Christmas Eve party at Black Gold

Max huffs as investors drone on about quarterlies. "Oh God, does this guy ever shut up?" He downs the rest of his champagne flute.

"Excuse me, gentlemen. I'm going to check out the food bar."

He pivots on his heels and berlines for the food bar, rolling his eyes. Maybe a good piece of our would make this party more bearable.

Max was never one for schmoozing. He preferred the lone, solitary life. No friends, no family except for his son,...no more heartache. No more hurt.

His whole life.... His wife, his father, other kids growing up...He'd been burned by his ex-wife, badly. He didn't believe in love anymore and he sure as hell didn't believe in love at first sight.