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I throw my hand in the air. “If it’s low, do it,” I say.
Obviously.What planet is he on?
Chris and Ben exchange those familiar knowing glances. They've known me for years, and my gruff, irritable dispositionis no surprise to them. They may not always appreciate my attitude, but they've come to accept it and leave me be.
“Okay, understood,” Nathan says, suddenly eager to return to my yacht. He turns on his heel and begins to walk off of Ben’s. “I'll get to it, sir,” he adds.
As Nathan departs, I take a sip of my whiskey, the rich flavor warming me from the inside.
Chris, with a wry smile, raises his glass. “You never change, Alex. Still the same old grump.”
Ben chuckles and adds, “But we wouldn't have it any other way.”
I grumble in response, a half-hearted protest, but the tension from earlier begins to dissipate.
Chris grins and raises an eyebrow, nodding toward the lights. “I gotta say, these lights are impressive. Bright enough to satisfy even Ben's party cravings.”
Ben smirks. “You've outdone yourself, man,” he says. “These lights are fantastic.”
“Thanks,” I say. “They’re ultra-brights, meaning that they shine three times brighter than other bulbs. At least, that’s what I was told.”
“Very good taste,” Ben comments.
I grin, a hint of pride in my voice. “Well, you know me. Always looking for a way to add to the luxury.”
I gaze out at the marina, my eyes squinting against the overwhelming brightness of the lights. Despite the admiration from my friends, I start to feel a slight discomfort as the intense illumination pierces through the darkness of the night. The lights’ intensity is more than I anticipated.
“You know,” Chris says, “My sister would absolutely have a heart attack at the sight of these lights. She’s so into the environment and all, she'd have a fit.”
“Eh, whatever,” Ben replies. “If Alex pays for the lights, it’s his right to use the lights.”
Ben grins, and Chris nods in agreement. They continue their banter, discussing the bright lights and the upcoming party schedule, but my mind lingers on the unexpected tinge of remorse creeping in.
Wait, I pause,since when do I feel remorse?
As the night deepens and the marina's bright lights continue to shine, I can't help but think about Emily. Her passion for environmental issues crosses my mind, and I imagine what she might say if she were here now, witnessing the brilliance of these lights. A stab of guilt tugs at the edges of my thoughts, but I quickly brush it aside, reminding myself that these lights were chosen for a reason.
Get a grip, man, I tell myself.It’s not like she’s your girl.
Chapter eleven
Emily
“Think you can catch this one?” Lily laughs as she aims carefully and flicks a piece of popcorn toward me.
We are perched on our cozy couch, an oversized bowl of popcorn resting between us.
I smirk, feeling my competitive spirit emerging.
“You bet!” I open my mouth wide, ready for the incoming snack.
The popcorn kernel sails through the air, and I deftly catch it in my mouth. I cheer in triumph, pumping my fist.
“Alright, Em, watch and learn!” Lily grins mischievously as she positions herself, ready to catch her own piece. Her purple hair sways over her shoulder as she gets into position.
I chuckle. “Okay, show me what you've got!”
With careful aim, I flick the popcorn gently towards Lily. She opens wide, ready for the challenge. The popcorn lands perfectly, right in her mouth, and she lets out a triumphant cheer.
