Run, Isabelle, Run!

"Finally! I can throw you the party that I had been planning years ago!"  Delnard Savage grinned at his best friend, Jonathon Elliot. They both got inside a stretch hummer limo and he quickly crouched his way towards the mini bar to get him and Jon a shot. He poured in two glasses the very best whiskey money could buy. It was not difficult to lavish themselves with such a brew, they were among the top 5 richest bachelors in New York. Of course, Jonathon Elliot had been the number one bachelor but because he is engaged to Sofia Wright for almost three years, people have taken him off the list. Now, for the first time in his life, Delnard was number one and not Jonathon.  Yes, he, Delnard Savage, is now the most eligible bachelor of the city that never sleeps. Aside from Jonathon's engagement, it did help that Delnard had managed to create an aura of mystery and aloofness around him after he came back from a long hiatus in Spain.  People who knew Delnard would usually count him as an easy-going, approachable and all around good guy. He was a bit ruthless when it came to business and strict but he was never like Jonathon Elliot who once was an anti-social guy who would give you a cut-direct. Before, if Jonathon Elliot turned to look at you with boredom you could always count on Delnard Savage for a warm and welcoming smile. Now, after being in New York for almost a month, people in the office of Elliot Enterprise started murmuring and noticing how Delnard Savage had become a shadow of who Jonathon Elliot was before.  Of course, no one dared to point this out. His best friend, CEO and owner might be more open and talkative but he could still be truly ruthless and frightening. So, doing something as gossiping about Delnard would be a huge mistake.  Everyone understood why Jonathon Elliot would be protective of his best friend. Delnard had suffered through a scandalous event in the past which involved his father who had plotted and caused the death of Jonathon's father, Jason Elliot.  Tony Savage, former friend and partner of Jason and Jefferson Elliot, had plotted to take over the Elliot Enterprise and as a result, Jason got shot and was instantly killed. It was ironic since Tony Savage seemed to have met his demise the same way- a fatal gun shot wound. He had tried to shoot his way through the police who were going to arrest him and as a result, he got killed. There was also the fact that police still have not found Delnard's step-brother, Jack. He had been the one helping Tony Savage carry out his plans and he was supposed to be in their company the night of the arrest happened. Two years and half later, they still did not know where Jack was.  This was also the reason why there were two bulky guys riding with them in the limo. They were Delnard's bodyguard which Sofia and Jonathon had insisted on providing for him. They were taking no risks until the AWOL step brother was caught and brought to justice. "I would have preferred being at home just drinking by the patio, D. You did not have to throw me a bachelor's party!" Jonathon murmured as he accepted the glass of whiskey from Delnard. "You're kidding right? It's the last time you can get to see another’s naked ass, Jon!" Delnard joked. Jonathon laughed which Delnard still found a little bit shocking but in a pleasing way. The way Jon was laughing nowadays and the past years was different. It felt more free and genuine. Again, Delnard was reminded of how he had chosen the right path when it concerned Sofia Wright.  She was meant to be with Jonathon and not with him. "You do know that I have not looked at anyone else's ass since I told Sofia I love her." Jonathon replied, shaking his head at the man seated beside him. The first time Delnard, Jonathon and Sofia got together again after he left for Spain, it had been a little bit awkward. Both guys had been in love with Sofia Wright but Jonathon, still dealing with demons and past that time, had pretended he did not love the girl which gave Delnard every chance to pursue her. In the end, Sofia chose Jonathon which lead to a brawl and heartache. But, all was forgiven in time and when they saw each other after a couple of months. They all managed to have the grand time of their lives in Cancun.  Delnard had realized he had a real family with the Elliots and Sofia. He had avoided seeing his mother for more than a year, still smarting from the hurtful realization that she was involved with his father's plots.  Eventually, he managed to meet with his teary-dramatic mother last weekend for a brief luncheon and he realized, yes, he still had enough space in his heart to forgive her but it would take more time. Delnard was also starting to get used to the new-found freedom from his mother’s dictatorship. Now, it seemed to Jonathon that Delnard had really gotten some semblance of peace concerning the love triangle that happened. He was glad because that meant he could talk freely about Sofia to Delnard without worrying about his feelings. "You are so whipped, man. Not that I don't blame you.” Delnard replied. "Heck! I named my cafe in Spain after her. I hope you didn't mind." "My fist breaking your face would have made it too obvious if I minded one bit." Jonathon replied, grinning. "Sofia would not shut up about it for days, man! She was so ecstatic and looked at me asking why I did not do those stuff for her. I mean, hell! I had to remind her that she would not let me!"  