2019-12-14 - High Roller Investments

Getting a text from Byron about grabbing drinks somewhere Easton smirks at his phone from behind the bar. He texts back something to the effect that he's already there, and they close at ten if Byron wants to do any serious drinking they can start then. Easton has just a beer set aside for him behind the bar while the restaurant is still open. The night is pretty busy but as it gets past nine most of the crowd thins out and just leaves a table or two and some regulars at the bar. Easton's dressed as always when working in a black dress shirt, rolled up to his elbows and dark jeans over boots. He's currently leaning back against the bar watching sports highlights of college football games.

Sure, Byron kinda set this up in a way where they'd be discussing business of sorts. However, it's a bar and it's Marshall rather than one of the other investors he works with, out of city, so he's dressed more casually for the occasion. Talking business without the suit and tie. Instead, he has on a form-fitting burgundy turtleneck sweater and a pair of dark slacks with boots. His Wraith is parked outside in the lot after having recently retrieved it from the shop where it was having repairs done to it.

There's just something enjoyable about being in a bar after hours (and where it's not close to 3am), even with the few patrons lingering about. It was still early enough that there was interesting stuff on tv and, in a sense, the night was still young. "Marshall!" He calls out to the guy, heading over to join him and taking a seat at the far end of the bar, where he still has a good view of the game. "Good turnout tonight?" In fact, he probably knows at least one of the two stragglers, if not both, here; flashing over a quick acknowledging smile their way. "A glass of whiskey if you will."

The calling out of his name gets Easton to glance over and a big friendly smile (as opposed to a drunken grin) creases his face and he calls out "Thorne!" His voice booms through the open area of the bar. He grabs two glasses and pours two glasses of Knob Creek whiskey. He doesn't know a whiskey preference for Byron so they're drinking Easton's preference instead. He thinks about it and says, "Yea, not too bad. Holidays are helping with the off season slowness." He picks up his glass and takes a sip before saying, "Oh, stopped by Lilith's shop the other day. She's a wicked temptress, and now all I can think about is the rifle she's taunting me this."

Thorne seems content with whatever's poured. He may be all fancy suits and cars, living it up in a penthouse with his city-slicker image, but he was still born and raised in this small town. "Thanks." He lifts his glass up to Easton before he goes in for a sip. "Looking for something at the Pawn Shop?" He knows Marshall has money, so would have no reason to pawn anything off. The question itself is more out of curiosity, but a genuine curiosity at that, rather than just making small talk. The mention of the rifle brings a smile to Byron's lips. "How many rifles in your possession anyway?" He's probably joking, adding on, "Though that's probably something that I don't need to know." But he will say, "Though with the craziness we're sometimes pulled into... gotta admit, it's good knowledge to have."

With that said, he'll go on to the meat of the reason why he's here. "After our Vegas trip, well, even before that, I got to thinking about possibly investing in that new casino built just off-shore." Another sip from his glass. "After the... fiasco with Foster," He says with a shake of his head, "The idea of taking it off his hands now is becoming incredibly more appealing."

Savoring those first few sips of whiskey that Easton has been thinking about for nearly his entire shift it looks for a moment as if he didn't hear the first question. But eventually he reopens his eyes and says, "Oh, yea. Lil had mentioned that Bennie had something there that seemed important." He hemms and haws a little bit realizing that Bennie probably would hate him telling anyone about money issues or pawning things. "Anyway, it was something I meant to do a while ago. Lil's going to help if Benz won't take it from me. She's sweet." He considers that for a moment and adds, "Underneath the sassy exterior."

How many rifles are in your possession?

Easton considers the question and then launches into a discussion about what type of rifle are we talking and what about the AR-15, and do different variations of the same gun count twice? And it's nearly a minute in before he realizes that it was just a casual question. He 'ohs' and takes a swallow of his whiskey before summarizing, "A couple."

He seems surprised by the talk of the casino, but interested, "Really? I mean I guess I shouldn't be surprised, you have a decent real estate portfolio?" It's not something they've really ever talked about, business, but Easton's used to having many variations on this conversation even if they feel like a lifetime ago.

Ah, this was about Bennie. It's not really an awkward conversation, but Byron understands how delicate discussions about recent break-ups can be. Easton seems like he's taking it well enough, however. He then goes on to admit, "I believe I was there for that transaction." He says of the day Bennie showed up at the Harbor Mist." Now /that/ was a little awkward. "I wasn't sure whether Bennie picked it back up or not, but.." Setting his glass down, he reaches over to place a firm hand on Easton's shoulder, giving him a couple of pats there. "That's really thoughtful of you. Shows just how important she... was, may still be, in your life. I hope that she accepts it back." At the last part there, a smirk just tugs at the corners of his lips. That's Lilith for you.

