chapter 120
Alec’s point of view.
It was my weekend off, and I was looking forward to some uninterrupted time with Alana. She had only returned from the bachelorette party yesterday, but our plans for a quiet weekend were derailed by the impending bachelor party. In retrospect, I scolded myself for not coordinating the events better to allow for some overlap. Now, I would have to settle for seeing her again on Monday.
Despite my desire to spend quality time with Alana, my attention was drawn to Sean and Killian, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. Sean, still adjusting to the reality of having our own private jet, was sharing his past experiences in New York.
“You’ve been to New York before, right?” Killian inquired, raising his glass.
“Yeah, but it was while I was undercover. I saw the dirtiest and weirdest places,” Sean replied, shaking his head at the memories.
Killian, always the affable one, reassured him, “Don’t worry buddy, we’ll give you some better memories.”
I couldn't help but smile at their banter. Sean was part of our extended circle now, but it still felt a bit unfamiliar to me. Unlike the seamless integration of Alana and Izabel into our close-knit group, I found myself navigating a new dynamic with Sean, whom I had known in a different capacity during his undercover days. I harbored no ill feelings; it was just a matter of adjusting to the expansion of our circle.
As the evening progressed, I realized that Sean was a good man to Ryan, and that fact alone was significant to me. While I had grown used to a smaller, more intimate group, I appreciated the importance of embracing new connections and friendships. Sean's presence was a reminder that relationships evolve, and expanding our circle could lead to unexpected joys and shared adventures.
I chuckled at Sean's jest, realizing that, indeed, this gathering was an opportunity to forge new memories and strengthen the bonds that tie us together. He meant a lot to Ryan which meant he meant a lot to us too.
"Did you manage to arrange the thing I asked for?" Killian's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
I couldn't help but grin at his enthusiasm. Killian had a penchant for precision and a checklist for every occasion. His three desires for the weekend were clear: a whiskey tasting at an exclusive club, a night-time boat cruise—a long-standing personal wish of mine—and an unexpected twist, an escape room. The last one was a bit surprising, but Killian explained it was for Sean, followed by a round of golf, a nod to Sean's interests that I hadn't fully grasped yet.
"Yep, tonight we're headed to Elysium Society for whiskey tasting and fancy cigars," I recalled, pulling out my phone to check the detailed itinerary. Killian's usual role as the planner seemed to be causing him some mild distress, so I decided to put his mind at ease.
"Tomorrow, we recover from the whiskey indulgence, and at night, we set sail on the cruise," I continued scrolling, and just as I did, a notification confirmed the plans for day three.
"Day three is confirmed. We'll tackle an escape room and cap off the day with some golf," I announced, pocketing my phone. The idea of an escape room seemed to catch Sean off guard, and he expressed his surprise with a slight frown.
"An escape room?" Sean questioned, a hint of skepticism in his tone.
Killian, ever nonchalant, responded, "Yeah, seems like something you'd be good at with your job and all. Figuring shit out, detective-y stuff."
"I'm a special agent; that's far more than a detective—never mind," Sean began to clarify, but seeing that Killian was unbothered by the distinction, he chuckled and shook his head, letting the matter drop.
"I can't wait for the fun to begin," I interjected, shifting the focus away from job titles and toward the exciting weekend ahead. This wasn't my typical weekend, but it promised to be an exhilarating one. Given my recent success in closing a multi-million-dollar deal, it seemed fitting to double this weekend as a celebration. The prospect of enjoying these activities with friends added an extra layer of joy to the mix, making the weekend ahead something to truly look forward to.
***
We settled into the opulent penthouse, a prelude to an evening that promised both luxury and exclusivity. The air buzzed with anticipation as we reconvened, each of us impeccably suited up, a testament to the formality Elysium Society demanded. I couldn't help but marvel at the transformation; even Sean, whose inclusion required a bit of maneuvering, looked every bit the part.
