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“Oh the fun of being in charge of the family business, isn’t it? At least you can say you didn’t spend Christmas alone. Well you did always seem to follow my choice when we went to the horse races. Can’t believe we both lost 5000 dollars that one time. There’s something in that saying. So I guess we’ll see where we meet. If someone is trying to bid higher I’ll know who it is.“ He nodded. “I know. I’m there for Daniel. He’s a great kid. I don’t know where I’d be without him. So you probably don’t want to explain why little Allen can’t hear you name? I uhm .. she just needed a place to stay you know. But something of me thought that too. I hope you don’t mind me mentioning that .. not that it matters; the next day she left even before I was awake.”

“And what about you? Do you have time for a day off?” He laughed. “Clever, Montclair, but I’ve been in this business as long as you so you know I can’t tell you before you will have the same company in mind ‘by coincidence’. But if I do bump into you there, may the best man win.” Joe was a bit surprised to hear Mason actually saying something to help him. “Gonna be a hard one without getting drunk. .. I think that won’t be a problem, no mention of youor anything that has to do with you. - I uhm, I haven’t seen her either in a while you know. Juliette, I mean.”

That sounds like a terrible year. Join the club. Hopefully you can get a new girlfriend, keep your company and stop the people who hurt you. Who did those things to you by the way? Maybe I could help.

“Hm, are you judging me? It’s Christmas, I’ve been very generous and gave my staff a day off.“ He grinned. “I am always confident enough. Vanderbilt Industries is only expanding and expanding. I have my eye on this small company in town, I want to buy them out so I can make their building into my presentation room for business partners.” He nodded. “Caroline’s last name. Daniel is with her for the holidays, so so am I, it’s going to be a lot of fun.” He rolled his eyes. “Her brother is there, her dad and if I’m very unlucky Mrs Allen - who has never liked me - will be there to ask me if I’m still an alcoholic. And her little sister is probably there. I hope you do to. No sarcasm.”

Oh!  That kind of fun!  Well, honestly, there hasn’t been a whole lot of people around to stir up that kind of fun.  Maybe since you’re back, you want to stir up trouble together?

I can’t say no to a night on the town with a pretty woman. What kind of trouble are you looking for?

Masons calm attitude made him wonder if he had gone into rehab again. “So where have you been?” he asked, not hiding his interest to know what Mason had been up to. It wasn’t like he judged him; he would actually be proud if his old friend had taken life in his own hands again. "You’ve got any girl in mind then? But no, not this year, I’m on my way to the Allen family so I can celebrate Christmas with my son.“

He had no intention of telling Joe about the details of his personal life. The man had lost that privilege when he hooked up with his ex-girlfriend, allowing her to stay in his house. “I’ve been focusing on business. Something I thought you’d be doing today. But if you’re confident enough to take the holidays for yourself ...” Mason gave him a smirk. “Nobody in particular ... but you’re visiting the Allens? .... good. Enjoy. I hope you have a good holiday.”

Maybe there was a reason you had to make that mistake. You can’t be with me. My new life.. it.. it doesn’t have a place for you in it. You have to leave now. Leave a-and.. [her voice came back and wasn’t more than a high whisper] and don’t come back. You can call me when you’re in trouble, but apart from that I can’t see you anymore.

That’s not fair. That’s not fair, and you know it. How can you expect me to just leave you here by yourself? You’re upset. You’re hurt. What good would it do you to be by yourself right now?

A surprise, really? Of course I would notice. I’m not blind! Who, me? I wouldn’t do something like that!