Chapter 41: Barbecue
Hassan’s villa, perched on a hill overlooking Lewis Center, was a monument to ostentatious luxury. Its white stone walls shimmered in the setting sun, and a marble fountain stood in the courtyard, spraying water in graceful arcs. The impeccably maintained garden stretched for acres, bordered by trimmed hedges and scarlet roses.
A massive exotic wood terrace hosted the barbecue, where a large grill smoked, filling the air with the scent of grilled meat and spices. String lights hung between the trees cast a warm glow, while a rap playlist rumbled from hidden speakers.
Hugo, shirtless under a sauce-stained apron, flipped steaks with tongs, his bulging biceps glistening with sweat. Ben, lounging in a deck chair, sipped a beer. Yuki, as serious as ever, checked his phone, probably a message from Miranda. Kaiser, sprawled on a pouf, chewed a toothpick, his black hoodie contrasting with the vibrant surroundings. Hassan, in an impeccably ironed white shirt, nervously adjusted his glasses, playing the perfect host as he refilled soda glasses.
"Yo, Hassan, are you sure you live here?" Kaiser quipped, his tone sarcastic. "It looks like a rapper’s music video set."
Hassan rolled his eyes, pouring orange juice into a glass. "You’re just jealous because you live in a closet, Kaiser. Enjoy it, it’s not every day I invite you guys over."
"Yeah, you’re right," Kaiser chuckled. "Next time, I’ll bring my tent and camp in your garden."
Hugo burst out laughing, holding up a charred steak. "Kaiser, shut up and come get your meat before I give it to the neighbor’s dogs."
Ben, staring at his beer, looked up with a smirk. "Leave it, Hugo. Kaiser prefers sniffing coke. He’s afraid of getting his junkie chic look dirty."
Kaiser threw a toothpick at him. "Go fuck yourself, Dracula. You’re not one to talk, drinking blood all the time. What does it taste like, actually?"