Love In The Empire State

The strong smell of expensive alcohol and a thousand Cuban cigars almost knock me down as I push through the gilded entrance of ‘The Young Royals’, the gentlemen's club that my friends and I have been a part of ever since we became influential in this city. The familiar scent of a vast array of expensive cologne and polished oak wood greets me "Good evening, Mr. Hathaway. Welcome back." a loud and enthusiastic chorus of perfectly curated and practiced smiles chirps from the reception. "Your party's reserved on the rooftop lounge." I nod curtly, a forced smile tugging at the corners of my lips. They recognize me, of course, they do. Why won't they? I'm one of their biggest patrons and the guys and I give them more business than three-quarters of the members put together. It's our solace, our home away from home. As I walk the distance of the plush-carpeted hallways, the soft but meticulous footfalls of my steps seem to echo the hollowness within my soul. For some reason, I feel rather restless today. I get to the rooftop and a violent wave of bright lights assaults me. I had forgotten just how bright this place was. Now normally I wouldn't mind but I really am not in the mood today. I have a headache that's been plaguing me since morning. There, nestled in the plush booth, just beside the pool, sit my two best friends - Jake, the heir to a Fortune 200 empire in real estate, mining, and petroleum amongst other things, and who also happens to be a perpetual playboy and Will, ever the optimist and a whiz kid at investments. The three of us have been friends since college and somehow we’ve managed to not just stay in touch throughout the years but to maintain a solid relationship. Both wear matching expressions – a mix of concern and exasperation that tells me that they're not pleased with my keeping them waiting. "I'm so sorry, guys," I blurt out as soon as I see them, my voice laced with a rare vulnerability. "I had a meeting with some potential investors and I completely lost track of time.” Jake, known mostly for his easygoing but sarcastic nature, merely shrugs. “Again.” Will, who is the pacifier and the oldest of us three by a margin of 8 and 7 years says, "No problem, man. We're used to this side of you." "And what side is that?" I raise an eyebrow, a flicker of annoyance and exasperation battling with the exhaustion in my eyes. Jake counters, a hint of bitterness clinging to his tone, "The one that always shows up late, or comes up with one excuse or the other not to show up at all." I'm taken aback by this accusation. Yes, I’ve been late to our meetings a couple of times and I have flaked out on them in the past year more times than I can count on one hand but I didn't know they felt this way, I thought they were okay with my not being there. I assumed they understood because I had gotten so caught up in my own affairs that I failed to acknowledge my friend's feelings and that's on me but I don't feel like apologizing so I bristle. "Well, I work hard, sue me." "And so do we, bro," Jake chimes in, his voice calm despite the tension thickening the air. "And yet we still find time to catch up once in a while, be there for each other, especially when one of us is going through something." Will plants a warning look at Jake, his jaw clenching. "Stop it, man, he's here now." My gaze darts between them both, confusion etched on my face. "What are you talking about? What's going on?" The question hangs heavy in the air, punctuated by the distant clinking of champagne glasses and the murmur of indecipherable conversations somewhere around us. Finally, Will sighs, his shoulders slumping. "It's Rosa, man," he mutters, his voice barely a whisper. "She called off the wedding." The revelation crashes into me like a rogue wave. Rosa, the vibrant, life-of-the-party Rosa, cutting my boy loose just a few weeks before their wedding? Ending it all before they even get to the altar. It's unfathomable. Will is the epitome of a good guy; He absolutely doesn't deserve this. “I really don't understand what's happening man, I thought you guys were good," I say to no one in particular. “What happened? What reason did she give you." “Hell if I know, man." That's all Will can manage to choke out and I know that he's hurting so much because he really loves Rosa. She was the first woman he ever connected with and they'd been together for the longest time. I just wish there was a way that I could make him not feel all of that pain because if I know him well and I do, he’s feeling absolutely like hell but he won't want to show it. He’ll want to put on a brave front and try to convince us that he's doing well when in reality he's