5. ‘Lachi’

FIVE

‘LACHI'

MALACHI

Not sure why we didn't just fly to Montana, but nope, my asshole friends wanted to drive and see the country. I should have just done what I wanted, but I didn't want to cause any rifts. Could have gotten my company jet and flown us to Montana, but we have some sensitive Stans amongst us. Especially Jude, because he's the one always throwing smack at me because of my company and its success. I'm not sure why because, from what I hear, he has a pretty successful construction business going with his brothers and dad. He's the newest guy to join our group. Vito, Freddy, Presley, and I grew up and went to school together. Jude came around after we got out of high school and by then, I was already programming shit and starting up my business. Now, I don't act like an asshole by shoving my fortune or success at these guys. Jude's been getting worse and lately he's downright being a jagoff toward me. I told Presley if it keeps up then I'm going to have to confront him. Vito, Freddy, and I were talking last night at dinner. Jude was in the bathroom hammering our goddamn waitress while we waited for them to finish so she could take our orders.

Vito was about to hit the john when another waitress came over, asking us if Shelly took our order. When we said no, she rolled her eyes looking down the hall to where the restrooms were. Then she took out her pad and asked what we wanted. The three of us placed our orders and when she walked away, Freddy started by saying he was getting sick of Jude's bullshit. I've been busy so wasn't around the last couple of times they all went out. This was Jude's new thing, hooking up with whoever he can, no matter where he's at.

Freddy told me about last Friday. They went out for wings and beers. Jude picked up Vito and Freddy because the two share an apartment. While waiting on their wings, Jude saw an old girlfriend, and next thing Vito and Freddy knew Jude was walking out with the chick, leaving them stranded. When they called him on it, he called them jealous pussies. Something is definitely up with him. I'm hoping he doesn't fuck up this time with Presley because I'm looking forward to it. Not only for maybe seeing Ruby, but I miss my friend. I'm beyond thrilled for him for finding Hannah and moving to Timber-Ghost. I get it, he's in love with that girl and from what I saw, she seems like a cool chick, funny as hell and doesn't take any shit from anyone. That's why I'm thinking Jude is in for a rude awakening. If what Presley says and what I've seen of Hannah is true, she's got spunk and the rest of her Devil's Handmaidens motorcycle club won't stand for Jude's bullshit, especially the one with the skull face. Shit, what was her name… oh yeah, Shadow. By the time those women arrived Jude was gone, so I can't wait to see his face when he meets Shadow and her man, Panther. Not to mention the big guy, Avalanche, who's supposed to be a brother to Shadow's man.

Our food comes and we dig in 'cause we're starving. Since it's Jude's car, we stop when he wants to. Just one more thing that is starting to bug the shit out of me. A chair drags against the floor and we all look up to see Jude glaring at each of us.

"What the fuck, you didn't wait to order? I wasn't gone that long."

Vito chuckles but Freddy glares right back.

"Well, dude, since you can't control your own dick, we were done waiting for you to get it wet, so we ordered. You ain't our dad, motherfucker, so sit your ass down and order some food. For Christ's sake, I thought you'd be in a better mood after you shot your wad."

Freddy grabs another wing and starts chomping on it as Vito chokes on his beer. My eyes are looking down but I can feel Jude's stare. I do not engage. The rest of the evening sucks and, damn, am I glad I refused to share a room. I'm past that shit, so the three of them are in one room and I have my own. I'm not in said room for more than fifteen minutes when a knock on the door has me close my laptop and walk to the door, opening it, and seeing Freddy there.

"Brother, I hate to ask, but can I grab your chair or couch just for tonight? Went to the front desk and they don't have anything open because of a baseball tournament. That motherfucker won't shut his mouth. Vito put in his buds and Jude kept getting in my face. It was either leave or knock his teeth down his throat. If you can't spare some room, I'll find a restaurant I can sit in a booth at all night, and drink some shitty coffee."

Damn, I feel so bad for Freddy 'cause he's a great dude. I grab his shoulder and pull him inside.

"Never have to ask, you know you're always welcome if I'm around. Just didn't want to get stuck with Jude 'cause I know you and Vito are close. I got that couch, it's a pullout bed. There's bedding in that closet, help yourself. Fridge has drinks and some snacks, as do the cabinets. Again, help yourself. I got some work to finish, if ya don't mind. Watch the television or fuck around on your phone, whatever you want to do, dude."

Freddy looks around then back at me confused.

"How the fuck do you have a room like this and the three of us are squeezed in tight in a two-bed? I swear they are twin beds with a chair and ottoman. No refrigerator or nothing."

I smile then actually chuckle.

"Freddy, I've learned money can do just about anything. When I had my assistant make the reservation, after Jude told me to, I didn't want to share, so this is what I ended up with. Patti used to work with my dad, but when I started my own business, she asked to come with me. I think my dad asked her to, so I had someone with experience at my back. She does so much more than any other person in my company. Every time I travel, regardless if it's a five-star or three-star, somehow, she manages to take care of me."

