The evening after the successful press conference found Edwin and his team gathered in a plush, dimly lit bar. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with soft jazz playing in the background and the gentle clink of glasses punctuating the conversation. Edwin had insisted on this celebration, wanting to show his appreciation for the tireless efforts of those who had stood by him through the storm.
"To the best team a guy could ask for," Edwin said, raising his glass of scotch. The others followed suit, their faces lit with smiles of relief and camaraderie.
"You did well out there, Ed. But don't let it go to your head." Marcus teased, as he clinked his glass against Edwin's. "We still have more battles out there and –"
Max quickly cut the overly serious and workaholic man off with a chuckle, "Come on, Marcus. Let the man enjoy his moment."
Edwin turned to Marcus and Max, his green eyes shining with genuine gratitude. "I can't thank you both enough for sticking with me when Richard cut me loose. You didn't have to do that."
Marcus's lips quirked into a rare smile. "Well, don't get too comfortable. Now that we've got this momentum, it's time to start putting yourself out there again. Before we all go broke."
The group erupted in laughter.
Kimberly, whose face was now looking flushed from the alcohol, ran a hand through his disheveled wine-colored hair before glaring at Marcus. "Oh, shut up, you old grump. Don't ruin the mood with work talk!"
Edwin grinned, raising his glass again. "No, no, he's right. I promise I'll get back to work before we're all living on the streets. How's that?"
"That's the spirit," Victoria, who had been quiet, decided to chip in.
As the laughter subsided, Victoria glanced at her watch. "As much as I'm enjoying this, I should head home. Family waiting and all that."
The group bid her farewell, watching as she gracefully made her way out of the bar. As the night wore on, the conversation flowed as freely as the drinks. Edwin found himself relaxing for the first time in weeks, surrounded by the people who had become more than just colleagues – they were his lifeline.
Suddenly, Edwin's phone buzzed. He frowned at the foreign number displayed on the screen, then his eyes widened in recognition. "It's Lance," he said, quickly answering the call.
"Lance! Where the hell have you been, man?" He asked, his voice laced with relief and concern.
Lance's deep, smiling voice came through the speaker. "Hey, Ed. Sorry for disappearing on you. Family business is apparently taking longer than I expected."
Edwin nodded, even though Lance couldn't see him. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, it's fine. Just complicated, you know how family can be," Lance replied. "But enough about me. How are things going with the case?"
Edwin leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. "Actually, things are looking up. We just had a press conference where we presented the evidence to the public. The hearing is scheduled for two weeks from now."
"That's great news, Ed! I'm glad things are turning around for you."
"Thanks, Lance. And thank you for everything – for providing that evidence when we needed it most. You really came through for me."
Lance's voice softened. "Hey, that's what friends are for, right? I'm just happy I could help."
Edwin glanced at his friends, who were trying and failing to look like they weren't eavesdropping. "Listen, when you get back, we need to catch up properly. You still owe me that dinner, and I owe you a drink."
Lance chuckled. "Absolutely. I should be back before the new football season kicks off. We'll make it happen."
As Edwin was about to respond, Kimberly leaned in close, his blue eyes twinkling mischievously. "Ooh, dinner plans already? Should I be jealous, Edwin?"
Edwin rolled his eyes, but couldn't help the slight blush that crept up his face. "Ignore him, Lance. Kimberly thinks he's funny."
Lance laughed. "Tell Kimberly I said hi. I should go, but I'll see you soon, okay?"
After exchanging goodbyes, Edwin hung up, only to find Kimberly grinning at him knowingly. "What?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Kimberly just shook his head, his stylish outfit somehow still impeccable despite the long night. "Nothing, nothing at all. Just observing the blossoming of young love."
Edwin groaned. "For the last time, Kim, Lance and I are just friends. I'm not into men, remember?"
Kimberly raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that, darling."
Before Edwin could retort, Marcus cleared his throat. "If you two are done with your little soap opera, I think it's time for another round."
"Bring it on, we'll drink till we can't no more tonight," Edwin smirked cockily.
"Don't just say those words, back it up with action. No one is escaping tonight!" Max slurred, obviously drunk from his dwindling actions.
Kimberly just shook his head. "Look who's talking. Are you sure you can still handle more drink?"
"Of course, I can–" Max tried to reply, but before the words could come out, his glass suddenly fell from his hand as the drink poured on the table. Laughter erupted in their group as they tried to clean up the mess with tissue paper.
"You sure can handle it indeed," Marcus chuckled.
It was well past midnight when Edwin stood up, swaying slightly. "Alright, folks, I think it's time I made an announcement."
The group quieted down, looking at him expectantly.
"First off, thank you all again for everything you've done. I wouldn't be here without you," Edwin began, his words slightly slurred but sincere. "And secondly, I think it's time for me to go home. My real home, I mean."
Kimberly gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "You're leaving me? After all we've been through?"
Edwin laughed, reaching out to ruffle Kimberly's hair, messing it up even more. "I've imposed on you long enough, Kim. It's time I go back to my space."
Kimberly's pout melted into a genuine smile. "You know you're always welcome, right? Any time, day or night."
Edwin nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. "I know. And I can't thank you enough for that."
Max raised his glass. "To Edwin going home, and to new beginnings!"
The group cheered, clinking their glasses one last time before deciding to call it a night. As they stumbled out of the bar, the cool night air hit them, amplifying their intoxication.
Edwin hugged each of his friends goodbye, holding onto Kimberly a little longer than the others. "Thank you," he whispered.
Kimberly just nodded, his blue eyes shining with understanding. "Go home, superstar. Get some rest. You've earned it."