This is a work of fiction - names and places are elements of fiction.
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Cards in the Deck - Ryan Brevard 3
I was up pretty early. I jogged the neighborhood, seeing everyone come to life. Walkers, breakfast seekers, car washers were all out in force for Mother's Day Weekend. By the time I got back, Quinn had some breakfast going and the bacon smelled good. I showered and came out in time to join him and Ben for breakfast.
"Morning," said Ben in his gurgly morning voice. "How was the run?"
"Good," I said. "Needed to clear my head."
"I understand," he said.
"I bet so," said Quinn. "After all that ex-CITE-ment from last night," Quinn snipped.
"It was fun," was all I said in return.
"I don't get that Jack," said Ben. "I'm impressed he is so open with you, shocked even! But I don't want things to get messed up for you. I hope this is one of those long steady friendships for you. Jack is truly amazing. Know what I'm saying?" said Ben.
"Yes I do and I don't want it messed up either. It's just a little play. He won't let me go too far. I don't think," I added. "What do you all have to do today?"
"So Quinn and I are going over to the ballroom to sort out some things. Erin and Joe are flying in today and will Uber here from the airport. Can you be here to meet them?" Ben asked.
"Sure. I may just swim just a bit then I have to review a report I have to submit on Monday for finals.
Quinn said, "Tyson, the guy next door likes to swim laps some Saturdays. If he wants to come over, let him. He's a nice guy and doesn't bother anything. His booty in those swim trunks is certainly worth a glance," Quinn laughed.
"Quinn!" snapped Ben.
"You know you look, babe," said Quinn in his own defense.
"Yes, that's true," Ben said and I cracked up.
"Where is your mother?" I asked Quinn.
"At the hotel. She is having lunch with Margo and Claire then getting her hair done. Everyone needs to be dressed by 5 and we will go over everyone's responsibilities then. Have you heard from Brandon and Emma?" Quinn asked us.
"They are doing different things today. Shopping and sightseeing I think," said Ben.
So they took off and I jumped in the pool after changing into my trunks. Sure enough, Tyson came through the fence door and asked if he could jump in. I told him he could. He was very lean, very cute. He was on a summer swim league and was getting in shape before the season started. I really should think about swim leagues because I love swimming but they meet very early in the morning and I'm not great with that.
Tyson confirmed that he and his parents would be at the wedding this evening so I would see him again later. I wouldn't mind. He seemed shy but looked really good. I checked my phone when I heard texts coming in. Bradley told me to have a great day. He was thinking about me. Jack told me to get my ass out of bed. He's late to the plate! Adam was on his way. Oh, now that's interesting. I better get dressed.
Soon thereafter, the Uber let Adam off and he rang the bell.
I opened the door and was met with a really warm hug.
"Hey Ryan, what's up?" he asked trying to be casual with me.
"All good," I said. Where is Christopher?" I asked, not trying to be nosy but I thought this would be a couples event.
"Not coming," he said. "Things aren't great there," he said, dragging his suitcase in.
We went down into the living room and dropped down on the sofa. He explained how Christopher wasn't willing to commit to long term just yet. It was the "just yet" that was getting to him. Adam did not want to be put on hold and didn't know if he should wait around. I completely understood and explained my situation about Bradley.
"Look Ryan, you're what, 16? Do you need to be tied down? I mean, don't let all this relationship stuff you are witnessing convince you that being committed to someone is the only way to go. Live it for yourself is all I can say," he said. I was beginning to think he might be right. With Bradely, though, it was more his parents than it was him, I think. I didn't want to throw in the towel too soon.
We decided to uber downtown and get lunch and check into the hotel. I still had to move my things to the hotel since I wouldn't be back to the house. Given the fact the whole family was in town, it seemed eerily quiet here at the house. We wouldn't be back here since Ben and Quinn would be leaving for their honeymoon from the hotel.
Hanging out with Adam was good. Downtown was bustling. We did run into Erin and Joe at the hotel. My parents breezed by us in the hotel lobby. After sitting around the lobby and chatting with people as they came in and out, I went upstairs to my room for a short nap before getting ready for the wedding.
At 5, the wedding party gathered and went over our perspective parts. I had a dark blue suit from Topman that fit like a glove and I looked good. 5:30 came quick and people started coming in. I went out into the ballroom lobby and found Ben. Quinn was upstairs with his mom. I looked at him and didn't say anything. Ben looked like his water works were about to break open. I walked over to him and put my arms around his waist. He put his arms around my back.
