Chapter 824 All Aboard The Bicker-Limo
Alex spun together a tale about a new product being tested by Evo Gaming, which he had been on the alpha testing team, put there by his new business partner, Jack Boudreau, and how it had caused him light brain damage, sending him in a come.
He explained how vital these testing phases were, precisely for the reason he experienced and how he was now OK. He even said he was glad it had happened to him and not someone else.
At the end of the spun tale, Guylaine looked impressed that he was selfless enough to feel this way, but was still slightly concerned about his risk-taking.
Ultimately, it wasn't her place to argue with his choices and decisions. So she only said this, "Just make sure you don't bring my daughter into these kinds of things. And by the love of god, don't make her feel like this again."
Alex smiled at her and nodded.
"I will try my best. But life is a succession of uncertainties. We don't always get to choose what happens," Alex said, a look of seriousness flashing in his eyes.
Kary noticed it and thought about the near future. She knew this wasn't one of their making, and the choice had long since been taken from them.
Which reminded her.
"Mom. Have you started playing New Eden like I asked you? You should have already received a helmet since you didn't want a pod."nove(l)bi(n.)com
Her mother huffed.
"Lying down in a closed bubble all night? With my claustrophobia? No, thank you. And even then, I don't really like having that helmet on my head for long periods... I don't know what it does to my brain. No one does..." she complained.
Kary sighed, annoyed.
"Did you start playing or not?"
"Oh, bugger off. Yes, I did. But why did you insist so hard about this? It's not like I enjoy video games. You know I was never much of a gamer..."
"Mom. This is an easy way to make side money. Just do it. You don't even need to learn how to fight. Pick a crafter job, for all I care. They make more money anyway. Just play."
Alex looked at her from the corner of his eye, knowingly.
"Fine. But I don't have as much fun as you. It's like a chore getting into that darned game world. Everything is so dangerous," Guylaine complained.
'No. That's not a good way of thinking. I shouldn't leave anyone behind. If I start doing it, where does it end?' he thought.
But Alex felt no sympathy for those people.
They laughed, made fun of his dreams, made fun of him. All because their views and his differed.
Would people like them even listen to him, anyway? Or would they laugh him off, as they always had?
'Screw them. They can start playing in panic when the world finally finds out what is happening. I don't care.'
Feeling the care come to a halt, Alex snapped out of his thoughts.
The window separating Gilbert from the passengers slid open.
"We have arrived, sir. Would you like me to stay nearby and wait for you? Or would you rather call for me when you are done?"
Alex thought about it for a second and felt like waiting for him after eating would be a hassle.
"You can stay nearby. I'll have the bistro call you when we are done," Alex said before opening the door and stepping out.
"As you wish, sir. I'll be right around the corner!" Gilbert shouted as Alex walked out of the limo.
Kary and Guylaine stepped out behind him as he held the door for them, and as soon as they were out and the door had closed, Gilbert drove off.
"Did you have a reservation?" Guylaine asked, wondering if they would be allowed in.
The outside of the restaurant was quite fancy, and the people in line looked like snobby rich kids and important businessmen and women. Yet, Alexander hadn't called to reserve, nor had Kary.
"No need. They'll give us a table," Alex said confidently.
'Does he know the owner?' Guylaine wondered.
As the trio stepped up to the floor manager, Alex smiled at him.
"Hi. We'd like a table for three, please."