That was
it. I’d heard enough… I shot out of my seat and rounded the corner, “You heard
him.” I snarled, “Let go of my friend’s arm.” I’d acted on instinct and well
before I’d even had a good look at the aggressor. I wasn’t unduly worried –
being a rugby player I was pretty well built and strong enough to take on
pretty much anyone – that said, I wasn’t a street-fighter kind of guy and I
wouldn’t dream of carrying a knife – but I knew nothing of this guy... At this
point I still hadn’t even looked at the guy being manhandled – as much as I
knew, he might have been able to totally take care of himself for as much
notice I’d taken before wading in. It was a terrible weakness of mine...
I decided
to check at that moment and I’m not gonna lie to you, my knees about buckled
when he looked around at me with a slightly surprised look on his beautiful
face. Holy shit, Date Guy was
the most beautiful guy I’d ever laid eyes on – and since he was on a date with
another guy – I was guessing that he must also be gay…
The bully
left as he looked up, and up again (six feet five – what can I say? I’m huge)
and Date Guy smiled up at me, “Thanks.” He said, “I was handling it – but
thanks anyway.”
I smiled
back at him, my heart in my mouth. He had dark wavy hair and dark brown eyes
that I swear were made up with mascara and a little guy liner – something I’d
only used when I was staying over at a friend’s house or when Mum and Dad were
away on business. They would totally freak if they saw me wearing anything
other than jeans and a tee shirt and make up was definitely not an option at
him – it was something they would never accept in a million years.
Date Guy
was looking at me with open interest but I had no idea what I was going to do
now that I’d charged in and helped – I was utterly crap at the whole chatting
up thing. I’d never come out to anyone in the family other than my brother,
Buzz, and I was terrified of anyone ever finding out. Still, there was
something about this particular guy that I couldn’t help being drawn to. I
stuck my hand out – I know, I know – I’m way too formal and old before my time…
“Glad to be of help,” I said, “My name is Simon.”
His
answering smile made my heart beat even faster. He grabbed my offered hand and
pumped it, “I’m Bailey.” He said, “It’s really nice to meet you.”
I’ve got to
be honest, I can hardly remember what Rob was saying for most of the interview.
I was far too aware of Seth’s presence in the room. I hadn’t expected that he’d
be part of the interview process and I was horribly nervous. I probably made a
total tit of myself with the way I stuttered and stammered my way through the
whole thing but I must have said or done something
right – because I got the job anyway.
I remember
everything Seth said; the way his eyes crinkled in the corners when he smiled,
even thought they were still awfully sad-looking. My heart squeezed painfully
in my chest for him – I just wanted to see him happy again.
He had the
most deliciously deep voice when he spoke, although his tone was soft and
almost melodious. He advised me that I should make my boundaries clear from the
outset – if I didn’t want punters touching or assuming that I was up for
anything once I’d climbed down from my podium for my break – that I was to be firm
with them – and the easiest way was to probably make up a boyfriend, “Unless
you already have one, of course – and then it’s real easy.” He smiled again and
raised one perfectly groomed eyebrow.
My dick
instantly took an interest. Was he subtly checking if I was dating?
I nodded,
“Yeah, good idea.” I said, “I don’t really fancy the idea of being mauled...”
Rob
chuckled, “Well, you say that now –
wait until the pheromones hit you.”
I shot a
slightly alarmed look at Seth who grinned back at me and shook his head,
“Relax, Joel – I’ll be right behind the bar every night – if you need help,
just shout.”
I nodded.
“Thanks.” I said. I would definitely
be shouting...
Rob eyed me
with interest, “So, do you have a
boyfriend?” he asked, “Or is that too presumptuous of me – you could of course
have a girlfriend.”
I nodded, “I
could have a girlfriend,” I agreed,
“Since I haven’t really decided if I’m gay or bi yet,” I shrugged, “But I’m not
really into labels – I just fancy who I fancy, you know?”
Rob smiled,
“Yeah,” he said, “My son’s like that – he dated one of the regular dancers,
River, for a while – but now he has a wife and a child.” He shrugged, “Live and
let live, I say.”
Well, that
was a refreshing attitude.
Seth had
gone quiet. I sneaked a sideways glance at him and saw that he was looking down
at his hands. There were tears in his eyes and to my dismay, one rolled down
his cheek.
I swear, if
Rob hadn’t been there, I’d have shot out of my seat and wrapped him in a hug.
I’d have kissed away his tears and got him to talk about it. He needed to get
it out of his system. His girlfriend had been dead for a year... He needed
someone else to fill the void she’d left...
He needed me.
Joel... Seth Saved... Coming Late 2017/Early 2018...
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