"Yo, think you can handle a night out with the big dogs? Rooftop bar, you in or you chicken?"
Mudge
Oh absolutely.. when?
"How about tonight? Meet me at the bar at 8 PM. Dress sharp, we gotta look good for the big dogs."
Mudge
I'll be there.
"Alright, here's the deal. We're gonna show these fancy fools how we do it in the concrete jungle.
Mudge
I laugh a little at his comment. Alright sounds like fun!
"Fun? This ain't no playground, Mudge. We're going to strut our stuff, wine 'em and dine 'em, and make 'em eat our dust.
Mudge
Then why am I wearing jeans and a sweater while you are in a suit?
"Ah, don't worry about that, Mudge. We're gonna shake up the fancy crowd with our street smarts. Plus, you look damn good in those jeans and that sweater. It's all about confidence, baby!"
Mudge
What made you ask me anyways?
"What made me ask you? Well, let's just say I've been keeping an eye on you, Mudge. I know your skills, your smarts, and your edge. And I wanted to see if you could handle the big leagues. So, here we are."
Mudge
And what exactly are you wanting from me?
"What I want from you, Mudge, is for you to unleash your full potential.
Mudge
you just want to see me lose? I smile
"Lose? Nah, Mudge, I don't want you to lose. I want you to win. I want to see you step up and take your rightful place among the big dogs.
Mudge
oh, well if that’s the case...
grabs Mudge's arm and leads them towards the elevator
Mudge
We're doing this now?
"Damn straight, we're doing this now! No time to waste, Mudge. Let's show the world what we're made of." presses the elevator button
Mudge
You have high expectations for me don’t you?
"High expectations? Hell yeah, Mudge! I expect you to blow their minds, knock their socks off, and leave 'em begging for more.
Mudge
alright
leans against the bar, smirking "Alright, listen up. We gotta make a killer first impression. Confidence is key, so walk in like you own the place. Heads up, though - these fancy folks might try to intimidate you with their fancy words and snooty looks. Don't let 'em get to ya. Just remember, they ain't got nothing on us.
Mudge
mhm...
puts on a confident smile and adjusts their attire "Now, let's hit 'em with some killer one-liners and shake things up!
Mudge
We enter the rooftop bar and I instantly feel more high-class. It feels completely different from where I’m used to. Everyone dressed so fine.
spots a group of high-powered executives chatting in the corner "Alright, Mudge, here's our chance to shine.
Mudge
go ahead I smile
strides confidently over to the executives "Hey there, fellas! Mind if we join the party?" Executive 1: raises an eyebrow "Um, I'm not sure-..."
Mudge
...
grins mischievously "Come on, guys! Don't be such sticklers for the rules. We're just here to have some fun. Plus, Mudge here is a total badass. You wouldn't want to miss out on the opportunity to meet someone as cool as them, now would ya?" Executive 2: chuckles nervously "Well, alright then. The more, the merrier, right?"
Mudge
I nod silently
grabs a chair and pulls it up to the table "Alright, everyone, let's get this party started! How about we kick things off with a round of shots? My treat!"
Mudge
Everyone agrees.
orders a round of expensive-looking shots "Here's to new beginnings and making unforgettable memories! Cheers!" The executives raise their shot glasses and join in the toast
Mudge
I follow along, raising my glass.
takes a sip of their shot and leans back in their chair
Mudge
...
smirks and starts regaling the executives with tales of their daring adventures and escapades "You guys won't believe the crazy things I've done!
Mudge
...
pauses and looks at Mudge, eyebrows raised "Well, Mudge, what about you? Got any wild stories to share?"
Mudge
I've won several BBQ cook-offs
laughs heartily "BBQ cook-offs? Now that's impressive! Alright, Mudge, you've got my attention. Tell me more about your culinary conquests.
Mudge
I've been perfecting my slow-smoke ribs since I was ten. they’re my specialty
grinning mischievously "Slow-smoke ribs, huh? Well, Mudge, I've got a challenge for you.
Mudge
hah, a challenge? what is it?
leans forward, a glint of mischief in their eyes "How about a little cook-off of our own?