“Thank you,” Rory said. “I’m just not used to going out.”
“Well, you should try it more often.” Davi smiled.
Davi was genuine and honest. He had soft hair—a fact Rory only knew because he had the team touch it when he changed shampoo. Rory’s fingers had slid right through the strands. While not as large as Rory, he had a robust build.
“I’m going to get another drink, this round’s on me,” Rory said. “What would you all like?”
Sophia ordered a tequila sunrise, Jeff ordered a whiskey and coke, and Davi ordered a vodka soda.
Rory stood at the bar as the bartender made the drinks.
“Bartender, a Sex on the Beach,” a man demanded.
“Just a moment, sir, I’m getting drinks for this gentleman,” the bartender said.
“Oh, hello there.” The man spoke in a condescending tone. Rory ignored him. “I said hello,” he said. “I’m Chance.”
“Sorry, I just want to get my drinks and get back to my friends,” Rory said.
“Well, I’m sure they won’t miss you too much.”
Rory turned to him. Platinum-blond hair, dancer’s frame, and eyeliner accentuating his blue eyes.
“What?” Rory asked.
“You’re adorable. Why don’t we get back to my place?”
“I’m sorry, I’m not into guys.”
“No one says no to Chance.” Chance winked at him.
“Well, I’m saying no because I’m not interested in men.” Rory turned back to the bartender.
“Why are the ugly ones so picky?” Chance said.
“What did you say to my friend?” Nicolas appeared next to Rory.
“Who are you and why do you care?” Chance said.
“I care because that’s my friend you just insulted.” Nicolas twisted his hands into fists.
“I was just leaving,” Chance said.
“Right, get your drink and go. No need to linger here,” Nicolas said. His face reddened with each word. He’d never looked this angry.
Rory and Nicolas made it back to the rest with the drinks.
“Wow, Nicolas. You’re scary,” Rory said.
“I’m not going to stand around while some asshole insults my friends.”
His friends. Nicolas thought of Rory as a friend. He smiled. His colleagues over the last three years viewed him as a friend. Why didn’t he spend more time with them? He’d have built strong friendships with amazing people.
Rory told the others what happened at the bar.
“Why would he assume you’re gay and interested?” Sophia asked.
“I honestly think he didn’t care,” Rory said. “I told him I wasn’t interested, and he said everyone is interested in him.”
