Damon gave Joey a reassuring pat on the back, chuckling to himself.
He'd thought it was something serious... well, it is, but not in the way he'd expected.
This was one mess he didn't feel the need to dive into headfirst, though he'd help however he could.
"You should talk it out," Damon advised. "I don't think he's necessarily mad at you guys for... whatever you're doing. Since he's your friend, maybe tell him how you actually feel about his sister."
Damon couldn't help but smile, a bit amused at himself.
'Since when am I the one giving relationship advice?'
Joey gave a skeptical look. "But we're not children."
"Then don't act like one," Damon replied smoothly. "Just talk to him, explain things. He probably doesn't know you're serious. And, let's be real, you're not exactly known for lasting relationships. So just be honest."
As Joey looked at Damon, he laughed and shook his head. "Mmh... thanks, man. Always the single friends giving the best advice."
Damon smirked, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't make me regret it by showing up with more bruises."
Svetlana looked at them with a small, amused smile on her face. Joey saw the look on her face and raised an eyebrow. "What?"
She shrugged, still holding back a grin. "Nothing... just didn't expect you and Ashley, that's all."
Joey laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, well... neither did I, honestly."
Damon chuckled, shaking his head. "Guess we all missed the signs."
Svetlana leaned against the counter, arms crossed as she looked at Joey with a playful glint in her eyes. "So, does this mean we'll be seeing a different side of you? All serious and committed?"
Joey held up his hands defensively, though a sheepish grin crept onto his face. "Hey, don't get ahead of yourselves. One step at a time."
Damon smirked. "Right. Just make sure the first step is talking to Ash."
Joey nodded, sighing. "Alright, alright. I'll talk to him. But if he throws another punch, I'm blaming you guys."
Svetlana laughed, giving Damon a playful nudge. "Guess we'll be your corner men."
The room was filled with laughter when all of a sudden, a phone rang.
"My dad wants to talk to you," she said, holding out the phone.
Damon blinked, feeling a sudden jolt of surprise.
He exchanged a quick glance with Joey, who raised an eyebrow, giving him a silent good luck nod.
Taking a steadying breath, Damon reached for the phone. "Alright... let's see what Victor has to say."
Damon took the phone, holding it to his ear. "Hello."
Victor's loud, warm, and energetic speech came through right away. "Hahaha, kid, you did it! I'm proud of you, kid... how are you doing?"
Damon couldn't help but smile. "Thank you. I'm doing fine. What about you?"
"I'm amazing," Victor replied, his tone genuine. "Listen, kid, I need you and Lana to come back. There's something I gotta talk to you about. Plus, your mom's waiting to see you."
As Victor went on, Damon felt a rush of excitement. "I went ahead and booked you a flight for tomorrow. So, get ready to head back."
Damon was a bit puzzled but nodded, responding, "Oh, okay. I'll let the team know."
"Good. Now, hand the phone back to Lana. I'll see you both tomorrow," Victor replied before hanging up.
After saying his goodbyes, Damon handed the phone back to Svetlana, who gave him a reassuring smile.
As he turned, Joey was grinning at him.
"Looks like we're heading back," Joey said with a shrug.
Damon raised an eyebrow, teasing, "Not gonna stay and enjoy New York City?"
Joey shook his head. "Nope. Got college, remember? Took a break to come watch your first big fight, but I still need to catch up on a lot."
Damon's expression softened, looking at his friend with genuine gratitude. "Thanks, man. Really."
Joey waved it off with a smile. "No need to thank me. Felt good, you know? Watching you go from the streets to the ring, and now to the screen. Proud of you, bro."
Damon's chest swelled with joy. "Wouldn't be here without you."