TRUTH OR DARE
“You really are no fun,” I tell Theo as he helps me with drinks.
I don’t miss the way he gives my sweater a slow once-over. “And you went overboard on your sweater.”
“Please. You’re just jealous you don’t have a sweater as amazing as mine.”
In fact, he doesn’t have a sweater at all. He’s wearing a denim shirt tucked into a pair of ripped black pants. He looks good, even if he ignored the dress code for the evening.
“Maybe I should agree with you since you’re giving us free drinks,” Theo tells me.
“Please. You know you love hanging at the tavern. Ugly sweaters and all.”
It’s one of the many reasons I opened this place. I wanted a place where my friends and I could hang out without being judged. A safe space.
It’s become one of the more popular bars in Moose Falls. People of all orientations come to hang out.
But the thing I love most? I can be here with my friends and socialize while keeping an eye on things even on my night off.
What can I say? I love my job and The Tinsel Tavern.
“Is this a new drink?” Theo asks, grabbing one of the glasses from the tray I just set down. The pinkish-orange liquid glimmers in the disco ball lights as the music changes to a fast-paced Christmas tune.
“The Naughty but Nice. I made it with whiskey tonight instead of vodka.”
The Naughty but Nice is one of my favorite cocktails we serve. With orange juice, cranberry, and ginger, it cuts the whiskey to give it a sweeter taste. Add in a splash of club soda and it’s perfect.
“Cheers, everyone.”
We all clink our glasses together at the large, round table where we are gathered instead of our usual booth in the back of the bar.
Glancing around at all of my friends, I’m glad we’re all together. The smile on Brooks’s face right now makes it worth it.
He’s had a rough few weeks, so this makes me happy.
Theo and Griffin are arguing about something while Hunter and Oliver are whispering to each other.
Brooks is sitting next to me, watching all of this with a smile on his face. Him coming out with me and my friends was always a rare occasion. He always said Delia wanted him home.
I’m happy I get this time with him now.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” Brooks asks, interrupting my train of thought.
“It’s nice seeing you happy is all.”
“I have you to thank for that.”
I blush at his words, sipping on my drink. “I don’t like it when you’re sad.”
Brooks shakes his head. “Hopefully all of that is behind me.”
“Alright, I think we should play truth or dare,” Griffin pipes up, drumming his hands on the table to grab everyone’s attention.
Theo laughs at his friend. “You’re so immature.”
“What?” Griffin throws his hands up. “It’s fun and I’m feeling frisky tonight.”
Theo looks at all of us. “I’m sorry. If I knew this was how he was going to be tonight, I would have left him at home.”
