the shopping length of the trip, was one of those seasonal Halloween stores. Each of them got costumes, Nick paid for them all. Of course, Steve chose Thor with Stormbreaker, to look like "Grapes" and make fun of him. Dinah was really feeling good in the deluxe version of the Black Panther, Shuri was going to be an easy roll for her to step into. Nick on the other hand, went all out and got the $400 Captain America costume with Shield, as well as a Mjolnir for himself.

Dinah eventually suggests a new haircut, which he also gets done, by the time one would hear, "I'm too sexy for this song."

***

Next stop, the Oxford Valley Mall. Just as it is getting dark, they make it to the card store, on the outside of the mall. There, he bought his way back into their favorite game. Bought like baseball cards, there were rares and uncommon cards, as well as all sorts of commons, so some were worth more than others, even before discussing it's play value. Nick likes the owner, he is a good guy, and loyal to his customers. If Nick wasn't rich now, he could ask for a discount on the large purchase of 3 of each box of cards in the current tournament environment; totaling 15 boxes at $120 each was standard retail. He would have gotten a discount if he asked, but Nick was happy to make this guy's sales pop for the week. There were also many land cards for the game, which produced multiple colors of magic energy to power the game's moves. He bought most of them out as well. In total, Nick drops two grand on his favorite game, just because he can, almost as much as he spent on clothes. Nick now has about 90% of what he needs to get back into competitive play. The rest he will get through online sellers.

Nick's friends were hungry again, so they decide to go to Perkins. It was on the way home, and it was their old stomping grounds. 25 years ago, the game had first been released, and a young band of college students would gather here to eat, drink, and be merry, while pretending to be great wizards and smashing the face of one's enemies. Really it was all math, but the fantasy, added to the games. Back in those days, the manager of the Perkins, played, as did his brother. So Nick and his circle of friends would go when he worked, over nights, and play until dawn.

So tonight, 3 grand wizards descend upon this realm, with their new stash of spells. They open all the packs and sort them over the course of the meal. Afterwards, they order coffee and deserts while playing games for hours.

The good feelings of nostalgia that Nick left his friends with, was sincerely appreciated, and they told him so when he drops them off at home at the end of the night. Nick's life was being rebuilt more and more each day.

Most of his cuts have healed from the accident, and there was even a settlement to come, which he didn't even need. He will take it and donate that money to charity in thanks for his life being spared.