America 1982-Chapter 144 - 49: On the Necessity of Young Men Learning Popular Dance Moves_2

"Their lives are still taking shape, and I’ve been fucking destined to be a mess since I came into this world. You think I’m not interested? I’m green with envy. It’s probably only me in this world who knows how blissful it is to be an carefree idiot."

Noticing the envy that flashed inadvertently in Tommy’s eyes, Sophia realized that this guy was even younger than she was.

Having known Tommy Hawk for so long, his thoughts and actions always made Sophia subconsciously treat him like a mature, cold-hearted middle-aged man, until now when Tommy’s unmistakable look of envy and his tone finally made Sophia aware that this guy actually had emotions inside him.

"Want to dance?" Sophia hesitated for a few seconds before smiling and asking Tommy, "It’s been a long time since I danced at a party."

Looking at the joyful men and women below, Sophia suddenly remembered that ever since she started helping this guy part-time, she had missed a lot of opportunities she should have had for relaxation and fun.

"No thanks." Tommy decisively declined Sophia’s suggestion and gestured for her to look towards the stairs.

Following Tommy’s gaze, Sophia saw Matt, the president of the white-shoe club, coming up the stairs with Charles, apparently to meet up with Tommy.

"Stay right there, Matt!" Tommy suddenly called out loudly to the two men climbing the stairs.

The two, who were in the middle of ascending, froze and looked at Tommy, puzzled, at the stairway entrance. Tommy said with a smile, "You’re not gay, right? With so many girls downstairs, why not go dance instead of chasing after my ass?"

"See that? This guy is the new screw-up of SSD." Charles patted Matt’s shoulder and said from the side.

Matt nodded and smiled at Tommy, "Sophia didn’t mention you were this amusing when she talked about you, Tommy. You better pray that I’m not interested; otherwise, you’re screwed."

"No worries about not getting girls, I’ve got it planned. Come on, let’s go to the quiet rooftop terrace, enjoy the moonlight, have a few stiff drinks, and talk business," Tommy said, waiting for Matt to come up and giving him a firm handshake followed by an Italian-style hug.

Matt glanced at Sophia, then back at Tommy, "Arrangements? Sophia?"

"No, no, no, don’t get it wrong~" Seeing Matt’s puzzled look, Tommy slowed down his speech and emphasized, "Sophia’s not in the arrangements you need to worry about. Though she’s not too bright and her figure is so-so, she’s my person. For you, I have other plans."

"When it comes to parties, you can always trust Tommy the screw-up. Let’s go, Matt." Charles led Matt towards the terrace.

Tommy turned to Sophia who had a weird look on her face and instructed, "I told Eric I’d be handing over control to him tonight since he won’t be drinking, so if there’s any problem, find him to sort it out."

"Hey, so-so? My figure is so-so?" Sophia protested as she watched Tommy head toward the terrace.

"Don’t thank me for not telling everyone the truth that your boobs could land strategic bombers," Tommy said without stopping or even looking back, his voice remaining even,

"If you really want to thank me, just donate to Actor like my folks back in Florida to support my grand venture. Cash, checks, even loans, none refused."

...

On the villa terrace, Tommy sat in a lounge chair, swishing his glass, "Sophia probably mentioned that my company ran into some minor troubles."

"She said that Delia Case from Davis Polk has been working for you, an elite lawyer from an old-line white-shoe firm, an idol to us law students." Matt took a sip of his drink and looked at Tommy, "But Sophia didn’t specify what your troubles were?"

Tommy looked at Charles, who laughed, whispered something in Matt’s ear, then gave him a confirming look.

Matt straightened up subconsciously, giving Tommy an inquisitive look. Tommy shrugged, "It’s exactly as Charles said."

"After hearing that news, I think it’s only right that we old timers pick up the tab tonight." Matt smiled at Tommy:

"Let me tell you about the next move. The alumni directory of the Stanford branch of the white-shoe society, with a list of practicing Stanford Law visiting professors, will be on your company’s desk by tomorrow evening. Let a girl of Sophia’s caliber go home out of the kindness of your heart, because along with the list there will be two male elites from the white-shoe society, starting tomorrow as your assistants. You can order them around to your heart’s content, but their main job is to help you pick the right candidates, and introduce you to their detailed information the moment you have doubts."

Tommy raised his glass to clink with Matt’s, "I prefer Stanford family over Delia. This attitude warms my heart. But I won’t send Sophia home; I like having a law girl around for a sense of security. Besides, I’m curious about one thing—the fees."

"The lawyers you pick from the list, if I find out after meeting them that they don’t want to work for free, the fraternity can use its funds to persuade them on your behalf," Matt said, finishing off his tequila and popping a lemon slice into his mouth to chase the strong alcohol, looking at Tommy.