@passwithoutafelix
He didn’t often find himself going out alone for drinks but that evening seemed like the time to do it. No ghosts were hovering around him, for once, he could relax. At least, relax more than normal. He was still stressed about the recent dip in profits but he knew summer was a slow time for the business, they were a Q4 business. Still, he hadn’t been in charge of the company for long and it was stressful.
Tonight, however, he wouldn’t let it get to him. Tonight he placed his manicured mask tight upon his features, his charm, that smile that won over so many. The bar was members only, a social club for Boston’s wealthier residents and it showed. The chandeliers sparkled gold and the bar itself was a perfect, polished mahogany. He often saw people he knew there and so, was not surprised when he believed that was the case now. He caught the eye of a gentleman whom he recalled meeting at a few charity events in the past. A winning grin swept across his features and Jude lifted his hand from the bar in a partial, friendly wave.
“How long has it been? Thompson, isn’t it?” Jude stood with his glass of whisky and moved two stools down to sit beside the older man. Sure, he might be like many others of Boston’s elite, now disdainful since it became public that he was gifted, but Jude tried not to make assumptions. Anyone could be a friend after enough sweetening up. “Hope I’m not making a fool of myself, I’m Jude Lawrence, I think we met at last fall’s charity auction. You outbid me.”