Chapter 8: Brain Storm

“May the best man win,” Ricky said, flashing a billion dollar smile to his lifelong friends.

“I certainly will, since I’m the one with the most game of you two,” Don countered, confident in his belief that Laura, the object of their affection, would pick him, a bona fide ladies’ man.

“Hey, don’t leave me out. I breathe, live, and write romance for a living, remember?” Alex piped up.

While playing basketball together, the guys had been talking trash about their friendly competition among themselves to win Laura’s heart. Each was confident. Each could be creative. Each was a billionaire. Each was determined to impress Laura with their wealth and influence, winning her heart in the end. Money may not buy happiness but it certainly did not hurt to sweeten the pot when attracted to a lovely lady like Laura.

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Later on, at the diner over burgers and shakes, they shared their crazy yet oddly attractive plans of how they might woo her.

Alex started off with how he would impress Laura. “Well, like I said, romance is my business. 90% of my readership and movie viewers are women seeking romance. I don’t mean to brag, but I think I know what she might like. This is especially true since Laura and I have spent the most time together, one on one, communicating and interacting.”

“Interacting?” Don teased. “Is that what they are calling it these days?” he chuckled at his lifelong friend, who was speaking up, and by doing so, showing a somewhat different side of his usually quiet and introspective self. For the first time Don could recall, Alex was assuming the role as an emerging romantic lead and not just an introverted and pensive supporting character.

“Ha. Ha. Ha. Very funny,” Alex responded.

“Okay, player, how would you win Laura, since money is no object?” Don pushed.

“This ought to be interesting,” Ricky said, also suddenly seeing the possibility that Alex could provide some stiff competition.

“Well, I would take her to Hollywood, California.” Alex began. “When we got there, I would escort her onto a private movie set dedicated to romancing Laura. I would include a replica of the cafe where we first met. Lastly, I would invite her to be my one and only, my true love, my leading lady in our own blockbuster life.”

“Okay, okay, a little over the top, but I think that I can up the ante a little bit, if that is what it takes.” Don began. “Laura is an amazing woman, true, but no women are able to resist the charms and attention that a date with the “Don Juan” would create. Watch out, brothers, and see if you can match this.”

“Whatcha got?” Ricky prodded him.

“I would wine and dine her,” Don replied.

“That’s it?” Alex asked, starting to feel as though he was about to take the lead in the contest for Laura’s love.

“In PARIS, FRANCE,” Don exclaimed. “Yes, I would wine her and dine her, but in Paris, France. She would have all of the finest transportation, food, dress, and opportunities to stay in and see all the city had to offer. I would make sure to anticipate and fulfill her every desire. From five star Michelin guide restaurants, shopping on the Champs Elysees to going to the top of the Eiffel Tower.”

“Okay, we get your point. Limo, shopping, eat, tour, rest. You are wining and dining her in the world’s most romantic city. But you cannot just offer a cookie cutter experience for a woman like Laura. It has to be as tailor made as a fine, French couture dress,” Alex maintained.

“I’m inclined to agree, Don Juan. Laura’s uniqueness makes her a rare catch. I think I know what would capture her heart AND her mind,” Ricky bragged.

“Really?” Don questioned, ready to disagree with both of them and a little upset that he did not get to finish his plans for a “money is no object” date with Laura. He hated to admit it, but the guys were right. He had planned similar dates with women he wanted to impress. Maybe he had out Don Juaned himself with his fast paced love lifestyle.

“Really,” Ricky calmly and confidently replied. “Watch and learn, brothers. You have thrown experiences at her hoping they would latch on and hold. She is a unique person, a talented individual, and a delightful lady. Both of your scenarios with her left one factor lacking. I think my date would leave a lasting impression on her.”

“Do tell.” Alex leaned in a little more to pay full attention to Ricky.

“I would arrange for her to play first chair at the local symphony she is a part of, where the conductor would have featured and arranged the music she composed, not just for a string quartet, but for the entire symphony. Afterwards, everyone would know her name, but I would be forever etched in her mind as her biggest supporter and she would love me alone, uniquely, and best of all of you for being the man responsible for making her dreams come true and respectful of her career as a cellist. Then I would ask her if I could be the man who makes her dreams come true for the rest of her life, not as a duty, but my pleasure.”

“Okay, that’s not a “money is no object” thing.” Don said dismissively.

“Yeah, Ricky. With your influence in this city and your current wealth and worth, you could do all of that now. Your firm underwrites the symphony, so it would only take a phone call to make this dream happen,” Alex said with new realization and a growing understanding of his dear friend’s’ intention.

Both Alex and Don had been heavy on the romance and light on the realistic influence. That was the one factor that was lacking. Don and Alex had brainstormed. Ricky had rained reality. Now he knew how his opponents thought and came up with a strategy to beat them at their own romantic game.

“Exactly. So watch out, brothers, I play to win,” Ricky declared.