But that’s also why he’s my best friend.
It’s 1 a.m. on a Monday morning, and The Peppermint Elephant is buzzing. Too loud, too bright, like the world didn’t get the memo that everything in my life nearly came apart this weekend.
I take a deep breath before stepping inside from the cold, the warmth and noise of the bar hitting me all at once. The attendants recognize me immediately, parting without being asked, smiling and nodding as I move through the space. Someone claps me on the shoulder. Someone else raises a glass in my direction. Word travels fast around here—especially good news.
Drake and Lara are already at our usual table in the VIP section. They’re laughing, leaned in close and for a split second, it nearly rubs me the wrong way. But I shake it off and chalk it up to celebration.
Drake spots me first and stands, throwing his arms wide like I’ve just returned from war. “There he is!” he calls, loud enough to draw attention.
Lara turns, her face lighting up when she sees me. “You just missed everyone,” she says as I slide into the seat across from them. “The rest of the team was here earlier. Drinks. Toasts. Way too many drunken speeches. They all took off about ten minutes ago.”
I glance around, taking in the half-empty glasses, victory is still very much alive in the space.
Drake pushes a drink toward me. “Perfect timing,” he says. “Now we can celebrate properly.”
For the first time all day, I let myself sit back and breathe.
Drake raises his glass first. “To winning the pitch. To funding secured. And to not having to fake confidence for the next ten years.”
Lara clinks hers against his. “To impact. To growth. And to the fact that we absolutely did not pull this off alone. Here’s to the team.”
They both look at me.
“She was essential,” Lara states directly. “Every single judge's comment focused on the systems, the tech, the clarity, and how flawlessly it all worked together. Max was responsible for that.”
Drake nods. “And I know things got a bit out of hand with the press leaks and the fake relationship stuff—”
I cut my eyes at him. “You think? My mom said her Bible study group has me on some sort of prayer watch list, or something”
He laughs, then raises his hands in surrender. “I admit it was a bit much, even for me. But the idea to use her skills, make her part of the team? It was a brilliant idea and we couldn’t have done it without her. Admit it.”
“Fine. You weren’t wrong,” I admit.
I take a sip, letting the whiskey burn. They’re right. I know they are. The win feels good, but there’s still a hollow note underneath it.
Drake leans back, studying me. “So. Are you going to see her again?”
“No,” I say flatly. Quickly
I’m starting to sound likethe Bearagain and I swear I almost hear Max say it in my head.
“Our time was up,” I add. “She was always supposed to go home. That was the deal. It’s for the best.”
Lara squints at me like she’s trying to diagnose something. Drake laughs outright.
“Bullshit,” they say, nearly in unison.
“I’m serious,” I insist.
They don’t believe me.
“Eli,” Lara says gently. “I’ve never seen you with a woman like this before.
Drake nods. “And you’ve definitely never looked this miserable after a woman has left. Especially after winning tens of millions of dollars.”
The waitress comes and replaces my now empty drink. “What exactly are you getting at?”
“That you’re lying to yourself.” Drake says, deadpan.
