The Usual Routine
Chapter 1:
Aiden:
I sifted through the stack of emails on my screen, carefully checking for any errors or overlooked details. Maria, my assistant, was incredibly efficient, but I preferred to double-check her work. Not because I didn't trust her, but because I hated the idea of putting too much pressure on her. She already managed so much, and I valued her enough to make her life a little easier when I could.
My phone buzzed on my desk, snapping me out of my focus. The name flashing on the screen: Cole.
"Hey man, we're meeting up tonight at the club," Cole's voice came through loud and clear, his energy infectious as always. "You in or not?"
I glanced at the time in the corner of my monitor. It was already past six. "Yeah, I guess I need a drink too," I replied, feeling the weight of the week settling on my shoulders.
"Great, dude! Usual time," he said, his excitement apparent even over the phone.
A small smirk tugged at my lips as I hung up. Cole had this way of dragging everyone into his orbit, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed tonight.
Later That Evening – The Club
The music thumped through the walls as I walked into the dimly lit club. It wasn't anything over the top, a cozy spot tucked away from the glitz and glamour of downtown. The kind of place where the bartender knew your drink order and the bouncers greeted you like an old friend.
Cole and Jason were already at our usual table, drinks in hand, laughing about something I must have missed. Cole, with his ever-present charm, was a magnetic force in any room, while Jason exuded the a quiet confidence that made people instantly trust him.
"Look who decided to grace us with his presence," Cole teased as I slid into the booth.
"Traffic," I lied, earning a knowing look from Jason. I wasn't late, but I always found it easier to blame something else when I wasn't in the mood to explain my day.
Tyler was, as always, nowhere to be seen.
"He's late. Again," Jason muttered, taking a sip of his whiskey.
"Of course, he is," I said, shaking my head. "I don't know how he manages to run a multimillion-dollar event management company but can't seem to meet us on time. Priorities, I guess."
Right on cue, the doors swung open, and Tyler walked in with his usual dramatic flair, arms outstretched like he was making an entrance at the Oscars. "You guys are always early. Ever consider I'm just on time?"
"Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that," Cole shot back, grinning.
Tyler slid into the booth beside me, throwing an arm around my shoulder. "Missed me?"
"Not at all," I deadpanned, though a small laugh escaped before I could stop it.
The conversation soon turned to Cole's upcoming trip to California.
"So, you guys are coming, right?" Cole asked, swirling the ice in his drink. "I don't want to attend my brother's wedding alone. You know how my family gets, always trying to set me up with someone 'appropriate.'"
"Don't worry, I'll be there," I said. "Wouldn't miss it."
"Well, we're all coming," Tyler added with a grin. "Can't wait to see Angel."
Cole groaned, rubbing his temples. "You know she has a crush on you, right? It's so embarrassing."
Tyler shrugged. "She's sweet, but she's in high school. I'm twenty-five. Not happening."
"Yeah, tell that to her. The way she turns into a flustered mess around you is... painful to watch."
The conversation carried on, filled with laughter and teasing, as we finalized the details of our trip. The night stretched on until the music faded and the lights dimmed, signalling the club's closing.
By the time we left, the cold night air was a welcome change from the crowded warmth of the club. We said our goodbyes, each of us heading in different directions, but the thought of California lingered in my mind.
It was just supposed to be a wedding. A getaway. A chance to unwind.
I had no idea it would be the start of something that would change everything.
Thank you for reading…
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