Chapter 11

He really wished he could be anywhere in the world but here. It had been his father's suggestion for him to have a meeting with Nicholas Thompson to lure him in since he possessed knowledge that could potentially lead to more profit for the company. Though Jack was never one to indulge in the idea of having to kiss someone's ass, he'd have to for the sake of the company.

So, there he was nursing a simple beverage listening with mild interest as Nicholas unveiled details about his latest trip to the Alps with one of his mistresses. It wasn't so much the details that put him off but how unashamed the man seemed about his seemingly low level of morality. Nicholas came from a wealthy family, he met Jacks father, Thomas when they were in boarding school and were inseparable since. Married to a doctor by the name of Jasmine, a woman who worked gruelling hours to run one of the best hospitals in the city on the outside they seemed to have the perfect marriage. However, perfection is only an illusion, a mist created to hide the ugly dents that came in the form of mistresses and endless lies.

"How did the date with my daughter go?"

Jack looked up in surprise at the unexpected change in conversation and quickly sobered up to answer as best he could." Uh... i-it was good," he replied keeping a level gaze with the father hoping nothing in his eyes revealed he was lying.

Nicholas narrowed his eyes on him, nit-picking him in a way that made hum uncomfortable and just when he thought he'd messed up the simple task of being untruthful, the older man patted his back lightly," Good. It's always been my goal to ensure my children gain the best in life. From the best schools right down to whom they..." he paused looking at him directly," end up with."

"Right... "Jack cleared his throat leaning back in his seat," so have you thought about our offer?"

Placing his drink on the table the man leaned forward as if intending to tell him a secret, but Jack immediately felt disappointed once Thompson mumbled," You're going to see her again, right?" There was an edginess to it that already let Jack know that thought it came in the form of a question- it really wasn't. Mr Thompson didn't seem like the type to ask. "Despite how some empires seem strong... " he continued still watching Jack carefully with an expression that was hard to detect," you'll come to find that the foundation is built based on weakness and can easily fall. We want to see empires prevail, don't we?" he concluded.

In as much as he wanted to say no and leave, Jack wasn't stupid or willing to gamble with the possibilities of getting on his bad side given his statement that made him feel uneasy. Swallowing the bad crippling feeling down his throat he begrudgingly said," Yes." The wide smile that spread across his face annoyed Jack and once Mr Thompson left promising to get back to him on the deal, he was just about ready to go home and forget this night ever happened.

Unfortunately, it seemed fate wasn't done with him yet for just as he was about to collect his coat, he froze the second he heard his name being called. Closing his eyes wondering what he had ever done to deserve this he turned in his seat with a faux smile at the sight of Lucille and Stanley, his old friend. Although she fit society's standards of pretty, it hurt him to admit she looked amazing. And seeing Stanley's arm wrapped snuggly around her waist was another stab to his body at the harsh reminder of how they wound up together.

"How you been? It's so good to see you, Jacki- I mean... " she caught herself before saying the little nickname she used to call him and instead said," Jack." She smiled gently and though Jack internally cursed her for what she did he was mature enough to maintain a level of decency even though he had caught the slip up. He hated that nickname now.

"I've been well. Just... been alone for the past year," was the answer at the tip of his tongue instead he said, "Been dealing with work and- Oscar's back in town, so..." he trailed off unsure of what to say next. Stanley had yet to say anything and given how they ended their friendship on a sour note Jack was grateful for that.

"Well... it was good to see you," she replied smiling awkwardly. And as she walked off with another man, Jack felt the pain- all the memories rush back like a flash flood. It killed him seeing her smile and look so happy without him.

He couldn't help but wonder how he had missed it. And the fact that waiting for him was a cold, empty space of silence made him gesture to the bartender and order a drink.

It would be the first of many to dim the pain inside him...

***

Erica had been avoiding him for quite some time now. It was childish admittedly, but she had yet to find the courage to face him. Fortunately, he had yet to make an appearance at the lounge.

Taking a seat in front of the window she took a sip of her warm tea stretching her legs. Sabrina was working late, and it was on nights like these she appreciated. It was quiet, serene and a gentle breeze from the window swept past her gently calming her instantly.

The moon shone bright, and Erica often found herself inspired to write songs. Such that as she flipped through her notepad, she giggled lightly at the old lyrics she wrote back in her adolescence. Some were corny whilst others were terrible given her lack of inexperience back then.

As she turned to a blank page her hand grabbed a pen wondering what she was in the mood to talk about. Looking up outside her eyes momentarily focused on a stray cat leisurely moving across the street, just when her gaze was about to shift away, she catches sight of the cat moving towards a figure hunched on the steps.

She would've laughed at the way the figure waved away the animal if the light from the streetlamp didn't reveal the very person was Jack. Perking up in her seat she watched on perplexed blinking a few times wondering if what she was witnessing was the result of how often her thoughts included him.

But the second he shifted forward and lost his balance she knew she wasn't dreaming and without much thought she put on her robe and headed outside.

The least she could do was ask him if he was fine and the last thing, she'd want to do is allow him out alone like that.

Stepping outside as she neared him, she moved cautiously towards his profile," Hey... Jack?" she called lightly to not startle him.

He looked up at her, after seeing Lucille he lost count of the number of drinks he had. And he had stumbled out of the bar without any destination in mind. So much so when he looked up to find Erica's dark eyes on him, he sat up convinced she was a fabrication of his imagination.

"H-Hey angel- g-goooood you look good," he slurred. Erica's brow lifted in question and the lop-sided grin he wore led her to draw the conclusion he was drunk. She briefly glanced at her apartment building wondering if this was a good idea. But her conscious would never forgive her for leaving him outside in such a condition especially if someone was to try take advantage of him.

"Okay... let's get you up," she murmured leaning forward to help him to his feet. It took some time for him to stand without stumbling back but once she threw his arm around her body, he sunk more of his weight onto her. And she nearly stumbled back caught off guard by his weight. He had quite a large stature such that as they moved towards the building it took a lot of strength on her part to ensure they'd both not fall on the ground.

"Ohh, Lucille," he groaned," youuu l-left me," he hiccupped and though Erica was focused on getting inside her ears involuntarily perked up at the mention of the name. Even in his intoxicated state there was no masking the anguish in his voice. Whoever this woman was, Erica guessed was the reason for why he was acting like this and as they passed the threshold of the apartment, she led him straight to her room.

The last thing she wanted was for Sabrina to make a fuss over this. He nearly tripped on the carpet in her room before he landed on her bed," Hmmm... " he moaned stretching his body on her bed. She released a heavy sigh wondering how this night had changed so drastically. The person she had been avoiding was now in her home and in her bed!

"Right, this is... all going to be over soon," she mumbled lowly to herself. And as if a light switch went off he bolted up from the bed looking frantically around her room," BATHROOM!" he yelled. She jumped on the spot immediately pointing to the door.

"Down the hall," she quickly replied watching him with uncertainty as he ran out of the room down the hall. Following tentatively behind him it's not long before she heard him puking.

"God, this is going to be a long night," she muttered rubbing the side of her temples only to square her shoulders marching towards the bathroom.