*NICK'S POV*
"So?... What brought this sudden change in the air?" Ms. Brown asks Kenneth who is sitting across her, legs crossed.
"What does that even mean Ms. Brown?" he responded. This guy is really sly. Why is he acting innocent when he was the one who initiated this get together?
"It means something happened between you too right?" she replied. Women are really scary with their intuition and all... specially when they get serious.
"Now, now. Don't read too much of the situation Ms. Brown. We just want to enjoy the night and as what I said earlier, this is to officially welcome our team of five. Right Nick?"
"Uhh.. ye.. yeah! and also, I want to apologize for the inconvenience earlier. I am really sorry!" I blurted out. Sweat like bullets kept tricking down my face despite of the cold night.
Crickets with their distinctive chirp can be heard in replacements of the absence of reaction from the people that have gathered. The garden set up is refreshing but this is awkward. I have to face their criticism so I can move on.
"I understand and your apology is accepted Mr. Newman but I don't want any repeat of the incident today. I heard about it from Emily."
"Yes Ma'am!!" I answered immediately. I must have gulped all of saliva due to nervousness. My throat feels parched.
"How about you Emily? You were the one who witnessed the fight. Do you accept his apology?" Ms. Brown turns to face Emily beside her. She have been quiet since we arrived from the store. She haven't even spoken to anyone aside from Ms. Brown.
She wore a white knee length dress overlayed with a thick green coat. Emily plays with her thumbs before she finally spoke.
"I am not mad. I was just disappointed" was her short reply.
"So shall we dig in and start drinking?" Alfred exclaims suddenly and everyone laughed. A heavy load was lifted from my chest. I can now confidently face them.
I stacked food on my plate. Chicken legs and wings, Pasta and fried pork. Poured myself a glass full of cold beer as well. Come to think of it, I did not have Lunch today. I never realized I was this hungry.
Everyone's eating and drinking silently - enjoying their meal.
"Mr. Newman.."
"Call me Nick instead Ms. Brown."
"Alright, Nick. Director Streisand will be checking the manuscript next week Wednesday so we'll talk about how much we can cover tomorrow... and you can call me Stella."
"Cool. Thanks for the guidance Stella."
The dinner was quick but we all agreed to have another round of drinks as we may be busy in the next few days. Alfred volunteered to buy the liquor and the best snacks that can go perfectly with alcohol. Stella and Emily cleaned the table and prepared more ice, lemon and some salt as we wait for my secretary's arrival.
Without saying a word, I can tell that Emily and Kenneth are now in good terms. He didn't need to say sorry like I did cause there seemed to be a mutual understanding between the two even with their glances only. How long have they known each other? and What kind of relationship do they have?
I am not sure myself as well why I am asking these questions but lately, I find myself closely and silently watching Emily. I even creep myself out sometimes.
"Why do you look so serious now, Nick? Something on your mind?" Kenneth interrupts and I lost my train of thoughts.
"I'm thinking how I can defeat you... in a drinking battle!" I jokingly responded to him so I wouldn't be caught being overly conscious of Emily.
"Oh. You sure you won't regret it!?" He took the bait and challenged me back.
"No crying little boy. You want to place a bet?" I am not backing down.
"Good with me. A hundred dollars on whoever stays awake after ten bottles each and can do it faster."
"Why are you talking about money now?" Stella asks. Both ladies are back, bringing with them more fruits.
"Allow us to play Stella. It's been awhile for me too." Kenneth responds in behalf of me.
"Let's join too Stella. We might not be able to do this anymore in the next one to two months." Emily suggested. I am glad that she seemed to want to enjoy herself but.. her body is not built for this. I think one bottle will be enough for her.
"Nope. I don't have a high tolerence and I'm too old for this stuff. I'll just enjoy watching you guys. Plus, if you all collapse from being drunk, I'll be here laughing at your asses!!
With perfect timing, Alfred arrives with the much awaited beer. After settling everything on the table, each one of us took one bottle and raised them in the air and clinking sound resonated.
"Best of Luck to this Team!" We hailed in unison.
Now with $300 at stake, Emily, Kenneth and I prepared 10 bottles each and set our timers. Alfred chose to not participate since he'll be getting some documents from the office early tomorrow.
"Ready, Go!" Stella gave us a headstart and with that we started our little game.
I looked at my timer and eighteen minutes already went by but I still have five bottles to finish. I'm also getting a bit tipsy now which is a bad sign. This beer has more kick than I thought.
Emily is actually doing really well. She's down to three bottles like Kenneth. Though she looks more alive than him.
"Are you sure you are not throwing away the liquid Emily?" I ask her, sounding sluggish.
"You are losing Nick!" She responded.
I was able to look straight into her eyes this time. I guess I'm feeling more comfortable with her.. or is it just because of the alcohol? Nevertheless, I am seeing another side of Emily and most importantly, I shouldn't lose to a lady.
I tried my best but I felt like puking after my 7th bottle so I tapped on my phone to stop the timer and I ended at 35 minutes.
Kenneth was bitter defeated as well with one bottle left while Emily is just enjoying the sight of us.
I did not have the strength to stand up anymore amd my eyes were getting heavy but my ears can still hear the noises in the background.
"Totally wasted." Stella commented.
"I'll go and help Sir Nick to his room." Alfred continues.
"No. Nick's room is just a few steps from here. Help me with Kenneth first." Without any further conversation, I just heard somebody gritting, probably Kenneth and the footsteps moving away from me. That means, I'm left with Emily. That is bad.
I twitched and turned but my body just won't cooperate.
"Nick? Do you feel any discomfort?" She asked suddenly. My heart is not ready for this.
Then, I heard footsteps coming towards me and a warm breath touches my ear.
"DO YOU WANT ME TO HELP YOU?"