As I sat at my desk in my den, I tried my best to enjoy my current glass of brandy. But it wasn’t easy when there is two annoying voices sitting across from me on the spare couch. “If you say the word ‘party,’ I’m ejecting you through that window.”

Victor, the eldest of my brothers, started to chuckle. “Come on. You’re turning 30. It’s tradition. You survived your 20s and continued to build Dragon Corp into a tech empire. Plus, you’re managing not to delete yourself.”

“I’m still considering the possibilities.” I took another sip of my brandy, before setting the cup down to refill.

“So, why not celebrate your success?” I can tell Victor was trying hard not to fully smile, and it was un-nerving. Especially when his smile alone has helped to close many deals that helped grow the company.

“Why are we even trying?” I looked over to Andrew, my other brother. He was the middle child between us. “Kensi doesn’t even like people.”

“See,” I raised my glass before taking another sip. “Andrew gets it. Finally, something useful came out of your mouth.” I watched as Andrew rolled his eyes, like always. And he wonders why I don’t allow him in meetings when it came to the company. He’ll get us nowhere with that attitude of his.

“Come on.” I watched as Victor clapped his hands together as if to plead. “All I’m saying is, one night out won’t kill you.”

“Yes it will!” I glopped down my drink before pouring more. At this rate I might has well drink straight from the bottle. In fact, that was a great idea. “You’re asking me to fake a smile and attempt small talk. I would rather swan dive off a cliff side instead.”

Victor walked over to my desk and slammed his hands down. “What if we go to a bar? I know this lowkey place.” He then grabbed the brandy bottle away from me. “Alex runs the joint. It got good vibes, decent music. And get this,” Victor pours himself a glass of MY brandy. “There won’t be any press.”

Alex? Now where have I heard that name before? “Which Alex we talking about?”

Victor smiled as he walked back to the couch and took a sip of his drink. “Your old maid, Alex. Ariel’s younger sister. The one who refused you to pay for her surgery, and chose to work for you to earn the money. That Alex.”

I automatically stood up, which was a very bad idea with the way my head started pounding. “You’re telling me Alex is still alive? I thought she died in that car crash.”

Victor smiled as he poured himself another shot. “Na. She’s very much alive. And she still owes me a drink. So, why not we all go?”

I got up from my chair and went to Victor to grab my bottle of brandy back. It didn’t help that it was almost empty. Might have to grab another from my collection. “I haven’t seen Alex since what? 7 years?” I drank the last of the brandy before setting it down on my desk. “What kind of bar is it?”

“The basics. Neon lights, dancers, great techno music.” Victor then walked next to me and patted my back. “It also happens to be a gay bar.”

“Seriously.” We watched as Andrew roll his eyes again. “Of course it’s a gay bar.”

I looked over my shoulder at Victor. “Is this your subtle way of saying I need to get laid?”

Victor put his hands up in defense and took a step back. “You said it, not me.”

I walked over to one of the shelves in my den and grabbed another bottle of brandy. The cheap kind, at that. One that would make me forget what my name was and have me sleeping like I died. “I’ll just stay home and get drunk.”

“Or, hear me out.” I looked back at Victor. “Or, you can drink surrounded by eye candy. Even if you don’t talk to nobody, you’ll still get a show on your birthday.”

I swirled the new bottle in my hand, debating whether I should take Victor’s suggestion. “What if I say no?”

“You really want to play that route?” I looked over to Victor and he had this huge grin. “I will then invite Alex so she could crash you next board meeting. Especially so she could tell everyone how you hide under the dining room table when you’re hungover.” I could hear Andrew snort while he tried to hide his face.

“You’re a fucking bastard.”

Victor’s smirked as he stepped closer to me. “I know, and I’m your favorite.” I couldn’t argue with that fact. “So, what you say?”

I took one more look at the bottle in my hand before putting it back. “Fine.” I then looked at Victor before gripping his left shoulder. “One drink, one night. And if I hate it,” I shook him before pushing him back a bit. “I’m never leaving the house, again.”

“Fair point, and deal.” Victor then looked me up and down. “But you should go change before we head out.”

“This is going to be a disaster.” Victor and I looked over at Andrew in time to see him shake his head.

…

Author’s Note

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