New Players In The Pattern

[Aiden Finnegan]

Aiden’s eyes went wide as Sage nonchalantly mentioned his parents’ attempted kidnapping and their subsequent deaths. Aiden’s own connections wouldn’t have gone that far. No. Aiden always preferred making people wonder ‘who they pissed off’ when they crossed him. It was better that they didn’t know he was pulling the strings; that way they were always paranoid and on guard. Aiden would’ve done that to every American citizen because of the reception of his last film, but he didn’t know enough people to carry that out… And he’d probably feel bad in the end. He usually did when getting back at people.

                “You talk about Nox a lot… Am I wasting my time tonight? If you’re already spoken for, no harm no foul. I don’t wanna step on anyone’s toes here. If we’re being honest though, I’m starting to really like you, Sage. First date, I know, but I wouldn’t mind seeing where this,”Aiden made a gesture encapsulating them both, “goes. Forgive me for being so forward, but in my experience, that’s the best way to approach relationships… or potential relationships.”

                Aiden opened another beer and downed half of it, “I don’t mind either way… I mean… I’d mind,” Aiden laughed, “But I could get over it. And yes, Lasher is with my driver. I asked him to take him for a walk, but we can always take him around the block again. That dog does love his exercise.”

                Since mentioning the dreams, Aiden had begun hoping that Sage was the man in them. He wasn’t entirely sure anymore, though. He now knew more about this Nox than he did about his date.

                That wasn’t good.

                Aiden called for the check.