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“Sure man. Let’s head upstairs.”
“Alright.” He turns to face Charlotte, leaning in to kiss her cheek, a tongue-in-cheek gesture which has me riled up momentarily. “Can you spare me a minute, Charlotte? It won't take long I promise.”
Charlotte flashes a coy smile, “Sure thing, Dean. Have fun.” She winks at me as she walks away and I can’t help staring at her a little longer than usual. It’s nothing special. She’s just really pretty. It’s a fact, no need to dwell on it. It’s no big deal. I’m sure I’ll find someone else to spend my night with at this party sooner or later.
Dean and I walk through the hallway towards the stairs, Dean talking a mile a minute as I nod along and attempt to focus. Eventually, we’re out of the main hall and descending some steps leading up to a private area.
“I must say man, each time we meet, you don’t cease to amaze me.” Dean mutters, settling into the plush sofa in my workroom office. I walk over to join him.
“Well, what can I say? The decision to leave the Navy wasn’t so bad after all.”
He smirks. “There was no decision. You were crippled. Barely made it out of Rhode Island with your head on your neck.”
I laugh at the reminder and nod. “True enough. I’m not sparing another second. How did you end up with a lady like Charlotte?”
His smirk turns into a grin, and I swear I can see the lightbulb over my head light up behind his irises. “Relax man. We’re nothing serious. She’s been a long time friend. When she heard I got an invite to your grand opening, she begged to come with me. You’re quite the celeb now, you know?”
I shake my head incredulously. “Yeah yeah, whatever man. That means I won’t be breaking the bro code if I ask her out. Will I?”
He gives me a serious look, “I’ll make sure you’re on a lifetime of bed rest if you go anywhere near her.”
I chuckle, “Relax. I hear you loud and clear. Pretty sure there’s one hottie out there reserved for just me.”
“Until you find her, hands off mine.”
I give a playful shove with my elbow. “Whatever. Now, tell me how things have been with you. How’s the Navy?”
We talk and chatter away for what seems like hours about everything and anything. I had almost forgotten what it feels like to talk and laugh with someone. I guess I didn’t realize how much I missed this until today. Dean’s gotten a promotion. Some of our friends from back then are now married. All in all, I’m happy for him and it’s great seeing how much has changed since I last saw him over six months ago.
I stand, walking over to the refrigerator at the other end of the office before pulling out two glasses and a bottle of Scotch that I had been saving for a special occasion. I pour us each a drink and hand Dean his glass.
“It’s hard keeping up with my schedule these days. Who knew being rich and famous could be this difficult?” I admit as I take the first sip.
Dean grunts as he takes a swig out of his glass. “Macallan? Wow. This tastes heavenly and it’s fucking expensive.”
I shrug. “Showoff. I see you still got a thing for your beverages?”
“What can I say? A good man should know two things. How to make money and good Scotch.”
“How’s the first going for you?”
He gives me a friendly jab on my shoulder. “You’re looking at a Lieutenant of the United States Navy. Show some respect.”
“That’s amazing brother! Cheers again!” We both clink our glasses.
I smile as I take another mouthful of my single malt, and watch as Dean takes a deep inhale of his own drink. “You were saying something?” He asks, raising a knowing eyebrow.
“Nothing serious. I just have a hard time these days keeping up with my schedules. So many invitations to attend, I forget most of them at times.”
“Have you considered hiring a Personal Assistant then?”
I shake my head. “Never thought of it. But it sounds like a good idea.”
He seems to consider it for a second before nodding slowly and taking another sip of his drink. “You should get one then, and I have a really good candidate for the role.”
“Who?”
“My sister.”
