New partnerships
1022 Words
The mere thought of making out with Satan was absolutely terrifying, regardless of her beauty. The image of her true hideous form sent shivers down his spine. Perhaps she would have ripped his head off if he had attempted to kiss her. He couldn't keep this experience to himself; he needed to talk to someone. He tried calling Mark, but there was no answer. So, he dialed Takeshi's number instead. Takeshi had always been open-minded and interested in unconventional ideas. He was the one person Nicholas felt he could confide in.
"Yo, what's up, Nick?" Takeshi answered.
"Hey, bro, I need to talk to you," Nicholas replied.
"Is everything alright?"
"Not exactly. Are you home?"
"Yes, I am. One of the perks of being self-employed is that I'm always home."
"Good, very good. I'm on my way to you, and I'm bringing vodka."
"Day drinking now, Nicholas? That's never really been your thing."
"Well, when you hear what I'm about to tell you, trust me, you'll need a drink for this."
"Okay, I'll be expecting you."
"See you soon."
The call ended, and Nicholas hurried to take a shower and get dressed. The previous day's events had consumed his mind so much that he had forgotten to eat. He grabbed his keys, the card Luci had given him, and drove to Takeshi's house.
He arrived at Takeshi's downtown apartment and rang the doorbell. Takeshi buzzed him in, and he took the elevator up. Takeshi opened the door, puzzled by his friend's strange behavior.
"Are you okay, Nick? Why are you acting so shady?" Takeshi asked.
"She could be listening right now," Nicholas replied, sitting down on the couch.
"Who could be listening? What's going on, Nick?"
"Where are your shot glasses?"
"In the kitchen cabinet," Takeshi answered.
Nicholas headed to the kitchen, fetched two shot glasses, and brought them to the living room. He opened the vodka bottle and poured it into the glasses.
"Why are you being so dramatic? Just tell me what's happening," Takeshi said, joining Nicholas on the couch.
Nicholas took a shot and mustered the courage to speak.
"I had dinner with the devil last night," he confessed.
"What?" Takeshi exclaimed in disbelief.
"I'm serious, Takeshi. I had dinner with the devil last night."
Takeshi burst into laughter. "This is ridiculous. You came all the way here to tell me this?"
"I need you to listen and take me seriously, Takeshi. This isn't a laughing matter. I really had dinner with Satan last night."
"Satan, like the devil?" Takeshi questioned, trying to grasp the seriousness of the situation.
"Yes, Satan, the devil. Is there another one besides her?" Nicholas replied.
"Calm down, bro. I'm sorry; I'm trying to wrap my head around what you're saying. Okay, tell me what makes you think you had dinner with Satan," Takeshi said, trying to comprehend the situation.
Nicholas took out the card from his pocket and handed it to Takeshi.
"What is this?" Takeshi asked.
"The card she gave me yesterday."
"She?" Takeshi raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, she. Satan is a woman."
"Wow, okay, but this doesn't explain anything. Perhaps someone played a practical joke on you. Printing the name 'Lucifer Morningstar' in red ink doesn't make someone the devil, Nick."
"Listen, yesterday, I was on my way to work when I almost got run over by a gorgeous woman driving a Tesla. She apologized and invited me to dinner, and I agreed. I mean, why not? She looked smoking hot. Takeshi, I'm telling you, she is the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, and I'm not exaggerating. So, I went to her house, and we started talking. Then she tells me she's the devil and offers me a deal. She wants me to write her side of the story in the ongoing conflict between her and Yahweh. I got annoyed because I was like, how can you have a conflict with God? What kind of joke is that? Then I declined and got upset, trying to leave. Suddenly, she gets up and transforms into the scariest-looking thing I have ever seen in my life," Nicholas explained.
"Wait, hold on. Satan offered you a publishing deal?" Takeshi interrupted.
"Yup, she offered me a deal to write her story."
"This is out of this world and unbelievable. So, you're telling me if I dial this number on the card, Satan will answer?" Takeshi asked in disbelief.
"Yup, but I don't recommend you do that, bro. This isn't a joke; this is real life," Nicholas cautioned.
Takeshi took a shot, and Nicholas followed suit.
"Okay, okay, I'm trying to keep an open mind. If this is real, if Satan is here, then what does she want from you? Is writing her story all the devil desires?" Takeshi inquired.
"Yes, I believe so. I mean, that's what she said, but it doesn't matter because I'm leaving town. I can't stay here; this is too much," Nicholas responded, feeling overwhelmed.
"No, but you can't leave. Don't you realize this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? What you have here is something no other human in history has ever had—the chance to discover the secrets of our universe, the secrets of heaven, of God. Can't you see, Nick? This is phenomenal," Takeshi argued persuasively.
"Dude, we're talking about Satan, the devil. I don't know what you know about Satan, but she isn't someone you want to play with. Haven't you heard biblical stories? Do you not know what the devil is capable of? Things are never simple; there will be a price to pay," Nicholas replied, expressing his concerns.
"I implore you, Nick. If you keep an open mind, this is going to be life-changing. Tell me, did she ask for your soul?" Takeshi asked.
"No, she didn't," Nicholas responded.
"Good. That means you're in the clear. As long as you don't sell or sign your soul away, you'll be safe. Come on, Nick, seize this opportunity,"
"Have you lost your mind? You're asking me to sit with the devil and write her story?" Nicholas said to Takeshi, clearly annoyed by his suggestion.
- Writer