"Am I ok?" he asked. "Am I really doing this?" he continued.
"What would you rather be doing?" I asked in return.
He thought for a minute then said, "Not a damn thing," he said laughing.
The string quartet was playing some classical thing and it looked like most everyone was in there. We walked into the ballroom and ascended the center aisle to the front. The minister was there and Erin was there. All the family and friends were there. Two of the guys from Birmingham were there and it was all I could do not scream with laughter. One of them was wearing big pink sunglasses that reminded me of Elton John. The other one looked like Keanu Reeves and looked very hot! Jack was there with his parents and he was hot too. And BANG, it was on. Quinn and his mom entered. Ben whispered in my ear, "Yep, this is what I am meant to do." I nodded.
Adam took his place in the aisle and marched down followed by Quinn, draped on his mother's arm. As they processed down the aisle, you could have seen Quinn's teeth from outer space. He looked good in his navy blue suit. He came up front and joined Ben.
The minister asked, "Who gives this gentleman?"
His mother said with a quivering lip, "his Mother!"
There were opening words about union, the perfect circle and the joining of lives. He invited Phil Brevard, Ben's dad to come forward to offer some words.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am a quiet spoken fellow but I would like to offer this. The size of one's family does not always suggest the quality of that family. While we are very fortunate to have a good number of family present today, all with sound minds and talents, we recognize, Quinn, that you come from a small family and while you and your lovely mother may only be two, you have contributed to this family dynamic possibly more than any large family. We love you and welcome you to the community of Brevards. I can only pray that as we welcome you, you will welcome us and that our combined families will thrive and prosper in unity!" Phil gave a brief nod to Quinn and to his mother and went back to his seat.
Waterworks were being deployed already. Quinn's mother was smiling and wiping her eyes.
Ben and Quinn exchanged their vows. They had prepared them individually. Standing towards each other, Ben started, "Quinn, I'm thinking back to a night at a hamburger joint when you got a little overexcited about a certain car and I'm wondering today if you are marrying me today because of that car," and everyone laughed. "I would not have guessed that night over hamburgers and football talk that we would be standing here today. I'm also thinking of an afternoon, an emotional afternoon, standing out in front of my family home, where I would come to realize how much I loved you and had for so long. Being there by my side through thick and thin, showing your support and love, made me realize what kind of man you are. I was never before ready to be a grown, mature man, responsible for actions and decisions. However, you push me. You have pushed me to chase childish thoughts from my mind. You have pushed me to move outside my well designed box. You have pushed me to be a strong man. I'm ready to be a real Mr. Brevard, for you, because of you, and despite you!" he said with an air of humor. Waterworks were running strong in this room. Sniffles could be heard.
"Ben," said Quinn,"I have also thought about that Friday night and even if I didn't know you would be the one, I knew that only someone like you COULD be the one. You pulled me in when I needed it most. I wasn't sure where I was going or who I would be going with. I am facing possibly the greatest life imaginable because of you. You definitely come with benefits," and looking out over the audience, he rubbed his fingers together suggesting money and everyone laughed. "What most don't know are those benefits are your strength, your imagination, your deep understanding of family and tradition, and your willingness to love and support. Today, Ben, you have to be the one because there can never, NEVER EVER, be a second!" Quinn was bobbing slightly on his tiptoes and Adam gently touched him to calm him down and stand still. I was grinning at this. Everyone applauded.
Emma came up and read an excerpt from a poem called, "Until We Could," which she had selected as a contribution. It was thoughtful. I know Ben and Quinn liked it. Then the minister faced Ben and Quinn and asked, "Benjamin Beal Brevard, do you take Quinton Cecil Collins to be your husband and partner through..." and before he could finish Ben interrupted and said, "I do." There were chuckles. Then the minister asked the same of Quinn who said "I do." Quinn was bobbin on his toes again. The minister asked for the rings to be presented.
Brandon came forward with a ring in each hand and he approached and bent down on one knee and raised his hands to each of them. That was not part of the plan but it was an incredible gesture. I was very astonished at his show of personality. Adam and I took the rings and gave them to Ben and Quinn as they recited their lines. Brandon came and stood by me. I whispered to him, "You're hot when you cut up a bit. I liked that!" He nudged me in the side shyly and told me to stop it. He was smiling but blushing.