Getting Sean into Elysium Society had been no small feat. Membership alone was a process that typically took time, but given the urgency of the occasion, we expedited the formalities. This evening marked Sean's inaugural entry into the exclusive realm, and I hoped it would be a memorable one.
As I emerged from my room, I caught Killian by the floor-length mirror in the living room, engrossed in snapping pictures.
"Seriously?" I quipped, adjusting the straps of my watch. I had chosen Richard's watch, a sentimental piece that held significance for both of us.
"It's only fair. They bombarded us with photos in their bikinis," Killian defended, a mischievous grin playing on his face. I reluctantly conceded, realizing he might have a point. Alana had made it a point to share tantalizing pictures of her new bikinis, and this was my chance to level the playing field.
"Sure, fine," I acquiesced, and Sean, with his usual charm, couldn't resist a tease.
"Come on then, show me how you one-percenters spend your usual nights," he goaded, running his fingers through his impeccably styled hair.
"Usually at home, watching a crime show with my wife. This is a rare occasion," I confessed, unabashedly recalling my typical evenings. There was no shame in admitting that I relished the simple pleasures of a quiet night with Alana.
"Don't ruin the image I have," Sean laughed, shaking his head. It seemed my revelation didn't align with the glamorous image he might have envisioned.
As we entered the elevator, Killian couldn't resist slipping in a business pitch. "You know, if you invested with us, you could easily grow to become one of us." The allure of financial prosperity was always a persuasive argument.
"Do you ever not work?" I quizzed Killian, half in jest.
"I'm always working. You're a very demanding boss," he retorted with a chuckle, and I responded with a playful flip of the middle finger. The elevator doors closed behind us, ushering in a night that held the promise of sophistication.
***
When we stepped into Elysium Society, it only took me a few minutes to feel right at home. Months had passed since my last visit, and the allure of the place remained intact. The ambiance was filled with the clinking of glasses, the waft of premium cigars, and the murmur of conversations. Chess games and card tables added to the sophisticated atmosphere.
We settled into our chosen spot, already being served the finest whiskey. After a couple of rounds, we joined a poker game, facing off against a well-known tech genius and a philanthropist. The game kicked off at a leisurely pace, initially appearing bleak for Sean. However, it turned out he had been playing his cards close to his chest. Towards the end, he cleaned out everyone's money, including half of mine. Recognizing the right moment to bow out, I decided to end the game. It was a skill, knowing when to step away, and I had learned it well.
The first night unfolded at a relaxed pace, gradually taking an unexpected turn, ending up as a fantastic evening. So fantastic that the next morning found us all nursing hangovers and groaning until we finally indulged in our coffees around 2 PM. Fortunately, our day was open, allowing us enough time to come to terms with reality before embarking on a night cruise to revel in New York's lights.
Saturday arrived, and we left the house promptly for the cruise. It was a decision I didn't regret. As I admired the breathtaking view and felt the cool night breeze, I realized this experience was far more soothing than the previous night's escapades. Tomorrow, however, promised a mental challenge.
"It's so beautiful out here. I'm surprised we never enjoyed this before," Killian remarked as he settled next to me.
"It is. I suppose we were too focused on work to go out," I replied, acknowledging a past oversight. Since getting married, I have made a conscious effort to savor the little joys in life.
"So, golf tomorrow. I assume you two know how to play?" Sean inquired, a competitive glint in his eyes. I opted for a casual nod and a small shrug, not wanting to reveal that I played regularly with my father-in-law at the fancy club.
"How hard can it really be?" Killian dismissed confidently. Sean and I exchanged a knowing look, sharing a smirk. Tomorrow promised a fun challenge, watching Killian's ego take a hit.
"More importantly, are you ready for the escape room tomorrow? It's history-based," I changed the subject, smiling at Killian. History wasn't his forte.
"I knew that, which is why I've brushed up on history. I hope you guys don't mind if I solve too many clues. Let me know if it's hurting your brain," he winked.
Now, I was genuinely excited for tomorrow, certain that it would be just as amazing as today had been.