CHAPTER 4
Gordy fidgeted with the salt and pepper shaker, then his fork, knife and spoon. His knee was bouncing as he looked at the exit for about the hundredth time, and then towards the table where Jude, Gio and Bren were sitting. Jude gave him the stink eye as if he could read Gordy’s mind on wanting to bolt out the front door and run all the way home if he had to.
Gordy didn’t know what scared the crap out of him more. The idea that one of his father’s goons could be somewhere in here just waiting to pick him off, or meeting with a man he didn’t know and trying to make conversation. As far as his father’s men went, Gordy couldn’t really do anything about that except trust that Gio and the others would do their best to help keep him safe.
He had no clue what Jude and Bren could really do to help, but Gio was badass. Finding out his best friend was a multiplex elemental… able to control all aspects of air, fire, water, and earth was really cool. Gordy had seen Gio in action when he took out his own father. Hell, if Gordy was honest, Gio’s dad was far worse than his own. His dad had never hurt him physically… emotionally, yes, but physically… no.
Stop thinking about your dad. Focus on what you’re going to say to the man you’re about to meet.Gordy thought to himself. What the hell was he going to say? Gordy never knew what to say.
The weather might be a good topic.Gordy looked outside, but it was calm and a clear night.
Um, jobs. We can talk about jobs. Yeah, but then he’d want to know where I work and I can’t really talk about Drago. So, what the heck am I supposed to talk about?
Gordy could feel his heart rate kicking up and his breathing becoming shallow. Shit, he was going to pass the fuck out and his date would walk in to see what a true idiot he could be. Hell, with his luck he’d have drool coming out the side of his mouth too.
“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but stop it.” Gio whispered as he pulled the chair out from the table across from Gordy and sat down.
Shaking his head, Gordy said, “Gio, I don’t think I can do this. I mean, what the hell am I going to talk about? I can’t tell him about where I’m from, who my family is, or even where I live or work. The only thing I can think of is, ‘Hi, I’m Gordy. Nice to meet you.’ Then what? We sit here staring at each other?”
“Calm down, Gordy, before you hyperventilate and pass the hell out.” Gio said, gripping the hand Gordy hadn’t even known was clenching in front of him on the table. “I have no doubt that when you and your date meet you’re going to have a lot you can talk about. Learn things. Like what’s his favorite color or movie or book? Does he like doing outdoor things, or is he more an inside-the-house kind of guy? What kind of television shows does he enjoy? Does he like to dance, or even listen to music and if so what kind?” Gently squeezing Gordy’s hand, Gio softly said, “You’re a wonderful guy and you’re fucking smart, and damn it, Gordy, you deserve to be happy. Just give the guy a chance and see what happens… okay?
Gordy nodded and Gio stood back up. “Okay, I’m going to go back over to the guys. Just breathe slow and steady, and stop looking like you’re about to puke or pass out. You’re scaring the server.”
The second Gio left and went back to his table, Gordy began to fidget again. He moved the silverware to the left and put the salt and pepper back where they were a few seconds ago, then looked at the exit doors once again.
He should just go. Maybe there was an exit close to the bathroom that he could sneak out of, or maybe a window he could crawl out of… hmmm… no. There was no way he could get his fat ass out any window. First off, bathroom windows were too small for even Bren to crawl through, and secondly, even if it was big enough to escape out of, Gordy wasn’t athletic in any way, and trying to jump out a window would only bring him a broken leg or something.
“Hello, Gordy.”
The deep voice not only brought Gordy out of his musing, but had him gasping as he scrunched his eyes tightly closed.No fucking way!There is no fucking way that this is happening. Gordy knew that voice, and there was no doubt he was in big, big trouble. He knew he shouldn’t have listened to Gio and the others. Now he was caught outside Drago and in big trouble.
“Aren’t you going to say hello?” Gunner asked.
Not opening his eyes, Gordy shook his head rapidly left to right.
“Are you going to at least look at me?”
Again, Gordy shook his head.
“But, if you don’t at least look at me, you can’t see the beautiful gift I have for you.” Gunner softly said.
Gift? Why would Gunner bring me a gift? Is this something the D.O.A. guys do before they kick your ass?Gordy wondered, and then gasped remembering Bren, Gio, and Jude. Opening his eyes, Gordy didn’t look at what Gunner had, as much as around Gunner to see the guys sitting there. Jude was smiling wide, but the other two were talking and it didn’t look like a great conversation if their harsh looks were anything to go by.
“They’re fine, Gordy. Pit will be here soon to pick them up. Now if you don’t at least glance my way, I’m going to get a complex.” Gunner said with a small laugh.
Hearing a bit of nervousness in the strong man’s tone, Gordy finally glanced up and locked eyes with Gunner’s arm… or rather his dragon lying there like the tattoo he wasn’t. Gordy almost jumped when the maharishi gave him a smile and winked.
Gordy quickly glanced to what Gunner held and was surprised when he realized in Gunner’s hand was a gorgeous bouquet of wildflowers. “You brought me flowers? Why would you bring…?”
Gordy stopped speaking when he realized exactly why Gunner was there.Oh my fucking god! He’s my date! Wait. He’smydate? He’s not here to kick my ass? But… but…Gordy couldn’t think beyond the word “but”. It was like his brain had exploded or something.
Come on Gordy, get your shit together. Say something for goodness sake. But what?Looking at the flowers, Gordy slowly brought his hand out and took them. “Thank you.
Gunner pulled back the seat across from him and sat down. “You’re very welcome. I wish I could take the credit, but it was really my maharishi’s doing.”
Hearing the deep baritone in Gunner’s voice had Gordy’s cock hardening fast. Immediately Gordy pushed his chair in farther, so he could make sure the stupid prick of his was hidden from view.
Slowly, and with a shaking hand, Gordy set the flowers next to him, stammering, “Th-th… thank you.”
