Harry finally calmed down. His leg wasn't hurting as much anymore. Rubbing his thigh, he asked curiously.
"Heh, it's nothing special. Just a regular private company in Manhattan. They hired him because he seemed honest and reliable."
Peter made something up casually, then quickly changed the subject.
"How's your bar doing? What's it called again?"
"Eh, it's alright. It just makes enough to cover utilities and pay the staff. It's a legitimate bar—no hostesses, no drugs just relying on alcohol sales. It's called Red Romance."
Aunt May happened to walk over and overheard their conversation. She smiled at Harry approvingly.
"That's not bad at all. At least you're working for yourself now, you're your own boss. If your father knew, he'd be proud."
At the mention of his father, Harry's heart sank. After offending a powerhouse like Iron Man, there was little chance his father would ever return to New York.
He himself had already been forced out of Oscorp. The family business, with its century-long legacy, had collapsed just like that. To say he held no resentment would be a lie.
But what could resentment do? Compared to Iron Man, he was nothing an ant before a giant. One sneeze from Stark could wipe him off the map.
So Harry had never even thought of revenge. All he wanted was a quiet life to get married, have kids, and live simply.
He shook his head, trying to rid himself of thoughts of Stark and his company.
Looking at Peter, he said,"You haven't been to my bar yet, have you? How about tomorrow night? Drinks are on me."
Then he glanced toward the kitchen. Seeing that Mary Jane probably couldn't hear, he leaned in close and whispered,"Mary Jane often stops by after work for a drink. Tons of guys try to hit on her. Don't you want to play the knight in shining armor?"
Peter's eyes lit up, but he looked conflicted."You know how busy I am with work."
Harry slapped his thigh in frustration."What's more important your job or a woman? Mary Jane's amazing! Miss this chance and you'll regret it."
"What are you two whispering about? Are you talking behind my back?"
Mary Jane walked over and sat beside Peter.
"Oh, nothing. I was just inviting Peter to my bar. By the way, Mary Jane, isn't your performance tomorrow night? Peter, you've never been to one of her shows, have you?"
Harry raised his eyebrows, giving Peter a loaded look.
"No, I haven't. I'm sorry, Mary Jane. All this time, as your friend, I've never seen you perform. That's awful of me."
Peter looked genuinely ashamed. He had been the one who encouraged Mary Jane to pursue her dream. Yet, he—the one who had supported her the most—had never actually shown up. That was a failure, wasn't it?
"It's fine, Peter. I don't mind. You're always busy with work, and I'm just a small-time actress."
Mary Jane said it with grace, but the trace of disappointment in her tone was unmistakable.
"Then it's settled. Tomorrow night, we go watch Mary Jane's performance, and after that, drinks at my bar. It's been ages since the three of us hung out—perfect time to relive the old days!"
Harry threw an arm around Peter's shoulders and whispered,"Come on, man. Are you even trying? Everyone knows how you feel about Mary Jane."
"Mary Jane, could you come give me a hand? I'm swamped in here!"
Aunt May's voice rang out from the kitchen.
Mary Jane smiled, stood up, and walked past Peter.
"Brother, this is as much as I can help you," Harry said, lazily leaning against the table, a glass of lemonade in hand. He eyed Peter carefully."Did you see the way Mary Jane looked at you? It's different from how she looks at anyone else."
Peter glanced through the kitchen glass and saw Mary Jane bustling around inside, like a devoted wife. His heart twisted with emotion.
"But I don't have time to date right now."
"Why?" Harry was exasperated."What do you mean, why? Are you dead or something? You think you're busier than the President? Too busy to date? I've never heard of a scientist who stays single forever!"
Peter sighed silently. Harry, you just don't understand. I'm giving up everything for the greater good...
"Harry, can we not talk about this? I truly hope we're real friends. And real friends trust each other. I've always been sincere with both you and Mary Jane. You're my closest friends—my lifelong friends."
Peter spoke carefully, choosing his words.
"Then be real with us. Stop hiding behind vague polite talk that nobody can understand. If I'm really your friend, don't flake on us tomorrow night. Just show up on time, alright?"
Harry frowned. He really couldn't figure Peter out, why he was always holding back.
It's not like you're working for the FBI or something.
Dinner went smoothly. Mary Jane and Harry gave Peter their sincere blessings. It wasn't until after nine that they finally left.
"Peter, don't forget what I said. Don't be late tomorrow night. I already talked to Mary Jane. Don't let me down."
Harry was the last to leave. He gave Peter a firm hug.
Mary Jane went back to the old house next door. She'd had quite a bit to drink and didn't feel like returning to her rental for now.
"I'll do my best,"
Peter replied, patting his best friend on the back with a vague smile.
After seeing Harry off, Peter headed back to his room. Aunt May, worn out with age, had dozed off at the table.
He gently placed his hands over hers and patted them lightly."Aunt May, go sleep in your room. You'll catch a cold out here."
Aunt May slowly lifted her head, as if waking from a dream."Oh, Peter... they've all gone, haven't they? Did they enjoy themselves?"
Peter nodded, watching her with concern. Her face was creased with wrinkles, her skin sagging with age, like withered vines clinging to a tree's bark.
(End of Chapter)
Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon
https://patreon.com/Glimmer09