just every bit as miserable. “Were you guys having problems?” I ask Will who just shrugs his shoulders. " Were they having problems?” I ask Jake who sends a scowl my way "Why do you just assume that I’ll know the answer to that question?” “Because he’s your best friend.” “He’s your best friend too, I don't see you jumping at the chance to provide us with answers here.” “Hey man, what the f**k is your problem this evening? I really have had a shitty day. Do not add to it, please.” “And the rest of us have had what? A splendid rainbow-filled day? As always, Tristan, it's all about you. You’ve managed to turn a situation that's completely out of context to solicit some goodwill in your case instead of taking responsibility for your actions. You're a level one narcissist, man, and if you're here trying to look pitiful, I suggest you try some other place because I have none to offer you at this time.” “Okay, man. I don't understand what the problem is with you this evening but I will not be indulging.” “All I’m saying is if he was really your best friend, you would know if he and his fiance were having problems and it wouldn't be the first thing you bring up when you hear that they split up “f**k you, man” “f**k you too Tristan, I'm sick of your bullshit.” We are so busy engrossed in our own drama that we’ve failed to notice that the friend we’re having this whole argument about has slowly slunk back into his seat and is no longer speaking. Jake was right. Maybe I do get a tad bit self-centered. Guilt washes over me in a wave hotter than any desert sun he'd encountered on his business trips. Here I was, droning on about work as usual, oblivious to the huge problem that Will was having to deal with on his own. Shame floods my cheeks, burning away the remnants of his forced smile. “Guy, guys. Enough, please. Let's get wasted. You guys can fight over who loves me more later." Will says, earning a burst of laughter from both Jake and me and defusing the tension significantly. After throwing back a few glasses of tequila, our inhibitions melt away and our tongues begin to speak quite freely. "Guys," I begin, my voice thick with remorse. "I... I'm so sorry. I had no idea what was happening, Will. And Jake, I’m sorry I'm such an asshole, I'm trying to be better, believe me.” Jake places a hand on my shoulder, a silent reassurance. "It's alright, man. We just wanted you here." But it's not alright. Not when Will is drowning in that cesspool that is called heartbreak and all I can offer is some rather belated but drink-induced apology. I need to make it up to me, to him but how to go about doing that, I have absolutely no idea. “I’ll do anything you want, William. To make up for my indiscretions.” "Anything?" Jake asks and already I can see a suspicious and sinister little smile forming at the corner of his mouth. “Anything," I say m, obviously heavily drunk. I have a deep feeling that I’m going to regret putting this offer on the table but I can't seem to control myself. Jake clears his throat, a newfound determination replacing his initial frustration with me. "Look," he says, his voice surprisingly steady. If I didn't know any better I would think he plied me with drinks on purpose just to have the upper hand. "I know you guys may already have individual plans for Christmas and all but in light of what's happened… .. He pauses for dramatic effect, earning raised eyebrows from both Will and I "What about we go away to that holiday resort we purchased a while back? A guys’ trip, of sorts'' It's as though a bucket of cold water has been doused on my head and I can now see clearer as I scoff. "A trip? Jake, are you serious? I was complaining about the problems I'm having at work just earlier and you want to take a vacation?" " Yeah, I don't think that's such a good idea either. I don't think I’m up for taking any trip now, I just want to curl up in my bed and sleep till my pain seeps away from my body.” Will says, agreeing with me. Thank God, somebody else sees that this is such a foolhardy suggestion. But Jake holds his ground. "Hear me out. A few days away from the city, from work, from everything that's reminding you of… well, you know." He addresses Will and to me he says " And you, you haven't had a vacation in so long, this would be a chance to clear your head and get some fresh new ideas rolling in.” He glances at me, hoping his message is clear. “But I have to work, Jake. " In all fairness, man. I need this." Will says, breaking rank right in front of my eyes, I can't believe it. “And you can work anywhere, man.” " What if the investors call or…… " Suck it up, bro. We’re going and that's final." Jake says to my utmost consternation.