“Sort of. They’re friends of a friend.”
“Did you want to say hi?” I’d let my hand rest on his knee earlier in a misguided effort to keep his attention. I pull it back and start calculating how long it will take me to get home. The date part of the evening is over. I’d rather we both cut our losses and head home. I still have time to read before I go to sleep. I have a draft of my boss’s book to get through in the next day, and, while it’s enjoyable, I’m cutting it close on time. Both men get up and march over toward us. “I think they’re coming over.”
God, please don’t let him be cheating on him with me. That’s one of the few bad date BINGO squares I don’t have yet, and I’d really like to keep it that way.
The tall one stops right in front of Colt, staring at him with an anger that I’m thankful isn’t directed at me. “I need to speak to you for a moment,” he says. Colt looks over at me, but I wave him off. No way am I getting involved in this.
“Go ahead. I’ll be here.” Maybe. If they don’t go toward the door, I might be able to slip out before they come back. They move far enough away that I can’t hear what they’re saying. As much as I want to eavesdrop, there’s no way to do it without being obvious. If only I could read lips. With a great deal of effort, I pull my attention back to the bar counter. After a few seconds of over-the-top theatrics, I get the bartender’s attention and motion for the check. As soon as he brings it, I fork over my credit card to cover both our drinks.
AARON
The Flaming Unicorn looks the same as always when I pull up. I’m late tonight, which means I’ll be on the hook for buying my friends a round. It was worth it for the chance to work on a new project. They don’t come up very often, and my boss tends to give them to his favorites, which isnotme. The only thing I had going for me this evening was that I was the only one in the office when they came looking for help. Being behind on paperwork finally paid off.
I park my car at the edge of the lot and walk toward the front door. I spot Tyler with a hand on Nathan’s back while he vomits into the bushes.
The night isn’t off to a great start. I give Tyler a questioning look, but he shakes his head and motions for me to go inside. After a moment of hesitation, I push open the door toThe Flaming Unicorn. Tyler’s more than capable of handling whatever that situation is. Besides, he knows where to find me if he needs anything. Best guess? Nathan has gotten himself worked up over his teenage crush moving back to town. He swears he’s not interested in turning it into anything more, but we all know he’s kidding himself on that one.
I head inside and find Matthias sitting at a table alone, a pitcher of beer untouched in the middle. “I feel like I missed something.” I slide in across from him and take in his expression. His face is scrunched up, and he looks like he’s about to murder someone. I follow his gaze to the bar, where I find Colt and a random guy. The other guy has his hand on Tyler’s thigh, and they’re laughing about something.
Well, that’s not good.
“Is that why Nathan and Tyler left?” I nod my head toward the bar. Not that Matthias can see it since he hasn’t looked away since I sat down.
“Yeah, I caught the abbreviated version. Nathan was on his way out when I got here.” His jaw tenses. “He really had to do this at our bar?” It’s not worth arguing that we don’t own this place. Not really. But we’re here every Thursday night. There are plenty of other gay bars in town that Colt could have gone to. “I’m going to say something.”
“Seriously? Matthias, leave it alone.”
“No.”
Yeah, I didn’t think that would work. I had to try, though. When he gets up and stalks across the room, I don’t bother trying to stop him. Instead, I roll my eyes and follow him, staying a few steps back. The last thing I want is to cause trouble. This bar has been our hangout for over a decade; I’m not getting kicked out over this.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Matthias asks Colt. The poor guy looks like he might wet himself. I don’t blame himeither. Lucky for me, I’ve never been on this side of Matthias’s ire, though I’ve seen it in action several times.
“Um, hanging out?” Colt looks around, perhaps hoping Nathan will show up to rescue him.
“Are you here on adate?”
“Sort of?”
I let out a snort before I get control over myself and glance toward the bar, where Colt’s date is calling the bartender over to close out. From his tight jeans and tee, he came here with the intention of getting lucky. I almost feel bad that we’re ruining his plans.
Almost.
“So, what? You woke up and decided to parade your dates in front of Nathan? What the hell is wrong with you?” Matthias’s face is nearly purple.
“I wasn’t parading anyone. This is the only place I know to suggest. I didn’t plan for you guys to be here, too. Besides, what’s the big deal anyway? Where’s Nathan?”
“He left,” I say. It’s the only thing I have to add to this conversation. Hopefully, Tyler has him home and tucked into bed.
“How come?”
“What do you think?”
“I—” His face flashes between confusion and realization. We don’t need to be part of this. What happens next is between Colt and Nathan.
“Matthias, let’s go.” I tug on my friend’s arm, pulling him away from Colt. Before I can get him more than a few steps away, he leans in and whispers something in Colt’s ear. “Matthias,” I hiss.
Back in our booth, I sit silently while Matthias downs half a beer. Our planned night is a bust. If I leave now, I can probably get home in time to sneak in a quick workout. It’s not on myschedule, but my skin feels itchy right now. A quick run would help clear my mind after tonight’s events.
