Chapter 43 : The Drinking Contest Sonya , marveling at the smallness of the world , carried the liquor with Leo Jones back to the private room . Who organized this ? she asked . Jake , but it was really for Julian . He couldnt back down . Theres a Reynoldss project , orations been trying to secure a partnership , but its been going nowhere . Henry is in charge of that project , Leo Jones explained. Sonya nodded . Julian Jennings had probably tried to curry favor with Jason Reynolds , unsuccessfully , and now he was trying to cozy up to Henry , But Henry was just an employee , even if he was the project lead , he didnt call the shots . Sonya , just give me the bottles ; dont go in , Leo Jones said . Sonya scoffed . Come on , I want to watch the fun . Leo Jones sighed . Julians riled up by Henry ; he might say something nasty . How did Henry provoke him ? Henry doesnt even have to do anything ; Julian gets triggered just by his presence . Its probably a conditioned response . Growing up , Julian was always compared to Henry , and Henry always outshone him . Even in college , Henry went abroad , only then did Julian escape his shadow . So , he suddenly lost it and said all that stuff ? Ahem , its my fault . I mentioned back in high school how every girl in the school liked Henry . including Seraphina . Seraphina liked Henry ? She even publicly confessed , but Henry rejected her brutally . Wow , no way . Leo Jones sighed . You should have seen how embarrassed Seraphina was . She was so confident , thinking Henry would say yes . It became a school wide joke . Leo Jones then mimicked Henrys words : Arent you Julians girlfriend ? Or not ? If not , why make him beg for your attention like a dog ? Sorry , I dont get your twisted sense of humor . I prefer being human , you should too ! Sonya burst out laughing , imagining Seraphinas humiliation . The words were clearly meant to defend Julian Jennings , but given his personality , he probably wouldnt appreciate it . In the private room , Henry and Julian Jennings were already drinking heavily , Jake Parker trying to mediate to no avail . Get the liquor ! Julian Jennings boomed . Leo Jones approached with the alcohol , trying to dissuade Julian Jennings , Julian , this is a reunion , no need to drink so much . Drinking is part of the reunion . Julian Jennings laughed , then looked at Sonya , Sit here, pour me a drink . 34.7 % Chapter 44 The finding Come Sonya scoffed , heading straight to Henry . She poured him a drink , whispering , Vaxy Henry discreetly hooked her hand under the table , grinning , mischievously. Watch me get revenge You two dont even know each other , what are you saying ? Julian Jennings asked suspiciously . Henry tilted his head , smiling Im asking this lovely lady if she has a boyfriend . Whats it to you ? A lot . If she doesnt , Im going to chase her . Julian Jennings clenched his glass , yelling at Sonya , Come here ! * Ignoring him , Sonya looked at Henry , I dont have a boyfriend . Then can I chase you ? Of course . As soon as she spoke , Julian Jennings slammed a bottle on the table . Its a drinking contest , lets go ! Henry turned to Julian Jennings , smiling , but his eyes were cold . Sonya poured for Henry ; Leo Jones poured for Julian Jennings . They quickly finished a bottle . Sonya remembered Henrys dislike of alcohol and his presumably poor tolerance . She grew worried . Maybe we should stop , she whispered . Henry placed his empty glass on the table . Relax , Im going to drink him under the table tonight ! Whoever passes out first is a loser ! Julian Jennings , noticing Sonya whispering to Henry , was furious . They opened another bottle each , quickly finishing it . Julian Jennings was getting unsteady , sliding down in his chair . Pour me more ! More ! Leo Jones supported him . Julian , lets call it a night . Get out of the way ! Julian Jennings shoved Leo Jones , pointing at Sonya . Come over here ! Sonya gave him a withering look . Dont you dare flirt with every guy you meet . Youre my woman ! Henry suddenly grabbed his glass and flung it at Julian Jennings . It missed him , shattering against the wall behind him . Julian Jennings was stunned ; everyone else was shocked . Henry , what are you doing ? Jake Parker frowned . Henry kicked the chair . His mouth is foul ! Jake Parker glanced at Sonya ; he couldnt argue ; Julian Jennings , had been incredibly insulting to 34.7 % Chapter 43 : The Dunking Contest Sonya that night . Menu Henry grabbed a bottle of Whisky ( strong Chinese liquor ) , opened it , and raised it to Julian Jennings . If youre still a man , lets chug this whole bottle ! Julian Jennings , eyes red , tried to stand but stumbled . He grabbed a bottle , ready to drink . Leo Jones and Jake Parker tried stop him , but he pushed them away . to They both raised their bottles and started chugging . It was Whisky , and theyd already drunk a lot . Julian Jennings soon vomited and collapsed . Henry paused a few times , but finished the bottle , slamming it on the ground . Julian Jennings , thats all you got ? You … dont laugh … I … I didnt lose … Julian Jennings slurred . Henry scoffed , pulling Sonya towards the exit . As they passed Julian Jennings , he lurched towards Sonya . Henry stepped in front of Sonya , shoving Julian Jennings away . Julian Jennings fell to his knees , pulling the tablecloth with him , sending food , drinks , and tea flying onto him . The mess was revolting . Julian Jennings , amidst the debris , looked like garbage . Seeing his pathetic state , Sonya was shocked . He was crying . Sonya , Sonya , take me home . In eight years , shed never seen him like this . Henrys shadow was deep . She wondered why Henry had beaten him up in the first place . Sonya ! Sonya ! He kept calling her name , as if only she could restore his dignity . Title: Cherry Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Modern, Romantic Status: ongoing In "Cherry" by CrushReel, Ivy League freshman Aaron Milton, 17, embarks on a unique journey of love with Linda, 34, a spirited former wild-child navigating her return to college for a fresh start. As their paths intertwine, Aaron finds himself immersed in a world beyond textbooks, where lessons of the heart take center stage. Exploring themes of age disparity and personal growth, "Cherry" delves into the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. Aaron's youthful innocence contrasts with Linda's life experience, creating a dynamic that challenges societal norms and perceptions of love. The narrative unfolds with tender moments and poignant revelations, painting a vivid picture of two souls entwined in an unconventional romance. What sets "Cherry" apart is its authentic portrayal of human connection and emotional depth. Through CrushReel's masterful storytelling, readers are invited to witness the evolution of Aaron and Linda's bond, rooting for their happiness amidst societal expectations. Discover the allure of "Cherry" and immerse yourself in a tale that transcends age barriers and embraces the power of love. Experience the enchanting world of "Cherry" available to read online at CrushReel.