Chapter 1: Drinks On Us

All he wanted was a seat at the table. Christian worked ambitiously in engineering.

Grueling hours on constant projects. From six in the morning to three in the afternoon,

Monday through Friday. Sometimes overtime if he needed the money. Work kept

him busy and he was glad he could support himself. However, he felt empty.

Chris came from a poor neighborhood in New York. So, to go to college and make

something of himself was more than expected of him. In America it seems that the

safe way is the best way to get ahead. Go to school and work like a dog to make it out

of poverty. Is this the American Dream? It was once said "Education is the passport

to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." At the present,

times have become harder. One must be literate and take risks. No risk no reward.

Christian was a serious guy, who unraveled with a few drinks to an outgoing fellow.

That was his vice. After a long days work, he unwind with a drink or two. He would

consider starting a family, but he was unaware of the responsibilities. Could he be a

good father? Chris is twenty-eight years old now. In this generation it is more and

more difficult to live the traditional lifestyle of our forefathers. He could understand

Make America Great Again not for politics but for the resolve in a picturesque

United States. A location where with a plan and commitment, you could live a

sustainable life. A house with your own freedoms, a family, cars, and a stable job.

Now, with greed, one must fend for themself. The ladder to success has no clear path.

You want to go up but do not know how. Continuing the guidance from our seniors

appear to be suitable but it is out of touch with the demands of today. Wisdom cannot

be overlooked so, perhaps it's best to take the good from the past and develop some

new strategy for the future. Who has the answers?

Chris noticed bounty in successful people. If he can make it so can I. The life of lavish,

respect, and power. He was not ignorant to the fact that they were determined but they

must possess some sort of connection or real advice. He wanted a piece of the pie.

Therefore, he paid for friendship. It was the cost of opportunity. He had plans to meet

with the rich individuals, Pete and Jacob. He went to the business partners and from

their website made a transaction to meet. They owned a publishing Agency.

Phoenix Publishing LLC. They developed online products from eBooks to website

applications. They were quite notable and only interacted with socialites. The two

attended exclusive gatherings and for a limited time allowed new guests to meet

through payments. Most expected it to be a paid meet and greet. Or some life

changing support. But, Chris new all too well it was an occasion to mix business

with pleasure for them.

At first there was little small talk exchanged between Christian and the two elite.

It would be quick conversations of facts. They all understood that time is money.

After some time, the two leaders gained a liking to Chris as they saw promise in him.

They knew it would be lucrative to meet with him. It did not hurt that Chris was likeable

and funny. See, he wanted to be a published writer. Chris had a lot of ideas to share on

the world. His feedback was valuable. The two enjoyed his thoughts, style, and demeanor.

Chris wanted a seal of trust from the insiders to stamp his place in the world.

The three agreed to meet at an expensive bar in New York City. The two ended the

last email with "Drinks are on us".

Chapter 2: Wasted

It was a serene night. In the city that doesn't sleep, it was bright in the dark. It was

beautiful and silent bar. Christian could never be accepted without the help of his partners.

It was a brand-new world. Pete ordered rounds of jack and coke. You could tell they

were self-made. Jacob said "What is your book? Why should we publish you?"

Chris finished his drink and stated, "It's called Heartless". It was about a struggling writer

who found promise with the help of friends, family, and his supporters. The writer had

problems with mental health and drug addiction. He lost everything but found redemption

with luck. He stole works and past them on as his own until he committed to a magnificent

manuscript in drug fueled passion. Against all odds, he created a masterpiece. The two

were satisfied. Pete stated, "send me more of your works". Jacob told Chris let's talk

privately. Chris bought himself a gin and tonic. Jacob ordered a diamond cocktail and

mentioned "You should of bought us drinks". Christian said, "Next time". Jacob said

"We're interested but we need some more." Chris would normally be frustrated but

the drinks calmed his nerves.

Pete and Jacob went to order more drinks and privately discussed marketing, finances,

and women. Christian was alone with his thoughts. He would have anxiety from the

uncertainty but the drinks relaxed him. Pete put his arm around Chris and told him

"You're going to be rich one day." Christian thought what do I know, he didn't have the

best judgement at the moment. Pete and Jacob seemed well equipped under these conditions. Pete said "What do you want?" Chris

happily stated "Success!" Pete had an idea, you send us more manuscripts and set

specific guidelines for the project and we will establish a deal. Christian thinking this is

how the industry works, hesitantly stated "Sure". Pete brought Chris back to the table

with Jacob waiting. It was only the three of them, but he felt the world on his shoulders.

Chapter 3: Ramifications

The three of them enjoyed one more round of drinks. Christian felt he was on his path

to success. Jacob and Peter were ecstatic, but their appearance seemed sinister. The two

said you know we make our published books international and available to all the best

retailers. Christian knew this as a fact and simply nodded. They all shook hands as

good practice. Girlfriends of Jacob and Pete arrived. Two beautiful girls Christian never

seen before. You could tell that they were young and loved to party. No more business

was discussed. It was only pleasure now. The night would go on all night.