While Byron might not be a firearms expert or fanatic the way Easton is, he... strangely, has a real curiosity about that kinda stuff and listens attentively enough to what's being said, all between sips of whiskey. The final response gets a slowly nod. "That's good to know. And I'm a bit envious still." Nevermind that he has some of a certain crime-boss's weapon cache in one of his safe houses...

"Actually, I don't." Byron is quick to admit about his knowledge of real estate, "Aside from purchasing the Apartments, that is. That doesn't mean that I haven't done the research regarding it. Now, I understand that there's a casino just a half-an-hour or so away. But with Foster going down, I'm not quite sure how that will be handled either. Either way, I thought the purchase of this casino would, like always, bring in more interest. Like the Masquerade event I promoted during Halloween. The casino, itself, will give the town a sense of class with their fine dining and things of that nature. And while it may be debatable, it's not nowhere as gaudy as what you see in Las Vegas. There's elegance to it all-- which... may help tie in to my promoting the Masquerade and, perhaps, other festival during the course of the year."

Easton does seem to be handling the conversation about Bennie without much bitterness or mopey-ness. Maybe that's because he only recently switched from beer to whiskey, the night is still young. He looks surprised at Byron about him being there for Bennie trading in the ring. "Yea, I would expect so." The pat on his shoulder also surprises Easton, even going so far as to look down at the hand but a slow smile spreads over his face. "She is important. And Thorne.." He sets down his glass and says with seriousness, "I'm sorry I was an asshole when we were kids. I'm glad we're moving past that." Between the trip to Vegas, their shared Marines Dream and now apparently they're almost hugging? This is real progress.

"Any time you want to try something out, just let me know." Easton has a good start of an arsenal of his own in the apartment. And that doesn't count what he keeps at the bar for protection since Gohl was attacked by ghost cops there.

"Interesting. I'll be honest, I haven't been following the casino too closely. Just enough to have the same damn conversation over and over with the people in here hoping for it or complaining about it. I did hear about Foster though."

"I know she is." Important. Byron will say to further help to reassure Easton in this situation that he's found himself in. "I know--" He starts, then stops, then starts up again, "I know that it seemed like I moved on quickly enough after Vivian. But I've been with Vivian off and all for years now, since the first year that I went to USC. So even that's pretty rough." He then adds, his voice clearer now, "And yes, I'm with Lilith. We had history and certain circumstances just threw us closer together." This isn't really something that he's discussed overly much with anyone, probably besides Isabella, maybe. "But that doesn't mean that I don't worry about Vivian, you know what I mean? So yeah, Bennie is important. She was a good part of you for a time."

Talking about relationships is one thing, but when Easton brings up their time spent together as adolescence, this gets Byron to laugh. "I'm sure we've all done things we regret doing, but we're both adults now. We grew up and while what happened in our pasts may have molded us into who we are now," His shoulders lift into a shrug. "We're here. We're.. changed, for better or worse, but hopefully for the better. And I didn't forget that I still owed you a free hit." That part, he's probably joking about.

Taking a slow drain of his glass, he nods, "Yep. Foster, man. Anyway, all of that aside, the thing is built and it's sitting out there in the bay. I know that people have differing opinions on the casino, but.. from a business standpoint, I think it will be beneficial for the town. So, I'm looking for an investor or two. Just like old times," He says, because the reason he'd actually gotten to know Easton as a kid, probably, was looking for investors into his projects even way back then.

Easton seems concerned when Byron starts talking about his relationships, thinking back if he in someway implied that Byron moved on too fast or something. He looks a little guarded as he gets far more information than he would have ever asked for. Not that it's bad. He's glad that Byron trusts him enough to talk about it, but the last thing he meant to do was pry or imply Byron had been unfair to Vivian. He knows nothing about the situation. But then Byron brings it back around and he starts nodding, understanding what he means by all that. He agrees, "Yea. I can't just shut that out. Even if.. even if she's probably not going to give a shit that I still care." He is trying to brace himself for her not even accepting the ring back from him. It's not going well.

"Oh goodness. My regrets are long and embarrassing. But yea, just because we were kids doesn't mean I don't owe you an apology. And it also doesn't mean I get out of that free punch. Anytime man." Easton would rather Thorne did punch him to be honest. One with a little bit of punching to clear the air is the kind of relationship that he understands best.

Easton listens about the casino with his glass in hand. He's not downing it from a pint glass tonight. He's sipping it, trying to enjoy it. He doesn't realize the proposition is made for a moment or two after. Realization dawns on him as his eyebrows lift. "Oh. Shit. You mean me? You want me.." He blinks and sets down his glass trying to even get his head around that. "Okay. Sorry, I now have a million questions and might need you to catch me up on what's on the table. Where is the project at and what kind of investment is needed? Is there a plan or are you just in the rounding up interest phase?"

