Chapter 18 No Women Tonight
The door to the private room swung open again, revealing a tall figure in a black suit and shoes, reeking of alcohol.
Christian Brin ended his call and effortlessly found his way to his usual spot, the short sofa on the right. An attendant came in and softly asked what he needed as he helped him off with his jacket.
“Just looking for some peace today,” Christian said.
Meaning, no women.
The attendant nodded, respecting his wishes, and silently left the room.
Hayden was busy as ever, hands wandering over the women, joking, “Worn out? Not in the mood? It's rare to see you turn down the company of ladies.”
Christian loosened his tie and slumped onto the sofa, an arm propped up, flashing a silver watchband and the face of a Vacheron Constantin. Even the air of luxury he wore couldn't mask his exhaustion, “Damn it, nearly got pickled by those old coots tonight.”
Damian exhaled a cool breath of disdain, “These past couple of years have been rough for the entertainment industry. Celebrities aren’t cutting it; looks like it's up to the bosses to step in. Just be careful you don’t wear yourself out, Christian.”
Hayden chuckled at the thought, “Just hope all the good pickings don’t get snatched up by Christian first, leaving behind nothing but the dregs for the rest of us.”
Christian said, “It's boring. They look all ripe and perky until you touch them, and they deflate like a burst balloon. And with all that makeup, you’d think they were ready for stage. Maybe I’m getting old, but I prefer ‘em natural. However, there's no such thing as an unkempt celebrity these days. If you run into one, send her my way."
Hayden brushed back his bangs, "Man, I'm a doctor, not a trafficker."
Damian scoffed at the remark.
Christian glanced at the bottle on the table, raising an eyebrow, "What's the occasion?"
Hayden said, "Ashley is back in town."
Christian's hand paused mid-pour, and he looked over at Damian, "Really?"
Damian merely glanced back, unresponsive.
Christian's eyes sparkled with mischief, “In the three years having fun in Blue Star, you've been avoiding women, all for Ashley's sake?"
Damian retorted, "You think I'm like you? Driven by desire? You ended up in the hospital for two weeks last time, lucky it wasn't your private part that got the boot."
Christian had his share of admirers in the entertainment world, but even he grew weary after a while. On one occasion, he tangled with a fiery woman who fought back, injuring his back and sending him bed-bound for a fortnight.
Changing the subject, Christian teased, "Damian, you're not living up to your reputation. With a name that suggests you've conquered every artist in town. If it's not the scent of a woman that tempts you, what is it? Lost your edge?"
Hayden laughed, "Speaking of which, what's your type? Christian could line up some options for you."
Damian wondered if he was seeing things, or maybe he just heard Ashley's name too often lately. The image that sprang to his mind was her leaving stains on the passenger seat of his car.
"Find me Muse then," he said sarcastically.
Christian savored his wine, pleased with the taste, "That’s way out of our league, but I've heard your grandpa's been mingling with the Bezos family, possibly aiming to set you up with Trinity."
Caught up with work at the hospital, Hayden hadn't kept up with the gossip and listened intently now.
If Damian’s grandfather was involved, this could certainly be complicated.
Damian said dismissively, "It was just talk, I've never met the person."
Christian spoke with conviction, "The Bezos clan has been making some bold moves lately. They are gaining momentum too. A marriage alliance wouldn't be out of the question. Trinity Bezos has been back from France for a year, and suitor after suitor has been showing up. Guess how she's been turning them down?"
Damian shot him a 'spit-it-out' look.
"She claimed she'd only consider joining forces with the Hearsts, no second thoughts. Ha, knowing her fiery spirit, I'd love to see how she'd spar with you."
Hayden quipped, "Old man places high value on matching social status. Trinity ticks all his boxes, Damian. What do you say, you in?"
These high-society marriages are like flags on top of mansions, for all to see. Out in public, they're lovey-dovey; at home, they're in the same house yet sleep in different beds, under different covers, or even back-to-back if under the same one. He goes his way, she goes hers; it's all just for show.
Damian swirled his drink languidly, watching the translucent liquid ebb and flow in the glass, "Marriage, that's all there is to it."
As for marriage, bystanders can only watch the blaze from a safe distance. Hayden commented, "I haven't had much contact with Trinity Bezos, but she doesn't seem to hold a candle to the charm of the Hearst heir."
Christian popped a cherry into his mouth, releasing its succulent juice, "Does Damian here look like one to dredge up old flames? His ex is history. In just three years, a new romance might have bloomed. With the Hearst heir's good looks, I can't believe there's any shortage of admirers."
Damian drained his drink, setting the crystal glass down with a clink against the glass table, "Enough talk about Ashley."
Christian Brin held back his laughter, then teased, "Impressive, finally we did something to get under Damian's skin. Don't stop now, let's see you mad. After seeing your poker face for over two decades, it's finally changing, huh."
Ignoring the jibe, Damian retorted, "What's wrong with you?"
Christian's grin faded as he tried to play it off with a sheepish laugh, "Ease up. So I “conned” you out of two hundred million on a deal, but that project might still get a second wind."
Christian had lured Damian into investing in an oil field development project in the Middle East the year before last. After nearly drilling through the Earth's crust without hitting oil, the project was now practically abandoned.
Damian replied flatly, "You're not short on cash. Just pay me back when you've rounded up the funds."
Christian Brin was rolling in dough, but leaving Damian out of the loop could lead to some awkward questions at home. If his old man brought it up, he could at least shake his head and quip, "Who knew Damian could have such a lapse in judgment?"
With that, the patriarch would drop the subject.
“Midnight already. Heading home, Damian? Got a ride, or should I send my driver?”
Damian scooped up his car keys, his tall stature casting an imposing presence as he stood, “That’d save me some trouble.”
After Damian left, Hayden remarked, “See what I mean? The guy acts all weird whenever Ashley is mentioned. If he doesn’t have a thing for Ashley, I’ll eat my hat.”
Christian wasn’t bothered, “Have you forgotten his personality? Once he’s had his hands on something, no one else is allowed to touch it. Even if he tosses it aside, it’s his until nature takes its toll. Ashley was his ex-wife, and they’ve been through it all. Think he could stand another man picking up his leftovers? As for Ashley, she’s bold all right, daring to come back after walking away.”
A chill ran down Hayden’s spine as he grew concerned for Ashley, “They never should have married in the first place. It was a disaster for both of them.”
Christian retorted, “Ashley’s love was so self-degrading, no man would cherish that. It’s a strange twist of human nature; we don't value what comes easy. The forbidden fruit is always the sweetest, and that holds for both genders.”
Hayden flirtatiously squeezed the curves of the woman in white, teasing, “Am I right, gorgeous?”
The girl in white was silent and compliant that evening, her voice soft and tender, “You’re always right, handsome.”
Suddenly, Hayden lost interest.
