Chapter 384

• Compared to them, I’m way behind on social niceties. A few men nearby were naturals, working the whole drinking culture like pros. We were all on the same level, and their patter came in slick, polished lines. If you don’t drink, you look like you don’t know how to have fun.
• I lifted my glass and downed two in a row, listening to all the surface talk. After a few drinks, I’d handed out a stack of business cards. All potential clients. Maybe one day a deal would land.
• I was about to take another sip when two big hands reached in. My glass got taken—by Mr. Hayes and Shawn—but Shawn was quicker. He stood, and as my boss, he blocked the drink for me.