Out of everything I just said, Freddy only hears one thing.

"Fuck, dude, you've stayed at five-star hotels? Where and how was it? This is the kind I usually stay at. Sometimes even motels instead of hotels, just depends on my money situation."

Well, an idea popped in my head with what Freddy just said and even though Jude is going to be beyond pissed, I think both Freddy and Vito will have a blast.

"Give me a quick second, need to make a call. Where are we supposed to stop tomorrow night? Did Jude book a hotel?"

"I think we are supposed to stop somewhere near Casper, Wyoming, though don't think he reserved rooms yet. Why?"

"No worries, man, give me a minute, will you? Going to step out, need to make a phone call."

Not giving Freddy a chance, I walk out and dial up Patti. She answers on the first ring, "Hey, boss, need something?"

She never balks at my late calls or asking for something out of the normal. That's why she always gets a bonus each year that would allow her to buy a new car with cash.

"Yeah, Patti, evening. Sorry for the late call, but I need some help. Tomorrow night I'm going to need four rooms at a hotel, resort, or something that is above a two-or three-star. If possible, get me three suites or mini-suites, and one regular room. Just text me when you find somewhere. I'd greatly appreciate it."

"Not a problem. I'll find somewhere. Do you care what the rate is and do I have permission to do whatever I have to do to secure the rooms?"

"As always, Patti, work your magic."

We say goodbye and I make my way back into our room with Freddy finishing making the pullout bed. The nice thing about this room is there is a dividing half wall between the king-size bed and the desk and couch. We will each have a little privacy. He has a television, as do I.

"Freddy, you good, man? I've got to get back online and review some documents. Mind if I work at the desk just a bit longer? It's much more comfortable than trying to work in bed."

"Brother, your room, do what you want to. I'm just grateful for the bed. I have no problem chipping in for the room either, Malachi. Just tell me how much."

I nod but already know I'd never take money from him. He turns the television on quietly while he checks out his phone. Within five minutes I'm reading contracts and looking at some stuff Nova sent me earlier in the day. Just as I'm about done, my phone vibrates with a text. Grabbing it and opening the text app, I smile while I read Patti's words.

"Boss, nothing close to four-or five-stars in Casper, Wyoming but I found a really cool location in Saratoga, Wyoming, which is before Casper. It's called The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch. I've reserved the Yoakum, which has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. If you can get there on Wednesday, it will give you whenever you arrive until Friday or Saturday, I've left it open. The kitchen will be stocked and I've scheduled a chef to prepare whatever meals you want. I convinced the property owners that it was in their best interest to do their best to make yours and your friends' stay one to remember. Let me know if you need me to add anything further. Oh, there will be a rental also there for you to use, if needed, per your instructions. Have a nice evening, Malachi."

This brings a huge smile to my face. It's Monday night, so I text her, telling her to adjust the reservation to arriving late Tuesday, which will give us a couple of days at the lodge. Jude is going to be so pissed, but I know Vito and Freddy will appreciate it. Then I send a group text, informing everyone I've taken care of the lodging—kind of chuckling at my play on words—and it's on the way. Explained if we can bust ass and get there by tomorrow evening, we can spend a couple of days on a mini-vacation. I don't give them the name just that it's a town before Casper, Wyoming. I leave it like that.

Not even two minutes later I get a reply from Vito.

"Right on, dude. Can't wait."

Then Freddy, who just has an emoji with a smiling face with its mouth open, forming an ‘O.'

Finally, after eight minutes, I hear back from Jude.

"Why did you change the plans, asshole?"

Yeah, it's working, I'm getting under his skin. Now for dad's way of really pissing someone off, I pressure them.

"Oh, sorry, Jude, just trying to do something nice. If it makes you feel better when I pay the invoice, you can take care of your portion. I was going to treat everyone but whatever makes you happy, Jude. Going to bed, good night."

When I look up, Freddy is watching me with a smirk on his face.

"What the fuck did you do, Malachi? Shit, knowing you like I do, probably rented out a movie star's pad. This isn't going to go over well, I promise you, because as we all know, even though Jude does okay, he's not at your level and never will be. I mean, though I don't even know what that level is. Goddamn, this is goin' be a great day with him fuming and the three of us acting like the clowns we are. Damn, Malachi, thanks, brother, now I can't wait. Wish we could leave now."

I laugh along with Freddy as I sit down with my laptop on the chair and show him where we are staying. It brings such joy to me just seeing the shock on his face. This is what I like using my wealth for. Family and friends. I mean, bought Mom and Dad their new forever home. Helped my brother and sister-in-law with that total remodel of their home. Sent my younger brother on that, shit what was it, twenty-one day cruise, I think. They all have their own money but nowhere near what I have. It's fun to treat them, especially our parents after all they've done for my brothers and me.

After we talk a bit more, I finish my work on the laptop, then after closing down shop for the night, I grab a water and take my jeans and T-shirt off and crawl into the bed. The last thing I see in my mind's eye are huge flames shooting out of Jude's eyes and nose. I fall into my dream world with a grin on my face.