Alan
Amy’s wedding reception takes place on a private, three-story luxury yacht gliding through Boston Harbor.The city lights shimmer on the water like scattered gold in the distance.We sail into the night with music pounding through every deck, two hundred and fifty guests swaying and laughing like they’ve forgotten how to breathe without champagne.
I’ve had my fill of the party.It’s overloaded with too much laughter and too many hips shaking.Who’s the genius who thought it was a good idea to invite all the perverted politicians—men and women—and mix them with all these pretty whores?
This party has only one rule: once you set foot on land tomorrow, whatever happens on this boat stays here.But fate eventually plants me right beside the groom at one of the white round tables in the dining area.
“How’s business, Alan?”Peter Morgan asks before taking a sip of his champagne.
“Pretty good.I just hope you’ll stay my loyal customer.That fiber drink’s perfect for your digestion after all this rich party food.”I chuckle, watching Amy’s husband over the rim of my glass.
“Of course.You know, I even talked to Amy about your business.I could help you take it to the next level.Interested?”
“Oh, really?I’m all ears.”
Peter crooks a finger at me.I slide my chair closer and lean in, trying to catch his words over the noise of the crowd.
“I’ve got some idle money,” he says.“Instead of letting it sit in the bank earning low interest, I’d rather invest it.”
“You’re thinking of investing in my company?”I blink, trying to hide the excitement in my voice.
“Yes.Just tell me how much you need.”Peter nods, calm and confident, like he’s offering a glass of water instead of a fortune.
“Actually, I’m short about two hundred grand to start production on my new product line.I was planning to wait until the first variant sold out.”
“That’s nothing,” Peter says, raising an eyebrow with a crooked smile.“What could you do if I gave you five hundred grand?”
“Oh, quite a lot,” I say, my grin widening.“I could open a new business line, still related to the same market.”
“Something in retail?”
“Membership gym.With personal trainers.It’ll be exclusive for VIPs.I can put all my fitness products there, from protein drinks to training outfits.”My hands circle an imaginary ball in the air, trying to sell my idea to him.
“Ah, interesting,” Peter says, nodding.“We could invest in the machines.Members use them, no production headaches, no stock issues.”
“Exactly.No more trial and error with raw materials.No workers whining for raises every month.I can just outsource everything to foreign factories.”I groan a little, remembering the mess in my small factory.
“Perfect.Come to my place next week, after I get back from the honeymoon.We’ll talk more then.”
“Sure thing.”
“Darling, don’t tell me you’re offering Alan your business.”Amy appears out of nowhere and slides onto Peter’s lap.Her arms loop around his neck.
“Just a bit,” Peter says, chuckling as his hand rests on her waist.“Besides, I’m just fulfilling your wish to help your brother.”
“Oh, darling, you’re so sweet.”Amy presses a kiss to his cheek, her voice syrupy and sharp at the same time.“Alan really needs that help from you.He needs a lot of money to chase his dreams.”She strokes his face like she’s softening him up.
Peter glances at me.“And what exactly is his dream?”
“True love,” Amy whispers, then bursts out laughing.Peter joins in, his deep laugh echoing across the table.
“Alright, you got me,” he says with a smirk.“That’s exactly what I’m striving for—to win you over.”
They make out right in front of me.I raise an eyebrow, then quickly force a smile, pretending I’m happy for them.After all, Amy’s right.I do need that money to buy the connections Fenella needs.
* * *
July, 2024
