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CHAPTER ONE
Fury
The ballroom was packed, a sea of faces staring at me like I was about to drop the mic on the performance of a lifetime. Except I felt more like throwing up. The champagne in my hand was warm, the bubbles long gone. Just like my enthusiasm for this whole farewell party. The fake smiles and forced laughter grated on me. I was ready to get the hell out of there.
"Fury!" Cory's voice sliced through the noisy crowd. "Dude, where have you been? I've been searching everywhere for you."
I turned to see my best friend and business partner weaving through the crowd, Rylee in tow. Their idiotic grins made me smile.
“Jesus, Cory. You’d think I was dying, not moving to New York,” I said, gesturing at the extravagant decorations. “This is a bit much, don’t you think?”
Cory’s dimples deepened as he laughed. “Are you kidding? This is barely enough to celebrate the great Fury Gracen, co-founder of Gracen & McCrae, conqueror of Wall Street!”
I rolled my eyes. “I haven’t conquered shit yet, you moron.”
“Details, details,” Cory waved his hand dismissively. “You will, though. That’s what matters.”
Rylee elbowed him playfully. “Don’t let it go to his head, babe. His ego’s big enough as it is.”
I snorted. “Says the woman who once described me as ‘sex on legs’.”
“Hey!” Rylee’s cheeks flushed. “That was before I knew you. And I was drunk.”
“Keep telling yourself that, sweetheart.” I winked at her, and she stuck her tongue out at me.
Cory wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “Alright, alright. Let’s not rehash ancient history. Tonight’s about looking forward, right?”
His words hit me. Forward. Right. To New York. To a whole new life. Suddenly, the room felt too small, too hot.
“You okay, man?” Cory’s brow furrowed. “You look a little pale.”
I forced a smile. “Yeah, just... it’s a lot, you know?”
“I get it,” he nodded, his eyes softening. “Listen, Fury. I know we’ve talked about this a million times, but I want you to know... I’m one hundred percent behind you. This is a big move, and I know it wasn’t an easy decision.”
I swallowed hard, fighting back the lump in my throat. “Thanks, Cory. That... that means a lot.”
He clapped me on the shoulder. “You’re gonna kill it in New York. And hey, if it all goes to shit, you can always come crawling back to sunny California.”
I barked out a laugh. “Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Anytime, buddy,” he grinned. “Now come on, it’s time for your big speech.”
My stomach dropped. “A speech. Really?”
Rylee snickered. “Sorry, big guy. Price of fame and all that.”
Before I could protest further, Cory was dragging me towards the makeshift stage. The room quieted as we approached, all eyes turning to me. Christ, I’d rather face down an angry mob than this adoring crowd.
Cory tapped the microphone, feedback screeching through the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?” His voice boomed across the ballroom. “We’re here tonight to celebrate a man who needs no introduction. My best friend, my business partner, and the reason half of you have jobs - Fury Gracen!”
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers. I plastered on my best smile and stepped up to the mic.
“Thank you, thank you,” I said, waiting for the noise to die down. “I gotta say, when Cory told me he was throwing a going-away party, I pictured lukewarm pizza and flat beer in the conference room. Guess I underestimated how much you all love me.” I paused, letting a self-deprecating chuckle escape. “Or maybe you're just happy to see me go.”
Laughter rippled through the audience. I took a deep breath, scanning the faces before me. Colleagues, friends, a few exes... six years of my life condensed into one room.
“Seriously, though,” I continued, my voice softening slightly, “I'm not great at these mushy speeches, but I do want to say thank you. To every single one of you. Gracen & McCrae wouldn't be what it is today without your hard work and dedication. And to Cory...” I turned to my friend, who was beaming at me from the side of the stage. “I couldn't have asked for a better partner in crime. You've always had my back, even when I was being a stubborn ass. And hey, thanks for finally letting me ditch the tie.” I loosened the offending neckwear, earning a few appreciative whistles from the crowd.
