V: The evening starts with the introduction of Mr. Ashton, who will give a brief history of how the project came to be. There'll be visuals of the planned renovation, a few speeches, and then a signing of the contract by all parties involved. The entire event should last about 45 minutes, unless you decide to stay for the music, which begins as soon as the contracts have been signed.
Jax: Very good. As usual, your attention to detail has been pleasantly compulsive.
V: Someone is trying to kill you, Jax. This is no time to let things slide.
Jax: Well, in order to keep Jason and his unions from disrupting the evening, we've more than tripled security. Even if someone was after me, they wouldn't stand a chance.
V: Well, you're safe for tonight anyway. I'm going to let you go get dressed.
Jax: now? The event isn't for another couple of hours.
V: Your average elapsed time for showering, shaving, and dressing is 41 minutes, give or take how long the hot water lasts. With formalwear, I generally add another 18 minutes. So if you start now, you'll just make it.
Jax: That's still only 58 minutes. (Obviously arithmetic isn't a prerequisite for being a millionaire)
V: You're going with Brenda, correct?
Jax: So?
V: So you'll arrive at her house early. But instead of leaving right away, you'll sit, have a glass of champagne, stare into the fire, maybe even each other's eyes. (Eww) And after what seems like a few precious moments, you'll realize hours have passed by, race out giggling, and arrive at the contract signing with absolutely no time to spare.
Jax: Am I really that predictable?
V: Only when certain people are involved.
Jax: Well, I'd hate to disappoint you, V, but this time you're way off. Brenda and I are strictly friends.
V: Sure you are.
Jax: You don't believe me.
V: Not for a minute.
Jax: Well, then sit down because you're not going anywhere until I convince you that Brenda and I will never be lovers again.
V: Honestly, Jax, there is no need to convince me of anything concerning your relationship with Brenda.
Jax: Why, because you've already made up your mind?
V: Because from everything I've seen over the past year, you love Brenda and she loves you.
Jax: The situation between Brenda and me is a little more complicated than one and one makes happily ever after. I mean, our history is so convoluted, I can barely keep track of it myself.
V: Love stories are like that -- frustrating, unpredictable, driven by all the wrong reasons. It's still what we all want. |
Jax: There were times over the past couple of years when I was open to devoting the rest of my life to Brenda. I gave her everything I had. I loved her unconditionally. But she chose someone else. |
V: I know your pride's been hurt --
Jax: No, this isn't about pride. It's about trust. Brenda's love for me is skittish and fleeting, and I won't be taken in by it again.
V: The person speaking right now is Jasper Jacks, the cold-hearted businessman who doesn't let anyone get the upper hand. What about the other guy? The man with feelings and dreams? What does he think? Or haven't you asked him?
Jax: He says, as far as Brenda's concerned, it's too late.