The Night I stopped thinking

Adrain's POV

At that exact second, Dr Rowan walked in.

“Mrs Vale must have a rest,” he said, holding up an injection.

My mother smiled as he injected her. The little sting nothing compared to the joy of having her life long wish getting granted.

“I will come back tomorrow morning,” I said to her, placing a kiss on bed forehead.

She gave me a bright smile. "Don't be late."

"I won't."

I moved aside as the nurse changed her IV. I stood and watched them work for some time. She fell asleep shortly after.

“Care of her,” I said to Dr. Rowan.

"We will."

I nodded once and left. I didn't go back to the office. Rather I went to my own apartment downtown. It was quiet there. No staff. No board members. No family pictures looking out at me on the walls.

But the door was opened when I got there. My best friend Lucas was there. He had a key. He was the only one who did. He was sitting on the couch with a loose tie and rolled up sleeves. He looked exhausted.

“You look like hell,” he said the second his eyes fell on me.

“You must be glowing.” I answered.

He gave a tired half-smile. "Long day."

I dropped my suit jacket on a chair, and poured out a drink without asking him whether he wanted one. He got to his feet, grabbed the glass out of my hand.

"Hospital called me," I said.

"What happened?” He asked.

I exhaled slowly and sat down. "Late-stage cancer."

Lucas swore under his breath. "Did they give a prognosis?"

“They are initiating treatment as soon as possible.” I replied as I sat on a couch. "She asked me to get married."

Lucas went quiet.

"To Cassandra," I added.

He let out a dry laugh. "Of course she did."

“She says she wants to see her grandchild before she dies.”

Lucas rubbed his face. "And what did you say?"

I didn't answer immediately.

Lucas looked at me. "Adrian."

"I said yes."

His head snapped toward me. "You what?"

"I agreed."

He rose and began to walk about. "You don't even like Cassandra. You two only spoke 3 times since I’ve known you and trust me, it’s a very long time.”

"I don't dislike her."

“It is not a reason to get married to someone.” He reasoned.

"She's dying, Lucas."

He ceased pacing, and stared at me. "You're doing this out of guilt."

Lucas closed the gap between us and sank into the armchair. “You see this is a life long commitment , and once it begins, it will not end. Engagement. Wedding. Investors watching. Media coverage. There's no easy exit."

"I know."

"And what about you?" he asked. "What do you want?"

I didn't have an answer.

Lucas gave a laugh of no humor before I could reply.

"Funny," he muttered.

"What?" I asked.

"My day was terrible too." He admitted.

I looked at him. "What happened?"

"Hospital politics. A surgical case went wrong. No fault of mine but you see I will sit through three review panels.” He signed

I shook my head. “You save lives daily and they question you?”

"That's medicine."

We sat in silence for a moment.

Then Lucas stood up suddenly. "You know what? This day is trash."

I raised an eyebrow.

“We need alcohol."

"I already have alcohol." I said pointing to my well stocked bar.

“Not apartment alcohol,” he said. "Public alcohol. Loud music. Red and blue flashing lights.”

“That sounds like a horrible idea.” I groaned.

"I’ll drive."

I stared at him.

"Fine," I said.

The bar was crowded and loud. It wasn't my usual scene. Too noisy. Too chaotic.

Lucas had ordered drinks before I got a chance to change my mind.

“To temporary escape” he said, lifting his glass.

I clinked mine against his. "To temporary escape."

We discussed everything but my mother. Except the wedding. Except responsibility. Except his upcoming panel sittings.

The music became loud at some point. The lights dimmer.

I went to the restroom.

As I returned Lucas had disappeared.

I scowled and glanced through the crowd. He had been sitting just there.

I pulled out my phone. No service.

"Unbelievable," I muttered.

I broke through the multitude, glancing at the counter of the bar, the entrance, the dance floor.

Nothing.

I went to the other part of the club that appeared to be more secluded. Sofas. Dim lights. Fewer people.

That was when I heard a voice.

"You look lost."

I turned.

A young man was leaning against the bar watching me. Lean build. Messy black hair.

"I'm looking for someone," I said.

He looked about in an amused way. “And you thought you would search my section?”

“I had no idea this section had an owner.” I replied.

He smirked. "It does tonight."

I was too fatigued and too drunk to walk away.

“Have you spotted a big man, brown hair, stressed-out?” I asked.

"No I have not seen your boyfriend.” he said casually.

I frowned. "Friend."

"Sure." He asked. “But it’s easier to not lie.”

“I was not lying,” I said, in a curt way.

He tilted his head. "So you're single?"

"Yes."

"Interesting." He smirked.

I should have walked away.

Instead, I stayed.

"What's interesting?" I asked.

He took a sip of his drink. "You don't look single."

"And what does that mean?" I asked.

“You are like one that belongs to somebody. You’re somebody’s good boy.” Came his honest reply.

I almost laughed. "I don't belong to anyone."

"Good," he said. "I'd hate to steal."

"You're very confident."

"I have my moments." He replied, cockily.

I studied him. "You're not my type."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why?”

"Just like that."

He stepped closer. Not too close. Only a little that allowed the scent of his perfume fill my nostrils.

"And what exactly is your type?" he asked.

"Not you."

Instead of appearing offended, he smiled. "Can I change your mind?"

I should have said no.

I should have left.

I should have recalled that I had just accepted to get married.

But for some reasons all I could think about was seeing how this would end.

"You can try," I said.

His smile widened.

"Bold answer," he said. “Are you sure … the word failure has never existed in my dictionary.”

“Looks like your dictionary needs an update.” I replied.

He smirked, then extended his hand. "Julian."

I paused half a moment and picked it up. "Adrian."

His grip was warm. Firm.

“Well, since you insist on not having a boyfriend, Adrian," he said softly. “And you say I’m not your type.”

"You’re not."

"I wanna make good use of my chance to change your mind.” He said.

I shook my head a little, but was smiling now. "You're persistent."

"I know what I want." He shrugged

"And what's that?"

He looked straight at me.

"You."

The word had a crazy impact on me.

Maybe it was the wine in my veins…. Or just the butterflies in my tummy.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I ignored it.

"Dangerous line," I said.

"I mean it." He replied.

"I'm not interested." I endeavoured to persuade myself more than him.

He leaned closer. "Let me change your mind."

The part of me that was responsible was dying quickly.

It was one night that I did not wish to be the CEO.

I did not want to be the son who has responsibilities.

I did not want to be that man who made calculated decisions.

I simply desired to experience something simple.

I met his eyes.

"Fine," I said quietly.

This time he was not smiling playfully.

It was certain.

He caught my hand again, and I made no withdrawal this time.

We left that place together.

And somewhere between the ride on the elevator and closing a hotel room door, I ceased to think altogether.

The only important thing…. The feeling of Julian buried deep inside me.