“Well…” Charlene nervously shifted her stance. “The crowd for the show is significantly larger than we expected. We need a little extra time to adjust the perimeter fence and expand the concert area so we can accommodate all your fans.”
“Seriously?” Jordan stepped forward. “How much larger are we talking?”
“We estimate close to 2,500 over current capacity, maybe even 3,000, but we just need a little time to move the fence to be able to allow everyone entry.” Charlene looked to Dean. “The local news is already here reporting on the delay. I hope you’re not upset about this.”
Dean puffed out his chest and grinned. “Why on Earth would I be mad about that? Do what you need to do, honey. But honestly, I didn’t think we’d have that type of turnout.”
“Are you kidding?” Jordan smirked. “Dean, you have over two million followers and you’ve been posting about this for weeks. Of course your fans are gonna show up!”
He laughed. “Good point, J. Maybe I did stoke the fire a little bit. But I was so excited about this gig, and I didn’t want a half-empty field!”
Colton slapped his shoulder with a big smile. “Congrats, ya big dork. You broke Bayside Grooves. Are you happy now?”
The crackle between Dean and Colton was remarkable. It was playful and flirty, like two bros busting each other’s balls, but layered with a measurable edge of sexual tension.
Dean snickered as he bumped Colton’s hip with his own. “Dick! Damn right I’m happy! Okay Charlene, let us know when we can start the show. Jordan, let the dancers and stage crew know about the delay, and remind them of our brunch meeting tomorrow. Everybody else…we have time for another cocktail!”
Colton needed a moment alone with Dean. He had something he needed to say and he needed a bit of quality one-on-one time with his new friend. Once everyone had a fresh round of drinks, Colton nudged his elbow and whispered, “Hey. Can you show me the mixing deck?”
Dean cracked a huge smile. “Absolutely.” He touched the back of Colton’s elbow and led him to center stage, which was still hidden behind two huge video screens.
Wyatt and Jordan watched the interaction with obvious intrigue, but Colton gave zero fucks what they thought in that moment.
They stood close to one another as Dean explained the equipment on the mixing deck, probably too close. Occasionally, their arms brushed, or Dean touched his back as he explained something.
Colton wasn’t hearing a goddamn word Dean was saying. Every time Dean brushed his skin or leaned close enough to catch his scent, his spine tingled. His head was telling him this was all wrong. Friends don’t do this. He should be with his fiancée, not there, doing whatever he was doing with Dean. But Colton was inexplicably drawn to Dean…his kind spirit, his infectious laugh, the sparkle in his eyes. And Okay, his gorgeous face and buff body might be part of it too, but that was too muchto process right now. Although Colton’s head was screaming for him to pump the brakes, his heart and his body were telling him, "Fuck yeah, go for it!"
In that moment, all he could do was smile and enjoy the ride.
Colton swallowed hard. “So. I pulled you away from everyone because I wanted to say, what you did back there with Charlene…that was very kind, and pretty impressive. How did you know to do that?”
Dean flashed a sheepish smile. “Thanks, man.” He dropped his head. “When my parents threw me out, I started having severe panic attacks almost daily. Just about anything, at any time, would bring on crippling anxiety. One of my teachers taught me how to handle it, how to recognize when it was about to happen, and what to do to stop it. So when I saw Charlene starting to spiral, I knew what it was and what to do.”
Colton’s heart ached for Dean. He hated that he had to deal with panic and anxiety. And he fucking hated his parents for doing it to him.
He could only think of one thing that might comfort Dean, make him feel a little better about his shitty past. He pulled Dean into a tight hug, with one hand gently cradling the back of his head.
“I’m so sorry you had to deal with any of that, Dean. I wish I could make it go away. But at least you know I’m always here to give you one of these hugs when you need it.”
Dean sighed and squeezed Colton tighter. “Thank you so much for this. I really needed a good hug today.”
“Well, you can have one any time you want.” Colton smiled as he pulled away and winked. “And I’ll even do it for free!”
Dean gently shoved Colton’s shoulder as they walked backstage to rejoin the group.
“Alright, the show is starting soon. So, we need to clear the backstage area,” Dean announced to everyone.
As their friends gathered their things and prepared to move from backstage to the VIP area, a whirlwind of commotion blew into the space.
A gorgeous young man with wavy brown hair and angular features hurriedly entered backstage. He was followed by a trio of frazzled looking young women —assistants, Colton guessed— and another young man with a camera.
“Dean!” He reached out his arms as he continued toward the group.
“Johnathan,” Dean said with an icy stare. “You know I don’t allow cameras backstage.”
“I know, sweetie.” He hugged Dean, planting a kiss on his cheek while the camera continued to click non-stop.
“I justhadto come by and wish you luck for your big show.” He planted a light peck on Dean’s lips, and the camera continued its rapid clicking.