Delnard laughed. "I'm just happy you're still quite happy, bro. Yours is a long engagement!" Jonathon shrugged, swirling the whiskey in his glass, not yet drinking. "I wanted for her to reach her dreams, D. I had to give her that. You could not imagine the agony of waiting to call her Mrs. Jonathon Elliot. But it's all going to be worth it." "I think this is the happiest I've seen her." Delnard commented looking down on his glass. "She's opening her clinic in your building soon right? Man, I can't believe she’s going to turn into a shrink." "Well, she's had a lot of practice with me and you." Jonathon replied, grinning and both men laughed. "To fulfilling dreams, buddy! I'm going to get you so smashed tonight, Sofia will probably have my kidneys and liver for breakfast!"  They shared a toast and just as Delnard was lowering his finished drink, he saw Jonathon reach for his iPhone and answer the call. He turned away slightly when he saw the look on Jonathon's face. He did not need to ask who the caller was. It had been so obvious that it was Sofia. Delnard sneaked a glance at Jon's face. He looked at peace and extremely happy. A sharp pang of jealousy stabbed at his heart. No, not because he still had feelings for Sofia; yes, he still loved her but more like a sister and a very dear friend. He would do anything for Sofia but not in the way that Jonathon would.  Delnard is more envious of how Jonathon was feeling right now.  In love.  Content.  Most especially, whole.  He wanted that for himself above all else. He groaned because his mind started wandering towards that one perfect night in Spain, in his cafe; hours before he was going to fly back to New York. He did not want to remember and he was glad when Jonathon put his phone back inside his jacket and turned to Delnard. "Thinking about that night, D?"  "How did you know?"  "Man, when you told me that story about Spain you had this look on you that I could only explain as regret and longing. Exactly the one you are wearing now." Jonathon replied, putting the glass down. Delnard sighed but just said nothing. "Why don't you do something about it?"  Delnard shook his head just in time for the limo to stop. He put the glass down and grinned broadly at Jonathon.  "I would rather forget, man. Tonight is your night! C'mon!"  Delnard leaned forward to head to the door followed closely by Jonathon. "Sofia said no strippers, Del. You have not seen how she can make you internally combust with just one stony glare. I swear man, she's more feisty now that she almost has a degree!" Jonathon whispered stepping out after Delnard.  He grimaced when he saw that they were in a gentleman's club. "Hell no!" Delnard clapped him on the back before strutting forward, pulling him along. "It's a bachelor party, man and not some AA meeting. It's time to party! If you don't like them mama sitas, more for me!"  Jonathon shook his head, placed both hands inside his pants and followed his friend into the building. Hours later, Jonathon was not even half as hammered as Delnard is. He was the bachelor after all but, he was content in just watching his friend and a lot of other guys from work party it out for him.  Delnard had gone all out and rented the club exclusively for them and Jonathon was once again bothered with the thought that Delnard was not entirely all right.  He sighed and signaled the woman behind the bar for another shot. He looked down at his watch wondering how Sofia was doing with her own bachelorette party being thrown by Emily and a couple of friends she had made during college at NYU. "Heeeeyyyy... no brooding..."  Jonathon felt Delnard slam himself against him, his arm slapping itself around Jonathon's shoulder. He was clearly drunk and he had lipstick marks all over his face. He could not help but laugh at how he looked. "I'm not brooding. I'm just bored. I want to go home and cuddle with my fiancee." Jonathon replied.  Finally, he pulled out his cellphone and found he had a missed call from Sofia. He let Delnard sit himself on one of the bar stools as he headed outside to return call. Her voice was like music to his soul and he instantly felt calm and peaceful. "How's the bachelor party, babe?" Sofia asked. "Delnard's drunk as piss." Jonathon replied, smiling picturing her face and eyes. "I miss you." "I miss you more. You can't know how much I want to slip away from Emily and the girls just so I can get you alone. I don't really understand why you would want strippers to dance for you when I can pretty do a good strip tease-" "Sofia." Jonathon groaned against the phone.  