Chapter 53

Eric.

Emily and I could hardly keep off each other now that we had marked each other and completed the mating bond. It was an experience like none other for me - being able to sense everything about the other person, their needs and desires, their wants and fears, everything. I couldn’t stop thinking about her throughout the day. It was so hard to concentrate on my work.

But Saturday finally came and it was time for drinks with the guys. I might regret offering to foot the bill, but I knew it was important for all of us to trust each other. And I knew no better way of doing that than bonding over a couple of beers.

I had done a little digging into each of their personal lives so I would have some background I could build off of tonight. I already knew Bruce was expecting, his first too. Ricky was a huge motorcycle buff. Tony, though short, and even shorter tempered, enjoyed paintballing - perhaps his height gave him an advantage. Robert had been a bit difficult to figure out. My initial search didn’t bring up any family or hobbies, but as I dug deeper, I found out he’s actually a sucker for golf.

I had a small gift prepared for each of them that they would find either tonight after drinks or the next morning. Bruce and his wife, with their little baby on the way, would find themselves with a basket full of baby essentials waiting on their doorstep. Tony would find a crate with a new airsoft mask, a modified paintball hauler, and an array of barrel cleaners for his multiple paintball guns. Ricky would receive a new personalized helmet and matching leather jacket. Robert would find a box with a personalized golf trunk organizer filled with personalized balls and tees.

Emily had helped me pick the gifts out. She had a knack for figuring out the best thing to get. I was amazed at how quickly she figured things out too. I asked her to organize the present drop-off as well so I could focus on tonight.

I kissed her fondly before I headed out the door. *She might need Roger, so I’ll take my Ferrari again.* I always loved driving my fast cars, but this one was my favorite - she had been the first sports car I ever owned all by myself. I had her custom-painted to include the lightning bolt. The first time I ever heard her pur, I fell in love. I just had to have her. So I bought her and named her Sapphire Bolt - Sapphire for her blue color, and bolt for her speed.

I took her out and drove all the way to Jimmy’s Pub, parking right in front, where I had my own personal parking spot, sign, and everything. I walked in and Jimmy, the owner and current barkeep, greeted me with a shout and tilting up of his chin. I looked around to see if anyone else had shown up yet, but the only other person I recognized was Tyler. He sat casually against the bar with a drink in his hand - probably whiskey on the rocks. He saluted me with his drink and I sauntered on over, leaning my back on the bar.

“You’re here early,” I commented. “That’s my job.”

We both chuckled.

“Maybe if you weren’t so distracted by your lovely new wife, you would have been here before me,” he jeered playfully.

I laughed and shook my head.

“Seriously, though,” he continued. “You two should make some time for yourselves. Maybe go away on holiday or something. A honeymoon, perhaps.”

I shook my head. “I can’t do that right now with the merger going on. The last thing I need to happen is some sort of rebellion or civil war because I was selfish and left.”

“Do you seriously have that little faith in me?” Tyler asked in mock pain.

“No,” I confessed. “But I’m afraid things are too fragile for me to leave right now.”

“Emily deserves better. She deserves some time away.”

Just then, Ricky, Robert, and Tony walked in, quickly followed by Remy, Kurt, and Lorenzo.

“We’ll finish this later,” Tyler said in a hushed voice.

“Hey!” I called from the bar as they walked in. “Come on over. What will it be?”

As the bartender took their orders, the last two - Lenny and Bruce - walked in.

“Sorry I’m late, boss,” Bruce said. “Wife went into false labor.”

“Just glad you could make it,” I said, holding out my hand. He shook it with a grin and then turned to catch the bartender’s eye.

“What’s your excuse?” I asked light-heartedly as Lenny walked over.

He shrugged. “Just not really my scene. Figured I’d be fashionably late and leave early.” He winked and sat down on a bar stool.

When all the guys had their drinks, we took them over to a booth and sat down, nearly shaking the entire place. I ordered an Old Fashioned before joining them. As I sat down, they were already in a heated discussion about the best car.

Robert and Kurt were fighting for Mustangs, while Lenny, Ricky, and Bruce were all in for Corvettes. Lorenzo contended that Porsches are the best. Tony and Remy argued that the Charger was best overall.

“You're all wrong,” I butt in, taking a sip from my glass. Their chatter paused. “Ferrari blows them all out of the water.”

“In your dreams,” Bruce and Kurt said at the same time, ending in a laugh.

“I guess that sweet blue Ferrari out front is yours then?” Ricky asked.

I nodded.

“Nice ride. Custom paint job?”

“Mhmm.”

“Sweet.”

“Think I could take a test ride sometime? Maybe you could convince me to change my mind about Chevy.”

I shook my head, my mouth moving to the side. “Not that one. She's my baby. But I have another, cherry red, I'd be more than happy to let you try. I'll even race you.” I finished with a wink, taking another sip of my drink.

“I don't doubt you would win. I'm pretty used to driving my Harley, not a sports car.”

“That's fair,” I said with a tilt of my head, my pointer finger coming off the glass.

“I'll race ya, Eric,” Tony piped in. “I bet my Charger can beat your puny Ferrari any day.”

I chuckled. “You're on, my friend. Anyone else in? Or want to wager?”

“Eh, why not?” Lorenzo said. “My Porsche will blow you out of the water!”

“My money's on Tony,” Remy piped in.

“How bout you, Robert? Bruce? Care to wager?” I asked.

“No way, boss. The missus would kill me,” he said with a laugh.

“Might as well put my money on you. If I can't bet on a Mustang, Ferrari is my next bet,” Robert said with a shrug.

The corner of my mouth lifted in a half-grin. I held my fist out and Robert bumped it.

“I won't let you down,” I said with a wink.

“How's next Saturday?” Remy suggested. “A week to prepare.”

“I need at least two,” I said.

“Why? So you can trade your Ferrari in for something better?” Kurt joked, earning a laugh around the table.

“Fine. Two weeks. Out past the old mine, perhaps?”

I nodded. “Sounds fine to me. I assume you all know the location?”

Everyone nodded.

“Eight o'clock sharp. You snooze, you literally lose,” I said with a wink.

I flagged down a waiter and asked for another drink. Tonight was still young and it was already off to a great start.