Chapter Six -- Sometimes, You Just Want To Eat At Home
"What's the expiration date on a crush?" Mike asked with a long sigh.
On the other end of the phone call, Jared matched his with one that spelled compassion. It was only natural for Mike to go complaining to him since Jared surely had some kind words for him.
"Go have fun, Mike. I feel guilty that I can't come with you so that we could party as usual. Actually, I could call Chris --"
"No, listen, Jared. It's okay. We went last night for drinks, and it was all fine. I'm not going to take over your Saturday, especially since you have a date with a super guy."
Jared made a small sound like he was melting. "I know how you hate being on your own. But you're cute and young, and there are many guys out there. I know that the last time I told you to go out on your own, you practically ended up --"
"Sucking off my boss," Mike completed Jared's words, but his voice was dreamy, not self-deprecating as he aimed for.
"Right. But I think the best remedy is to go dance with some hot guys, take a few phone numbers, and see where the night takes you."
"You are so optimistic about my chances to get some hot guys' phone numbers. But thanks for your trust in me, J. You're the best friend I could ever hope for."
"I haven't asked you. Have you seen Ryan after he came down to your server haven?"
"Just from afar. I promise I wasn't stalking him or anything!"
"I wasn't accusing you," Jared replied, obviously surprised.
"Ah," Mike groaned, "I'm in so deep. Why do I have to fall for impossible guys?"
"When have you ever fallen for such guys before?"
"In my dreams," Mike said promptly.
Jared laughed. "It's okay to fantasize. But don't lose yourself in such a habit. It could be quite dangerous."
"So, are you trying to tell me that it's fine if I dream of my boss?"
"If you can't help it ... But please go clubbing. And yes, I know what you'll say, even without Adrian and me. Even if you go to the club, stay for one hour, and then go back home, it will still be a win. At least, you won't be by yourself, moping around."
"I guess that's true. But I should think of going to another club. Jimmy might still want to kick my ass over that Gino thing from last week."
"I told you, Mike. There's nothing to worry about. You can go to our usual spot. The only thing you should worry about is them proposing you to get into a threesome."
"Would a threesome heal my broken heart?"
"No," Jared said promptly. "Please don't tell me you're even considering it."
"I wasn't. Well, if Jimmy won't kick my ass, then I'll go for one drink. He might not even be there. If I'm lucky."
"Hey, have a little faith."
"Wait, how do you turn down an invitation to a threesome?"
Jared laughed. "Just say that you believe in monogamy."
"What if they get into a debate and come strong at me?"
"Hmm." Jared seemed to ponder. "You can lie, then. Tell them your boyfriend is jealous."
"Ah, so I managed to get a boyfriend between last Saturday and this one. They won't buy it."
"I should point out some things. One, the chances that some strong debate over the delicate subject of threesomes would occur are slim. Two, you almost did get yourself a boyfriend. It just wasn't meant to be."
Meant to be. Somehow, those words felt cruel to Mike. Jared wasn't at fault, of course. But that evening with Ryan had been perfect. It had felt like something meant to be. And Mike was a bit afraid that such things were unlikely to happen too often to someone like him.
***
Mike took place at the bar, trying to appear relaxed and in the mood for fun. He knew it quite well that his tries wouldn't fool anyone, but the lights were dim, and people were too busy seeing about their night that they couldn't be bothered to observe one awkward guy.
"Just the man I was hoping to see."
Mike looked up and forced a smile. If anything went wrong, he could always blame Jared. No, he would never do that. Going to a different club seemed way too intimidating, so he had settled for their usual spot, as Jared had said.
"Hi, Jimmy." His voice was so low that Jimmy had to lean over the bar to catch his words.
He waited. If Jimmy wanted to curse at him, he was welcome to do it. Despite what Jared and Adrian had said, Mike still had his doubts that the cute bartender would be okay with his boyfriend sleeping around, and especially with someone Jimmy had practically invited because he had taken pity in.
Jimmy offered him a smile from up close. Then, he suddenly closed the distance between them and kissed Mike quickly.
"Wow, what was that for?" Mike asked, his voice even meeker than before.
"You looked like you needed it. So, you just ditched me and Gino that time, huh?"
Mike fidgeted in his bar stool. "I had no idea he was your boyfriend." That excuse was lame, but also true. "I'm sorry." He looked down and linked his fingers, to stop his nervousness.
"I am the one who's sorry. I should have come clean and tell you my boyfriend and I both wanted to get to know you better."
Mike's head snapped up. "For real?"
Jared and Adrian had told him this much.
Jimmy smiled at him. Some client shouted something unflattering at him. He flashed an apologetic smile at Mike. "Be right back. Here, something to keep you busy." He placed a drink in front of Mike.
"I'm paying for it this time," Mike said, but Jimmy was already gone.
It wasn't such a bad idea to have a drink. At least, he could work a little on calming his jitters while Jimmy was busy with the other patrons and their parched throats. Was Jimmy going to propose that kind of arrangement? Nah, probably that ship had already sailed, and the previous Saturday had been the only chance for Mike to do something so wild.