Chapter Two

“This is good,” Karlisle said as he tasted the sample wine that was given to him by one of his employees, “Is this the one we brought in from two years ago?”

After finishing school, Karlisle remained carefree like how he always his. He continued with his ways, drinking and partying all the time. But years passed, and he realized that he cannot stay that way, and instead, used his love for drinking to establish a growing business using the inheritance he received from his parents. It was right after his father passed away, and he decided to start living on his own.

Luckily, everything went well for Karlisle, and his wine business started to grow. He loved drinking, and he knows how to market it since he has the perspective of both a businessman and a customer. Right now, his business is still relatively small, but it is gradually growing through his efforts and skills.

“This wine will really sell if we bring it out to the bars that we supply to,” Karlisle added as he closed the wine bottle with the cork, “A lot of people are going to like this one.”

The employee nodded with a smile, “It is, Sir. We have ten barrels of it, and there are some more that will come next month.”

Karlisle smiled as he downed all the contents of the wine glass. “You take care of it then. And by the way, can you get the package that I am supposed to get today? There are some files in there that I need right away.”

After the employee left, another man suddenly made his way inside the office, startling Karlisle completely.

“Elliot?” Karlisle’s eyes were wide and his brows were almost on its ends, “What the fuck are you doing here?”

Elliot just chuckled and sat before him, before opening the wine bottle and pouring some on the glass Karlisle used earlier. “Nothing… I just want to visit you.”

Karlisle’s eyes squinted a little, eyeing his friend a little suspiciously. “So… What do you need?”

“What do you mean?” Elliot asked, feigning innocence as he downed all the wine he poured in the glass.

“Oh come on, Elliot… You only visit or call me when you need something. So what is it this time?”

“It’s nothing. I just thought I’d just visit you and tell you about it than mention it through a phone call…” Elliot told him, “You see, Lee asked if you guys are free next week. He wants to invite us to just chill and hang out at his guest house. The drinks, the food, and the fun are on him. We just have to be there.”

Karlisle’s interest seemed to be piqued by what he heard. “The one at the island?”

“Yep,” Elliot nodded as he smirked, seeing that Karlisle is attentive, “The one at the island.”

“Hm…” Karlisle then sat down, “I think need to think about it –”

“Think about it? Bullshit. Just come. I know you want to,” Elliot insisted, “Besides, it’s been so long since we’ve been complete. We may go out, but not as a whole group, you know.”

Karlisle nodded as he stood up and took out two cans of soda from his mini fridge. “You’re right… It’s been so long. Maybe it’s time for us to get together again. We have to take advantage of the situation since I heard that Simon is coming back.”

“Ooh… That’s great,” Karlisle commented with a meaningful look on his face, “Now Hans is going to find his match. Simon is the only one that can get on his nerves and calm him down all the same. The next week is going to be interesting…”

Elliot noticed it, and chuckled. “Don’t do that… Let’s not intervene with their issues.”

“I’m just saying, Elliot,” Karlisle retaliated, “It’s time for them to talk about it. Specifically, it’s time for Simon to be honest about it. God, I can’t wait to see some developments between them. You know what they say, distance makes the –”

“Well, if you want to see it, just go. Clear your schedule next week and be there,” Elliot finally stood up from his seat and showed the can of soda to his friend, “And thanks for this… I’ll be on my way now. See you next week.”

Karlisle nodded as he chuckled. “Yeah, don’t worry… I’ll figure something out.”

********

As the cakes from the kitchen came out, Steffan ordered his employees to place them on the long table placed right behind the glass shelf. While he was placing them and fixing them in its place, the female customers inside the bakeshop are giving him loving looks, while they gossip and giggle once in a while with the female friends they are with.

But Steffan is completely busy and preoccupied with his tasks that he does not even look towards them and bask in the attention.

It is the hectic feel yet fragrant and bright sight that Karlisle saw when he entered the bakeshop, and immediately approached Steffan.

“You’ve got a lot of customers, huh…” Karlisle commented as he looked around. He then went behind the counter and went towards his friend, “And they’re mostly girls. Are they really here for the cakes that you guys bake or are they here because of you?”

Steffan just laughed as he shook his head while placing another cake in the shelf. “I don’t know… Both?”

Karlisle squinted his eyes a little while giving his friend a teasing look. “Ooh, the confidence. I like that.”

“By the way, why are you here? Is there something that you need?” Steffan then asked him after leaving his post and finally leading his friend to a seat so that they can talk properly.

“Ah, I went here to check if you’re free next week. Lee’s taking off from work and he wants to have at least a week-long vacation with us,” Karlisle responded, “It’s going to be at his guest house at the island, so we’re going to be away from the city.”

Steffan’s smile faltered a little, and he seemed to be doubtful. “I don’t know if I could go… I just opened this branch, you know. I’m not really sure.”

“Aw, come on. It’s just for a week. Your employees are awesome, so they can manage by themselves for a week at least,” Karlisle insisted on him, “And besides, you never really stay in your bakeshops’ branches for long. Don’t act like you’re so devoted now.”

Steffan glared at his friend, but is still trying to suppress his laughter. “Alright then… I’ll do something to make my schedule free next week. I know you and Elliot. If I don’t go, you guys will definitely kidnap me just so you can take me.”

Karlisle made a loud clap with his hands because of delight. “Good, that’s good… I think this is it. We’re finally going to be completed.”

“Really?” Steffan asked, his voice with a hint of excitement, “Who’s coming, by the way? Aside from you and Elliot…”

“Well, if Elliot is going, Dylan is going to be there so he’s sure to come. If you’re coming with me, then that would be five of us. Lee’s still talking to the others, and I heard that Simon’s coming back so there’s a possibility that he will be with us too.”

Steffan looked interested as he took the cup of coffee from one of his waiters and placed it in front of Karlisle. “And Hans? You know him. He’s definitely going to turn this invitation down. He’s been consistently refusing gatherings like these.”

“Then we’ll kidnap him,” Karlisle replied nonchalantly, “He’s just at home streaming his games. I don’t really know how he gets so much money from that but apparently he does really well with it. His Youtube and Twitch accounts has a big following. It’s nuts.”

“Well, I wish you good luck in kidnapping Hans. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be truly difficult,” Steffan commented, “And I’ll just call you if I fixed my schedule.”

“Make sure you fix your schedule,” Karlisle threatened him, “Or I swear I’ll kidnap you first before we go to get Hans.”

Steffan laughed at his friend as he nodded, “Alright, alright… Now drink that coffee. The next time I give you a cup isn’t going to be free anymore.”

Karlisle just chuckled as he sipped on his coffee, while Steffan just watched him drink it before looking at his phone to check his schedule for the next week.