CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Patrick
The bar wascrowded, but it was a Friday night so that was to be expected. The after-work crowd in their suits and ties mingled with the groups of friends dressed more casually, the crowd making getting to and from the bar difficult. The noise level was high, but thankfully Charlie had reserved a private function room toward the back. Patrick shouldered through the double doors, and the volume dropped by several decibels as the doors closed, cutting off the loud music and buzz of people. The atmosphere of the smaller back room was still upbeat, but the volume of the music allowed for decent conversation.
Josh’s birthday provided a great excuse for all of them to get together, even if they had just seen each other at the Halloween party. With a smaller group, they’d have time to really catch up, so Patrick was really looking forward to the evening. He and Simon had joined Charlie and Josh, along with their other close friends. The group included Charlie’s best mate, Greg, and his girlfriend, Natalie, and Josh’s mate from the station, Brian, and his wife. Darren and Mike were the newest members of the group, but looked like they were fitting in fine. Antonio and his boyfriend Duncan rounded out the dozen.
As Patrick approached, Simon leaned across and cleared some space on the cluttered tabletop, moving glasses and empty baskets and bowls that littered its surface, the remnants of their dinner. Patrick placed the pitchers of beer on the table and retook his seat next to Simon.
Josh, as the guest of honor, held court at one of the tables, surrounded by his friends, with Charlie taking pride of place at his side. The two of them had been together for a long while now and looked as in love with each other today as they had from the day they’d met. Charlie was regaling the table with the story of their first meeting.
Patrick loved to hear Charlie’s story of love at first sight—something about it appealed to the romantic in him, made him believe in true love and fairy tales, and that there was someone out there for everyone. He looked over at Simon, who met his gaze, eyes sparkling and his whole face lit up with a smile. It appeared as if Simon enjoyed the story too.
“So,” Josh chimed in, “there was Charlie, standing like a stunned mullet with a little girl pulling at his hand trying to get his attention. Some teacher—”
“Hey! Can you blame me for being distracted? There wasn’t usually so much excitement in the playground. It wasn’t every day we got to see a sexy paramedic being a hero.”
Josh laughed. “Well, I’m glad I made your day.”
Charlie leaned in and hooked an arm around Josh’s neck, pulling him in for a hug. “You made more than just my day, sweetheart.” He planted a kiss on his fiancé’s temple.
Simon nudged Patrick gently, giving him a wink as he tilted his head in the direction of the two lovebirds. “Is there any word on when the wedding will be?” Simon asked.
“I’m not certain,” Patrick said. “April next year, maybe, so in about six months’ time. I think they’re waiting for Andrew and Tanner to confirm the exact date they’ll be getting home from their road trip. I know Charlie is hoping Andrew will hurry up and let them know his plans, because he knows Josh is eager to get married and wants to set the date. But at the same time, Josh doesn’t want to pressure his brother, either.”
“I can understand the frustration. Now that he’s proposed, Charlie must want to get things moving along. Plus, it’ll take ages to organize a wedding once they know the date. Venues fill up well in advance.”
Josh laughed. “What do you know about wedding planning?”
“I know enough.” Simon’s voice grew wistful. “I helped with my big sister, Megan’s, wedding. You’re looking at a sort-of expert.”
“Yeah?” Patrick still didn’t know an awful lot about Simon’s family and was eager to hear more. “Tell me about it. Was it a big wedding? In a church?”
“It was fairly small, just the family and few close friends. And yes, it was in a church. I’ll tell you more about it later.” Simon squeezed his knee. “Right now, I’d rather talk about Josh’s wedding. It is his night after all.” Patrick didn’t push; they’d have plenty of time to talk about Simon’s family later.
He focused back on Josh and Charlie across the table. “Hey, guys. Any word on when the wedding will be? Simon’s keen to get on board as your wedding planner.”
Simon’s eyebrows shot up, and Patrick couldn’t help but grin at his expression. “I didn’t exactly say that,” Simon muttered.
“Awesome.” Charlie threw his arm around the back of Josh’s chair as he grinned at Simon. “We can use all the help we can get. Maybe starting to make some plans will hurry Andrew along. Still, I can understand Andrew and Tanner wanting to take their time with their road trip. The two of them have got a lot of time to make up for.”
Patrick had gotten to know Josh’s older brother, Andrew, since Josh and Charlie had brought Patrick into their circle of friends and family. He didn’t know Andrew’s boyfriend, Tanner, quite as well, as they’d only met a few times at various social occasions and casual gatherings. But from what’d he’d heard, Andrew and Tanner’s was another story of love conquering all—eventually. Tanner and Andrew had been best friends, verging on something more, when Josh and Andrew’s dad had unexpectedly died. Andrew had to take care of Josh, who’d only been fifteen at the time. Andrew had been young himself and worried he’d lose custody of his brother, and that fear had led him to push Tanner away. It wasn’t until years later that Tanner had returned to town and they’d gotten back together. In fact, no one had even known Andrew was gay, so the whole thing had been a surprise, albeit a pleasant one. Andrew and Tanner were now taking the trip they’d planned together when they were teenagers, traveling across the country in an old restored Mustang.
Patrick sighed at the sheer romanticism of the story, but the warmth and tingles he felt after another glance from Simon reminded him that his own story was just beginning and had the potential to have just as grand a happy ending.
Sudden laughter from around the table brought him back to the present with a jolt. Blood rushed to his face.Thank goodness no one can read my thoughts and see what a sap I’ve turned into. Love’s made me— Oh, my God, I’m in love.
Patrick stood, nearly knocking his chair over in his eagerness to… to what?Jesus.Patrick had no idea what he wanted to do, but moving from the table seemed a good way to get away from his jumbled thoughts.In love?
“Dancing, anyone?” he suggested.
“Great idea! Come on.” Josh pushed back from the table and started rounding everyone up. There were a few grumbles, most notably from Duncan, who claimed he didn’t dance, but who, despite all his protests, was soon out of his seat and following the rest of them to the upstairs area of the bar where the dance floor was located. It soon became clear why Duncan was happy when he detoured at the top of the stairs and disappeared into the pool room. Simon watched his retreating back with obvious longing. When he turned back to Patrick, he quickly fixed a smile on his face and Patrick prepared to give him a leave pass.
Patrick had been expecting Simon’s protests, too, knowing that dancing wasn’t really his thing. He was tempted to try some gentle coaxing and knew with some exaggerated fluttering of his eyelashes, Simon would give in, but he wanted to make sure Simon had a good time. It was totally unexpected when Simon actually chuckled and took him by the elbow, almost dragging him onto the dance floor.
The next hour or so flew by as Patrick lost himself in the music, until he had to answer the call of nature.
Patrick leaned in and spoke loudly against Simon’s ear so he could be heard over the pulsating music. “I’ll be back in a minute.” He tipped his head in the direction of the restrooms and Simon nodded before dancing back into the crowd of their friends.
