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“I don’t know how Jay can stomach this without a peep,” I said and put the glass down.
“Me too, but desperate times…” He filled another glass.
“You sure?”
“I’m not planning on getting hammered, but I need more than your words of encouragement to chill.”
“All right. Oh, almost forgot about the cake. I hope it didn’t melt.”
“Cake?”
I took it out carefully from the bag. It was rounded and not very big, but it was from the best bakery I knew, which happened to be the most expensive bakery I knew. At least it survived the drive in one piece.
“For Chris’s birthday,” I said.
“The one he didn’t invite you to?”
I made a face and went to put the cake in the fridge. “He mentioned he didn’t get the cake he likes, and I happened to pass by a bakery.”
Anthony crossed his arms. “I don’t think you and Jay are on the same page on how things are supposed to go tonight.”
That made me pause. “I thought you didn’t know what he’s planning.”
“I don’t, but I’m pretty sure a birthday cake isn’t part of the overall vibe.”
“It’s a little cake, Ant. I’m allowed to do things that aren’t aligned with Jay’s secret vibe.”
He nodded and looked away. “You’re right. I’m just nervous.”
We moved to sit on the couch. From the big glass door leading to the garden, I could see more gray clouds taking over the sky. The growing wind was already creating waves across the lake. I didn’t like the thought of Jay driving up the mountain in these conditions, yet even a tornado wouldn’t stop him from coming.
“How’s work?” I asked, needing the distraction while we waited for Chris to show up. “All done with the gazebo?”
“Yep, finished yesterday. Didn’t you see it on Instagram?”
“You know I’m keeping my distance from social media these days.”
“Your loss. My page has over two hundred followers.”
I knew enough about social media to tell that wasn’t a lot, but I still made sure to look impressed.
“Anyway, the owners loved the gazebo,” Anthony said.
“You’re looking to expand? Hire more people?”
“I have my three regulars, and I’d rather not take unnecessary risks at the moment by hiring more.”
I nodded. “Yeah, it’s probably wise to keep the risk down. I should have done the same.” My startup had gone from having four employees to forty in less than a year once we got our first major investor. It was such a dumb call when I thought about it now.
Anthony gave me a sympathetic look. “You’re always so hard on yourself. You had to take that risk, or you would’ve wonderedwhat if?for the rest of your life. And it was you who gave me the courage to open my own business, remember? All those motivational talks finally trickled into that thick head of mine.”
“God, I was so full of myself.”
“You cared.”
“Yeah, I cared, but I also dug the sound of my own voice. I handed out advice like Willy Wonka with chocolate.”
Anthony looked troubled. “Oh no.”
