DENNIS


    "The return on investment is massive, Dennis," Cole said, his eyes bright as he took a cup of his wine. After he took a sip, he pointed his flute in my direction. "You have to just give it a try."


    "I will think about it," I said to him for the umpteenth time. I really wished he would stop yapping about this ''deal.'' If I knew the business idea he so eagerly wanted to talk about was rted to this, I would not have cleared up my schedule to meet with him. I would be happier if I was spending this time with Amie or Ana. Not sipping this tasteless wine and listening to some business deal that could lead me to lose more than I could afford to.


    "No, Dennis. There is no time to think," he enunciated each word as he pped the back of his right hand on his left palm.


    "So let me get this straight. This government project is a redevelopment that focuses on revitalizing specific areas that has been underperforming economically, yeah?"


    He bobbed his head, taking another swift sip. "The initiative will enhance infrastructures, such as roads, public transport, hospitals and all. They''ll practically make the area more essible and technology savvy. There are also ns to create new parks and recreational spaces to improve the quality of life for residents."


    I nodded, "I see."


    He continued on his own ord. "Yes, the project is expected to attract new businesses. This will then lead to job creation and stimte local economic growth. You get what I''m saying?" His fingers lightly tapped on my knee. "With the government backing, we, investors, are more confident in the project''s sess. You know, since it wille with funding and resources that can mitigate risks."


    He reclined back in his seat, "Look man, this project presents a significant opportunity for high returns on investment. Come on, think of when the area bes more desirable for both residents and businesses. The return will be insane."


    "I don''t know, Cole. What did you say about the figures again?"


    "The projections show returns of over 20% in just a couple of years. I''m a living testament! Plus, I''ve spoken to a few investors who are already on board and they''re excited about the prospects. They calcted the odds and believe it''s worth the risk. Once the practical redevelopment stage is over, the rest of the issue will solve itself as the area will automatically attract business owners. New businesses and old. Come on, let''s join resources and do this, man." He chuckled, "Who knows, you might even set up a bar in one of the areas." I sighed. "This sounds too good."


    He grinned. "I know. I can literally see myself in you right now. Initially, I was also skeptical about it. I didn''t even want to consider it. I mean, it''s understandable. We''ve all seen deals that promised a lot but didn''t deliver. I''ve even invested in such that yielded nothing but this one is a game changer. After myst investment, where I made a significant profit, I believe it''s worth a second look."


    I pinched the space between my brows as I processed his words. In all honesty, it sounded good. But this was Cole. It''s been years since Ist saw him. Back in college, he was one of the lot that was infuriated by my desire to change my ways.


    Seeing as he was deeply in a rtionship with a responsible-looking nurse, there was a probability that he might have changed but I just couldn''t bring myself to trust him.


    What if all of these changes were a front? He might think the same about me but I knew I was really a changed man. I couldn''t say the same about him.


    It''s been a long time. He could have either gotten better or worse.


    But it wasn''t just that...


    "Look, as I have said earlier, it sounds really good. But you know how the government can be. Theymence à project and stop halfway Most of the time, they don''t feel the brunt of what these sudden stops, mostly abandonment, will cause to the investors. The investors are always the ones left to deal with their losses. I can''t really rely on the government''s involvement."


    And this wasn''t the time to go into projects that would lead to losses.


    He smiled. "I understand. I also had the same concerns. Our government can be the most unreliable sometimes But I still stand my ground that this one is different but I''ll like to introduce you to someone. He is one of the top board members. I''ll set up a meeting for you with him. You can speak with him and tell him your concerns. He''ll borately exin everything and break down whatever confuses you. Trust me, you wouldn''t think twice after that."


    Just as I opened my mouth to tell him that I might not have the time for such meetings, my phone vibrated on the table.


    I picked it up and my lips spread intoN?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    a smile. Apart from the sheer joy of hearing her voice, I was d that it would serve as a break from the investment talk. Talking with Ana was always easy and enjoyable. I was ready to prolong our talk as much as I could.


    "Hey ba―"


    Her high pitched voice rang into my phone''s speakers, cutting my word short.


    "Dennis! I''ve got good news."


    Immediately, my mood dampened and my grin waned. I felt the urge to end the call immediately.


    Deep down, I had an inkling of what the news would be. I could tell from the excitement and relief that dripped from her tone and I was not even excited as I had hoped I''d be. Cole''s gaze was fixed on me and I had to force a bright smile on.


    "What''s that, babe?"


    "Oh my God, Dennis. You won''t believe this. Can you guess?" Sheughed. Then she said, without giving me a chance to guess, "Omg, Dennis! I''m pregnant."