Forrest novel Chapter 42

FORREST

“SO YOU are a guy who inherited billions worth of assets, but you chose to work at the nightclub?” Xandry spelled out as we sat down in one of the VIP lounges in Night Stalker.

I wasn’t really in a mood to talk about wealth. All I wanted was to get drunk and numb the pain inside my chest. My mind went back to Megan. She was furious. After pouring out all my strength and effort of telling her who I was and how I felt, it still ended up pretty fucking badly.

“I know there’s something off about him when he came to apply for a job. For a first time bartender, he knew different types of liquors, spirits, wines, even the age, smell, and flavor just by smelling them, but I like him, so I hired Forrest without a second thought,” Pyke seconded. “You a good looking guy is good for business.”

“Father thought me at a young age. He had a winery and he was also a sommelier.”

“Your real father?”

“No. I called him Papa. Father was the Lord who raised me.”

“I never suspected Forrest though. All I know is he had a protective nature over women. I thought he just missed his mother,” Kyland said, stealing a glance at me. “So, we can’t stop you from leaving us?”

“I’m not leaving anyone. I have to see my mother and sort something out.” I had to check the pending problem with the project updates and to figure things out since I already had this ring—meaning I accepted the permanent seat in the company and the role in the Oirdheirc Society.

“When you are ready, my son. You can build your own name and your life. Help your mama with our family business.” In his deathbed, he placed something in my hand and had me forcibly grasped it. “You have my name. People will respect you the way they respect me. But be fair to everyone around you. That’s how you gain everyone’s respect on your own. Promise me to wear this when you are ready, son.”

“You mean to embrace who you are? Did you inherit his title? How does it feel?” Pyke asked.

“The status is not a big of a deal. Adopted sons can’t inherit titles.”

“That’s cold. I have to admit, it sounds good to have a title in your name,” Sean reacted. “Lord Kentworthry.”

“We are in the 21st Century where you can buy titles and be one of them.” I sipped my beer. “I’m good with Forrest Wood.”

“Why Wood?” Bash Hughes asked.

“Keighley is an Old English name. Something like woodland. I am not sure.”

“Do they drink beer or ale?” Xandry laughed. “I agree to disagree though, but it sounds like a big deal to me, because they have this title crest on their arms. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you are an adopted son of an English lord.”

I shook my head. “Father was. I’m a bloody nobody.”

“It’s good to finally get out behind the shadow, is it?” My gaze snapped to Sean, sitting in the barstool with Bash Hughes.

I nodded. “Yeah. After I left my life in England, I needed a channeling, I found it MIT.”

They whistled, eyes flashing in awe.

“For years, it felt like I was acting going through my emotions all the time. It was tough being in a new environment, new identity, new school, and keeping out of personal entanglements. It was culture-shocked, really. I felt like I was from the other planet. I was grateful for Alan who had been there for me, my anchor. When I started working here, somehow I wanted to be the person I created. I realized I wasn’t faking it even though I had to keep my old life under wraps. I learned to trust, to feel something, and I like who I am when I am with all of you. I don’t feel like being trapped anymore.”

“Yet, she dumped you.”

“Ouchy,” Sean reacted.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You all happen to know now better than me, eh?”

“Which part?” Bash asked humorously.

Pyke burst out laughing. “Manchester! True colors just revealed.”

“You bloody bloke!” Xandry joined him in an English accent. “Now I know that he drinks, earl grey tea. Forrest, mate. Don’t you get in trouble using a fake name?”

“People fake everything nowadays. It’s not that he committed a crime that they could connect them to Forrest,” Pyke answered.

“I didn’t commit any crimes. I didn’t fake anything. My accent maybe, but my citizenship is still British. You just imposed that I am American.”

They went silent and looked at each other.

“Have anyone checked my IDs?”

When they didn’t reply, I answered, “That’s what I thought.” The document I passed on my application was forged, but no one suspected me. I couldn’t use my MIT diploma and my actual name because it would be suspicious. I actually committed fraud.

“You did a bang-up job, man.” Xandry raised glass.

When everyone went back to drinking and laughing, I couldn’t help but think of how I left Megan. I couldn’t change her mind. I thought I meant something to her, and I let my hopes up. It would be hard to let go, but she made her mind pretty clear. She didn’t need me anymore. I just hoped she would be happy when I was not around here anymore.

That was all I wanted.