While some might consider Byron to be a private person, he'll share a few things about his private life, especially if it's something he believes the other can relate to. The Vivian situation seems to be just that. Then Easton is being hard on himself again, something which bring a concerned look on Thorne's features. With a tilt of his head and a subtle arch of his brow, he asks, "It was the one time, right? And... do you have feelings for," He makes an idle gesture of his hand, only getting a bit of information from their trip to Las Vegas. "I mean, was it a mistake?" He then tries to clear things up a bit, "I'm not saying she has no reason to be upset, but we all make mistakes. And we've all been through a lot recently." Bennie included, he knows.

This agreement that Thorne really does owe Easton a free punch only brings a smile to Byron's lips. He says nothing more about it, simply taking another taste from his whiskey.

"With Foster heading to prison, the casino that he'd built will most likely go up for auction. That said, the Grand Olympic is already built. I stare down at it from my apartment building," The Penthouse, "every night. I was actually thinking of speaking with him, one businessman to another, see if he might name a price to sell it before it's open to the public." There's a shake of his head now, "It really is in his best interest to do so, but," His shoulders lift, "I don't know what his asking price will be, but in truth? I think that this will be a really worthwhile investment. Though, I'm sure it won't come cheap. Which is why I'm looking for a few investors to partner up with." He then licks at his lips, setting his glass down, "I'm rounding up interest, but I'm planning on going in on this either way after all that's said and done."

"That was one time." Easton agrees, but the stress on the first word leaves open the door for others. He shrugs and says, "It was a drunken mistake. Yeah, but she's not wrong." About? He doesn't say. He shakes his head and says, "I know. And the last thing Bennie needed was this." That's probably not what Thorne meant about them all having been through a lot. But it's where Easton's head is at. He then shakes his head and says, "But enough about that. I'm not tryin' t'bore you with my girl issues when we apparently have business to discuss?"

The fact that the casino might go up for auction hadn't even crosses his mind. But he gets a slightly suspicious look on his face. Some of the details of the stories filter into his head. "So now there's basically a fully built casino in need of some money to make it happen? How much of a threat is the environmental stuff?" Yes, a threat. Not is it true. Not how can it be mitigated. No he's already thinking in terms of risk for the investment. "And obviously I'd need to see some business plans and have some figures in front of me before I commited to anything. But I'm interested."

Interested in diversifying from just the bar. Interested in making the kind of fuck you money that could clear out the debts of a certain leggy blond that is currently not speaking to him but still needs help. You know, interested.

Byron takes silent consideration of what Easton says regarding Bennie, regarding their relationship. He might have questions, but they aren't anything that he feels like asking right now even if his curiosity were piqued. However, he will come out and state. "Sometimes we," Guys, "mess up on some very good things. Doesn't mean that we can't commiserate and talk about just how much we messed up. Maybe we'll all learn something from it." He beams brightly after he says this, looking to be all in good spirits. "But," He says, tasting that whiskey at his lips, "There is indeed business to discuss." So he'll bench the rest of their discussion for now.

The environmental issue being brought up, Byron is quick to say, "There was a lawsuit against Joshua Foster and the casino; one led by the Pursleys. I don't know what their deal was or whether there's an actual environmental concern, but once Foster went to jail, the dropped the suit. Looks like they've washed their hands of it all, which makes me think that whatever they were after, it was a personal matter. Against Foster himself."

Seemingly pleased to see that Marshall has some interest in the acquiring of this casino, Byron nods, "That, I can come up with, because we will need to talk numbers. I have a few interested investors looking into joining forces with us. All I do know is, at the very least, I'm looking to acquire," Whatever large sum of money Felix gave him, "Will try to negotiate for a better price, but that's what I'm looking to gather together to make this proposal."

Considering the olive branch that Byron's extending about messing up in relationships Easton gives a small smile and nod. "Fair enough. And I appreciate the support." He just hopes Bennie has the same kind of support around her.

On the business front Easton listens through the background information, his whiskey temporarily forgotten which is a near miracle or at least a sign of how serious he's taking this idea. He nods at the plans and says, "Good. Well count me as interested at least. I'd love to see the plans and whatever else you ahve about the project, in terms of expected revenues and share setups. I'll.. " He stops himself and tries to cover, poorly with, "I'll look forward to hearing more about it." He started to say that he'll look into what funding he has available. He honestly hasn't touched his family money since moving here. Pretty easy to do when someone hands you a business and a place to stay. But this might be worth getting some funds available.

"It's unfortunate, I thought, that the casino wasn't open during the Masquerade I helped run." Byron says as he finishes up his glass of whiskey, a hand reaching into his pocket to fetch his wallet. "They could've done so much to run with the Venetian Carnival theme." Here, he places a couple of big bills beneath his now empty glass. "Good, I'll check back with you in a day or two. And in truth, I'm sure that we can come up with interesting events to hold at the casino to further help build up its reputation." Rising from his seat, pushing his chair lightly aside, he says, "I'll send along some numbers and a business plan written all out. Obviously, I'm open to any input that you might have as well." I mean, they'd be partners in this. "Thanks for the whiskey and I'm sure we'll be getting together soon."