Three years and he still had not gotten over the instant desire that Sofia seemed to evoke from him. The situation now was not helping as he vividly remembered that one night, after her graduation, where in she surprised him with a very sexy lap dance.  "How long until you can come get me here at Emily's?" She breathed through the phone and Jonathon instantly felt his entire body heat up and go hard. "It's time to see just how fast stretch hummers go." He whispered and then turned the phone off just in time to hear her say hurry up and that she would wait. Jonathon strutted back towards the bar and found Delnard, George and some of the guys watching girls dance on poles. He shook his head. By the look of things, Delnard was still having the time of his life. He was glad George did not drive otherwise he would be stuck. "Hey D! I'm taking off.” He announced as Delnard squinted up at him, his head on some blonde's chest. "Wahh? It's yer parthey dude...you're getting married tomorrow night..." He slurred. "Exactly. I love you man and I'm happy, thankful for the best blow out ever. But, I'm getting my own strip tease at home tonight." He replied already picturing Sofia naked on their newly acquired bed. "Stay and enjoy the rest of the night, okay?" Jonathon gave his best friend a fist bump because hugging was out of the question unless he wanted to get squished in between the blonde's overflowing bosom.  He turned to walk out when a girl with black curly hair and big dark eyes stepped into his path. She could be really beautiful if not for the thick make up concealing her face. She smiled and Jonathon knew the woman did not belong there but still, a lot of them did not but had to make a living. "Hey, if you want your limo driver, I've made sure to keep serving them watered down shots. They're pretty sober enough to drive." She called out, her smile lighting up her eyes that it made Jonathon wonder if they were actually as dark as he thought. "Thanks! Will you take care of my friend?” "Jon! Don't leave! Have more fun, brother!"  Jonathon braced himself as Delnard swayed dangerously close to falling over. Jonathon caught him as well as the young woman he was talking to. "I think your friend here has had enough, mijo!" She chuckled, glancing down at Delnard's face. Jonathon suddenly felt Delnard's weight tip on the other side as the young woman let go of him, almost in shock. The jolt made Delnard stagger and look up at the young woman beside him, her eyes round as saucers. "Hey! Heeeey... I- don't- I know you?" He slurred, squinting and struggling to straighten up.  Jonathon watched as the girl, apparently snapping out of her shock, began shaking her head and backing away slowly. He frowned. What was going on? "Yes! I know you! You're her!" Delnard slurred a little louder, lounging forward until he was grasping her shoulder.  Jonathon pulled Delnard back as he saw the girl wince, panic and fear clouding her eyes. He did not want to end up bailing out his best man from the precinct if the girl decided to file a complaint. "D, take it easy man, you're drunk!" Jonathon said, pulling him back and looking at the girl. "I'm sorry, he's never been this drunk before, well that’s not true but, I’m sure you understand.”  The girl seemed to stare at both of them for a while before glancing back to Delnard, walking a few more steps. She seemed torn between wanting to talk to him and running away. She looked pretty worried about the state he was in. "You're her!" Delnard continued, pointing at the girl before surprising her by grabbing her arm.  He turned to Jonathon. "She's- she was there- Sofia- Spain- Man, she stole my wallet!"  Jonathon's head snapped up to look at the girl who suddenly became pale. She shook her head, fear increasing in her eyes. With one last shake of her head, she yanked her arms away from Delnard and sprinted across the bar and disappeared into the darkened area. "Wait! Isabelle!" Delnard shouted but before Jonathon could grab Delnard back to help him stay stable while standing, his best friend had already lunged forward but instead of running after the girl, Jonathon watched in horror as Delnard crashed on the floor. "Delnard!" He shouted hurrying down to help him. He turned Delnard and sighed heavily. His friend was knocked out, passed out from being too drunk.  Jonathon wanted to run after the girl now that he realized that he might be the girl in Delnard's story but he figured she was halfway gone from the place by now. Besides, he could not leave a drunk, passed out Delnard on the floor. "There goes my strip tease." Jonathon muttered knowing that he would have to explain everything to Sofia and why Delnard was going to spend the night in their apartment. Delnard was going to sport a nice bruise on his cheek as best man to Jonathon's wedding tomorrow. With a helpless chuckle, he looked down to pick his best friend up from the floor. By the look of things, Delnard Savage had bigger things to worry about than the incoming hangover he was going to experience in the morning.