Doug listened to Lysander’s chuckle and relaxed a bit more, the tension of the previous moments starting to ebb away. He raised an eyebrow at Lysander’s comment about suing. “Sue you?” Doug said with a half-smile. “Nah, I think we’re both better off moving past this. You’ve got enough on your plate without me making things worse.” And he then chuckled, “AAnd with juggling my kids, acting gigs, and running these bars, honestly, I’m too swamped to get tangled up in any more drama…”
When Lysander emerged and mentioned the army, Doug’s interest piqued further. “Army, huh?” Doug said with a nod, a hint of admiration in his voice. “That makes sense. They don’t exactly skimp on the training.” He then went on to compare it a bit to his own experiences, "Well, I’ve had my share of training in stunt work and martial arts, but I bet the army has its own unique ways of shaping skills.” He continued, his tone thoughtful and engaging. “In stunts, it’s all about precision and control, right? But from what I’ve heard, army training is about pushing you to your limits, mentally and physically." Doug could appreciate the intensity and toughness that went alongside that type of training.
As they headed out of the bathroom and made their way back to the area where Lysander had been sitting, Doug couldn’t help but laugh softly at Lysander’s reflections on the situation. “I h“You’re right” Doug said with a chuckle, his voice warm and easy, “I have to agree. Looking back, it is kind of funny how things turned out. Definitely one for the books.” Doug’s laughter carried a hint of genuine amusement as he shook his head slightly, the lines around his eyes crinkling. “Who’d have thought we’d end up here, getting a drink together after that mess?”
When Doug and Lysander settled into their chairs with their drinks, Doug leaned back, taking a leisurely sip before diving into his story. His relaxed posture and thoughtful expression hinted at a nostalgic journey he was about to share.
“You know,” Doug started, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia, “I didn’t exactly set out to become an actor or a stuntman. Back in the day, I was actually in a band.” He chuckled softly, shaking his head slightly as if the memory of those younger days amused him. “We were called Renegade. Maybe it rings a bell?” His smile grew a bit wider, proud of the household name they once were.
“Music was my first love, and it still is,” Doug continued, his gaze drifting momentarily as he reminisced. “But life has a way of taking you in unexpected directions. I found myself drawn into the entertainment industry, and from there, I made the leap into acting.”
Doug paused, glancing at Lysander to gauge his reaction, making sure he was following along. Seeing the interest in Lysander’s eyes, Doug’s expression shifted slightly, becoming more animated as he delved deeper into his story.
“I got cast in a few action roles, and honestly, at first, I wasn’t planning on doing my own stunts,” Doug admitted with a hint of amusement. “But here’s a funny story: On one of my early shoots, we were filming a big fight scene, and the stunt double they had hired was running late. The director was already stressed out, and we were behind schedule.”
Doug leaned in slightly, his eyes twinkling with the memory. “So, I decided to step in. I’d been practicing some basic moves on my own, just for fun, and thought, ‘Why not give it a shot?’" Doug’s eyes twinkled with the memory as he continued, a broad grin spreading across his face, "I remember the director looking at me like I was crazy, but I went ahead and gave it my best. To everyone’s surprise, I didn’t just pull it off - I actually enjoyed it. The adrenaline was a rush I hadn’t felt since my band days.”
He let out a hearty laugh, his eyes reflecting the thrill of his journey. “It’s funny how things change. I didn’t plan on being a stuntman, but once you’re in, it’s like there’s no turning back. It just becomes part of the job.”
Doug’s tone relaxed into a more reflective note as he continued. “And now, it’s what I’m known for. Keeps things exciting, that’s for sure.” His smile was warm and genuine, conveying the satisfaction he felt from embracing his evolving role, the stunts were also one of the rare things he did enjoy about his job.
The rest of the night unfolded with lively conversations, flowing drinks, and a captivating exchange of stories. Lysander shared more about his army training, while Doug delved into his adventures in music, acting and stunts. What began as an intense first encounter seemed to be evolving into the beginning of a genuine friendship, built on a shared appreciation for each other’s experiences and a mutual respect for the paths they had traveled.
Doug knew he had no choice but to join the glamping trip, but he couldn’t say he was thrilled about it. The distance from his kids was what really bothered him. While he looked forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new people, the far-off location made him uneasy. He had taken every precaution to ensure his kids were well cared for in his absence, but the thought of missing them was tough.
Standing on the edge of The Crown’s rooftop lounge, with the breathtaking view of the ocean and cityscape sprawling before him, Doug felt a strange unease gnawing at him. He wasn’t sure what was happening. He took a sip of the drink he had gotten himself from the supposed “expert bartender”, he found it didn’t quite compare to the drinks he made at his own bar. The familiar comfort he was used to was missing, and the taste only heightened his sense of disconnection.
Was he actually feeling homesick? The thought seemed foreign. Doug had always been the adventurous type, thriving on new experiences and embracing whatever came his way. He used to jump headfirst into wild escapades, reveling in the unpredictability of his rock-’n’-roll lifestyle. The idea of feeling homesick was something he hadn’t really considered before.
But now, amidst the glamour and luxury of the glamping event, he felt a pang of discomfort. He missed the familiar chaos of his kids’ laughter, the routine of home, and the simple comfort of his own space. It was strange - he had always relished the thrill of new adventures, but recently, he found himself craving the stability and warmth of home more and more.
Was this a sign that he was becoming more of a homebody, or was it just the current situation making him second-guess his usual resilience? Doug wasn’t sure. The thought of missing home and feeling unsettled amidst the glitz was new to him, and it was making him question whether he was changing in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
As he stared in the distance, Doug realized that while he was still the same person with a passion for adventure, he was also evolving. The balance between his old self and his newer, more grounded desires was shifting, and it was something he needed to navigate. Sensing that a little distraction might be just what he needed, Doug scanned the crowd for a familiar face. Spotting AJ, who was engaged in conversation but seemed approachable, Doug made his way over.
With a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth, he sidled up to AJ, leaning in just enough to be heard over the ambient chatter and soft music. “So, how’s the glamping treating you?” Doug’s tone was light and teasing, as if he were casually poking fun at the extravagance around them. He raised an eyebrow and flashed a brief, knowing smile, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
“You busy?” Doug asked, his voice taking on a slightly more serious edge while still maintaining a casual, approachable tone. He shifted his weight slightly, giving the impression of someone who was both seeking a break and ready for a genuine conversation. His posture was relaxed but showed a hint of vulnerability, as if he were momentarily letting down his guard.
“I need a moment away from the crowd,” Doug continued, gesturing subtly to the bustling scene around them. His shoulders relaxed and he let out a small, almost imperceptible sigh. “Thought we could catch up or just chill for a bit.”
