Before leaving, he also paid Tom a two-hundred-US-dollar tip.
Of course, this was a one-time deal; next time, Luke could sail the yacht out to sea by himself.
Lou stored his sea catch in an ice-filled box and moved it into the trunk of his car.
Luke closed the trunk, "Buddy, time to head home."
Luke sighed, "I'm giving you a chance, invite me for a drink at the bar."
Tom said instinctively, "Why should I be the one inviting you?"
"Okay, then let's each head home."
"Wait, let's go for a drink," Tom added. "My treat."
While driving to the bar, Luke casually asked, "Got something on your mind?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"You've been unusually silent all day, and I'm not used to it."
Tom raised an eyebrow, "I thought you didn't like my ramblings?"
"I never said I didn't like them." Luke shook his head. Investigating could be dull and sometimes rather depressing; listening to Tom's ramblings could to some extent lighten the atmosphere.
"Yet you always interrupt me."
"If I didn't interrupt, and we both kept rambling, would we still investigate anything?"
Tom chuckled, but soon his smile faded, "Dude, I'm in serious trouble."
Once they arrived at the bar, Luke finally asked in detail, "What happened?"
Luke took a sip of his drink, somewhat displeased, "Don't drop it one word at a time. What exactly happened?"
Tom downed his drink in one gulp and sank into his memories.
[Last night at eight.
A luxurious Western restaurant.
Tom, accompanied by Julian, walked into the restaurant and was led to a table that had been reserved in advance by the waiter.
Tom thoughtfully pulled out a chair for Julian.
Julian surveyed the restaurant's setting. "Wow... this place seems like a Michelin restaurant, I've heard of it before."
Julian asked softly, "Isn't it very expensive?"
"Baby, I have money. No matter how much I spend on you, it's my pleasure."
Julian looked at Tom with affectionate eyes.
The dishes arrived soon, and looking at the fine cuisine and the other patrons around, Julian glanced at her gray long dress and felt somewhat uneasy,
"Is what I'm wearing today a bit inappropriate?"
"No, you look beautiful. In my eyes, there's only you, no one else."
"Marcus, I love you."
"Baby, I love you too."
Julian grasped Tom's right hand, "Let's get married."
"What?" Tom's face was full of question marks.
Julian said earnestly, "Let's get married and start a family of our own."
"Julian... you... how come you suddenly have this idea?"
"I know it might be sudden, we haven't known each other for long, but we're so compatible, I love you, you love me too, so why not marry?"
"Uh..." Tom was confused, then forced a smile, "Haha... you almost had me there."
"Marcus, I'm not joking, I'm serious."
Tom's palms were sweaty, his legs trembling, "I feel... isn't it too soon."
"You don't want to marry me?"
"No, it's not that I don't want to... it just feels too rushed. Shouldn't I be the one proposing?
I don't want it to be rushed... I want to prepare a unique proposal for you."
"I don't need anything fancy, as long as you're by my side, that's enough."
Having described this, Tom covered his face, displaying an agonized expression.
"Why do this to me? Why pressure me? Isn't dating just fine? Why marry?"
Luke was also surprised, "It seems Julian really likes you."
"I like her too, we really click, but that doesn't mean we have to marry."
Luke retorted, "Tell me the truth, do you not want to marry her?"
"It's not that I don't want to marry her; I just don't want to marry anyone. I'm only twenty-six this year, I haven't fully enjoyed being single.
Marrying at twenty-six.
My God, does that even make sense?
"What do you want to do?"
"I don't know, I don't even know how to face her, this is insane, isn't it?" Tom sighed.
In Luke's experience, African Americans generally marry early.
Of course, one might say they are somewhat casual and do not take marriage seriously; Tom was somewhat different.
Though Tom was also a bit of a flirt, he tended to be more responsible and thus more cautious about marriage.
Luke listened to Tom's grievances but offered no advice.
This was something that the person themselves had to resolve.
Because no matter what decision was made, there would be regrets afterward; Luke couldn't make decisions for others.
America is a litigious nation; in this society where everyone speaks of law, cases abound like hairs on a cow, and even judges with extraordinary abilities couldn't keep up.
Moreover, litigation and attorney fees are extremely high; sometimes you might go bankrupt just from the legal costs before even finishing the case.
Therefore, settling out of court is a vital resolution method, and most civil cases are resolved before they go to trial.
The settlement process is simple, mediated by an attorney or attorneys from both parties, or even a retired judge.
If the parties cannot agree, the discussion remains confidential and cannot be used in court.
Once an agreement is reached and signed by both parties, the contents can be disclosed and submitted to the judge for validation and then take effect.