Chapter 24 – Change of Heart

In life, we each have to play to our strengths…. For Avery, it was her ambition and drive for more from life. Topher gravitated toward success both outward and inward. The late Mr. Aquitaine was excellent at doing his job. Duncan had the experience of being resourceful. Emerson prided himself on his craft and keeping others out. Though in recent days he had exhibited a soft spot. 

After Emerson had finished scoping out Mr. Crawford, he got himself a refreshment from the bar and proceeded to take in the view. The sun reflected among the high-rise buildings to bring light to some of the darkest places. He realized that he had closed off himself too frequently. At that moment, Emerson realized that life is fleeting all over, he had one life and only that. In his line of work, or in fact any line of work, there were no promises of tomorrow. 

He decided to give himself a break from the self-tourture and be true to his human-instinct and allow another in. Emerson whipped out his phone from his breast pocket and messaged Duncan. He was the only true mixture of business and pleasure that could somewhat relate his line of work: of working for an Aquitaine. 

“Hey, hope your day is going well. :)” A smiley face was the key way to his signature sign of flirtation.  

Within moments, Duncan responded. “Hey you. It’s going. Just relaxing on my couch.” With the text sent, he regretted it. While the message was truthful and sincere, he also felt it would come off as uneventful and emotionally available. He was thinking about it too much. 

“Well if you aren’t too exhausted from the couch, I’d like to grab a drink with you.” It was exactly what Duncan could hope for, another excuse to see each other. 

“Of course, that’s exactly what I was waiting for.”  He paused before sending the text. What would the proper response be to exhibit flattery and flirty without eagerness? Instead he sent, “That sounds like an enticing offer. Let me check my schedule and get back to you… Okay you have yourself a date.” 

“Perfect, meet you at the Golden Fitch, 7 pm at the bar?” Some habits die hard with Emerson, he couldn’t resist going back to a place of refinement and comfort. 

“Sounds good, see you then.” Duncan set the phone down on the coffee table and grabbed for the wine. He felt on top of the world, but his watch would tell him otherwise. It lit up to reveal it was already 4 pm. That left two and a half hours before he’d have to make way to meet up for drinks. He quickly got himself from the comfort of the couch and proceeded to make his way for an afternoon snack. 

As the clock struck 6:30 pm, Emerson arrived strategically early to see if Ramon was available for a chat. As he arrived at the restaurant, the receptionist greeted him with, “Good evening Emerson, are you here to dine in?” 

“Hello, I am actually here to see if Ramon was in?”

“Of course, he is in but actually in a meeting at the moment. Do you have time to wait?” 

He pondered the idea of a moment before declining. Emerson had spent a majority of his career consumed by work and decided he deserved a night off. He saw himself to the bar and ordered a gin tonic with a splash of pomegranate liqueur and a lime twist. While this concoction may seem rather unique, it was a drink he had crafted on his own once upon a time. 

“There you go Em,” the bartender said as he slid the drink across the counter. 

Emerson gathered the cocktail towards him. Before taking his first sip, he began to swirl the glass in a clockwise motion. The well-crafted cocktail held some sentimental value. It had been a drink he shared with an old lover before their passing.

6:45 pm. Emerson sought comfort in the only thing that was sure to give him a hangover if he drank too much. As he took his eyes off the drink, his gaze scanned the room to see if Duncan had arrived early. To Emerson’s surprise, in the distance stood Ramon alongside Avery. So that is the business she referred to. He swiveled his back around to face the bar as to be seen by her.