Ryker:Meeting Javier to discuss.Haven’tdecided yet but I feel like I should go, force myself to be social.Someone I met recently has made me realize that I should take a fewmore chances in life.
Wes’s stomach continued to roll, both inpleasure at Ryker’s last comment and in unease at Ryker’s meetupwith Javier.He took a deep breath and then a long sip of hisdrink.
Rochelle’s smooth voice interrupted histhoughts.“Wes, we need you inside for introductions and photos.Ifyou’ll step this way, please.”She motioned to the doorway.
Wes:Time to greet the fans,TTYL.
Wes decided it was best to forget aboutRyker for the rest of the night and focus on the evening ahead.Nogood would come of texting and flirting with him anyway.Focuson work.
Rochelle led him through the large crowd toa small group gathered near the long, mahogany bar, and Wesrecognized Ashton Langley immediately.He was handsome, as per hispicture: about Wes’s height and build, with dark green eyes and aclose-trimmed beard that was classic and stylish.Ashton wastalking to the mayor and, presumably, his wife.
Rochelle made the introductions.“TheHonorable Mayor Jesse Linton, Mrs.Amelia Linton, and PrideAtlantaCEO Ashton Langley, may I introduce you to one of our esteemedguests this evening?International best-selling author WesleyStewart from Toronto, Canada.Mr.Stewart is a well-known fictionand non-fiction author who has kindly donated books for tonight’sbenefit and is our keynote speaker.”
The usual small talk was made, and morecocktails appeared.Mayor Linton was a heavyset man in his latefifties, with a permanent smile showcasing very large teeth.Hereminded Wes of a pushy car salesman—fitting, given his job.Mrs.Linton was a petite woman, polite but rather quiet for apolitician’s wife.Then again, the mayor hardly let her get a wordin.They chatted about local events and history, and Wes started torelax and enjoy the evening until the mayor cornered him.
“You know, Wesley,” the mayor said as heplaced a hand on Wes’s shoulder.“My son is interested in writing.He volunteers at the student newspaper at college.Maybe you couldhave a chat with him.Or meet up with him since you’re in town.Icould…”
“Mayor Linton,” Ashton interrupted, “Wesleyis a guest tonight, and he has a very busy schedule.”He thenpaused dramatically.“Look, isn’t that Chase Declair over by thelounge?He’s Atlanta’s top news anchor.”He pointed to a handsomeblond man dressed in a sharp navy tuxedo.
“Why, yes, yes, it is.Well, Wesley, it wasso nice chatting with you.I have some circulating to do.See y’alllater.”And with that, the mayor quickly scuttled away with hiswife in tow, pushing his way through the crowd to get to thereporter.
“That man will do anything to feed hisagenda to the media.”Ashton laughed, sipping his drink and shakinghis head.“Anyway, Wes, I want to thank you again for comingtonight.This fundraiser is key to PrideAtlanta’s success, and weare honored to have you here.It’s so important for LGBTQ youth tohave positive roles models.”He motioned to the bar stools, andthey sat.
“It’s my pleasure.I’m proud to supportinitiatives like this.Anything I can do to foster equality, I’min.”Wes paused and looked around the rooftop, admiring the view ofthe city skyline.“So tell me, Ashton, what’s all the fuss over thenews anchor?”
Ashton’s posture became rigid as he glancedat Chase, who had been cornered by the mayor.“Chase started out asan investigative journalist.He’s very well respected.We went tothe same college, so he’s an old acquaintance.After graduating, heworked in Miami before returning here two years ago.Now he anchorsthe local news and is very popular.Would you like to meethim?”
Ashton ran a hand over his tie, thenloosened the knot at his neck.“I spoke too soon.He managed toslip away from the mayor, and he’s headed this way.”
The crowd parted as Chase sauntered over.“Good evening.I’m Chase Declair.And you are the novelist WesleyStewart.It’s an absolute pleasure to have an author of yourcaliber visit our humble city,” Chase said with a big smile, andWes could see why so many people had turned their heads as hewalked through the crowd.
“Thank you.Wes, please.It’s nice to meetyou as well, Chase.”
“Ash, nice to see you again.”Chase’s smoothvoice iced over as he glared at Ashton.“Keeping all the handsomemen to yourself, as usual, I see.”
The two men stared at each other in a tensestand-off, and Wes suddenly felt like an interloper.The blisteringlook they shared went on so long that Wes decided to break theawkward tension.
“Rochelle just texted,” he said.“Dinner isready.Shall we head on down?”Wes motioned to Ashton andChase.
“I need another drink, but y’all go onahead.Oh, and be sure to save me a dance, Wes,” Chase said as hewinked and sauntered away.
“What an infuriating, irritating pain in theass,” Ashton grumbled as they headed down to the ballroom.
“Bad history?”Wes asked, very curious aboutthe simmering animosity between Ashton and Chase.This evening wasturning out to be far more interesting than he’d imagined.
“About a decade ago, he wrote a nationalpiece about judicial corruption and called out my late father, whowas a circuit court judge.Chase was an investigative reporter attheMiami Journalat the time.You know, uncovering thesecrets of people in power, showing their true colors and theirhypocrisy.It painted a rather unfortunate picture of my father’spersonal and professional failings, and I was furious.Chaseinsisted it was backed by research, sources.It turned out thatmuch of what he’d written was true, but it still hurt, especiallythe personal revelations.And now, whenever we see each other atthese things, the anger boils over.I know he was just doing hisjob, but he seems to take delight in saying I told you so.He’salways so smug.Most people think he’s a Southerncharm—intelligent, funny, and gorgeous, but I just want to wipethat perfect smile right off his face.”
A dark stain of red bloomed over Ashton’scheeks, and he loosened his tie again.“I’m sorry, Wes.You don’tneed to witness our drama show.Let’s go grab our seats.”
Three hours and several speeches later, theparty finally got started.The live band was high energy, amping upthe audience, and everyone was having a good time.It was amazingto see so many LGBTQ2S members and supporters, and Wes wasimpressed by the youth that were leading the way for change.Wesalso enjoyed chatting with Ashton at dinner, but he didn’t feel anyspark, even though he was a very attractive man.In fact, he hadn’treally felt anything all night, despite several flirtatious glancesfrom a few men.He checked his phone again but noticed no new textsfrom his grumpy partner.Writing partner, that is.A rush ofdisappointment moved through him until he reminded himself thatmooning over Ryker would get him nowhere.
A smooth voice teased Wes’s ear.“May I havethis dance?”
Wes turned and found himself up close toChase, who held out his hand expectantly.Wes glanced at Ashton,whose face tightened, along with his grip on the crystal wineglass,his knuckles turning white.Ashton quickly turned away to talk tothe female guest on his right.
“Why not?But I lead,” Wes joked as theymade their way to the dance floor.
The band was performing a slow, soulfulrendition of Lady A’s “Need You Now.”Wes and Chase started to swayto the music together.