There was a combined honorarium to Quinn's and Ben's parents as it was Mother's Day and the minister pronounced Benjamin Beal Brevard and Quinton Cecil Collins-Brevard legally married. They kissed and weren't shy about it. I figured Grandfather and Gramma Claire were beside themselves! The string orchestra started up and we all marched out of the ballroom and into the lobby for a brief reception and into the next ballroom for the dinner. The setup involved some effort. The wedding ballroom was being changed out to a party room while we dined.
Wow, it was something you never forget.
The dinner was fun. There were roasts and toasts. Some were funny and others were emotional. Quinn's mom gave a stirring response to Uncle Phil's wedding comments. She talked about how easily judgements can play into relationships and how the Brevard's had been most fair to her and Quinn as a small family and as minorities. She thanked Aunt Margo and Gramma Claire for being so welcoming and for treating her like a true sister. Someone must have chopped up an onion because Quinn was gushing.
I had to take my shot at this now. I was so nervous to speak in front of everyone but I had thought about it and Jack had told me I better do it. It was one my chance to leave a mark on the occasion. I stood and everyone got quiet.
I stood up from my seat at the Groom's Table and said, "Good evening, everyone. I would like to say something," Ben and Quinn were leaning sideways to see me. I know they were thinking, "Oh hell, no telling what he will say!" The thought made me smile and relax. "For most of my 15 years, I was very unfamiliar with the Brevards of Alabama. I was not aware that we had a family home with a long, incredible history. I did not know I had an old cousin," and I looked at Ben and everyone laughed. "Older!" he shouted over the crowd. I continued, "an older cousin, who could become someone I could trust, someone who might become a life-long mentor and friend, someone who would jump start my heart." Whew that was a sappy line! "Not knowing I had all this and then finding out, made me feel a little spiteful. Having missed those years made me feel like I had missed out on a whole different life." I paused for a minute to check my phone for the next part. "But, BUT," I shouted, "you all proved that it's never too late." Looking out over the crowd, I said, "You made it right and great things have happened and I want to thank you for that." I looked at my phone with the line I had written down to make sure I got it right, and said, "To be the Best Man tonite to the best man I know, in a room with all the best people, well, it doesn't get any better than this, in my opinion. Here's to Ben and Quinn!" and I raised my glass as did everyone else. Ben came over and hugged me. Oh yes, he was crying. My face got hot and I sat back down. I heard my Aunt Margo shout out, "I love this boy! We are so glad to have you here son!"
Adam West gave a tremendous toast and Erin nearly wiped everyone out with his thoughts, having been Ben's best friend since childhood. Adam had definitely grown on me. I felt I resented him so much when I didn't know him and the better I got to know him, the more I liked him.
The other memorable toast came from my Grandfather James. I was quite surprised. He stood from his seat and said, "May I offer this! I am not a funny person. I am not known for having humorous plays on words and delivering great punchlines. I can convince a judge and sway a jury so I can say this: When Brevards do it, they do it right. When Brevards bring it, they bring it strong! You two have brought all your strengths and talents to us. You have made contributions that will go down in our family history. Ben, Quinn, you have not failed in your ability to live up! I think my brother Phil will agree with me when I say, our combined families, the unity represented here tonight will only lead us to a stronger future! Congratulations to you both and may you carry that honor everyday of your lives. And do not dismay, that on a particular day things don't go as planned, there will be another day in which you can pick it up and go again!" Uncle Phil shouted out, "Well said, Brother!" and everyone shouted "Well said!'' Do I need to say more? The energy in the room was charged. I slipped out of my seat after eating and went over to Jack's table so we could talk. When everyone was finished, we headed across the hall back to the original ballroom for the party. The ballroom was decorated nice with blue and gold colors. Tables were arranged, there was a bar, and a wooden dance floor with a big chandelier. I'm not really into dancing so I wouldn't expect to be caught out there.
So the dance floor kicked off slowly which I didn't care about. People were letting their food settle. Jack and I grabbed drinks and joined Emma and Brandon and I grabbed Tyson from his parents and brought him to our table for some conversation. Soon thereafter, people were mingling and dancing. The DJ was playing some clutch music. I hoped he would not screw it up with that Funky Cold Medina crap they always play at weddings. Crap music! Tyson was nice enough but a little dry. He was more Brandon's speed. I looked at Jack and said, "I guess I will always be the only gay teenager in the room," and laughed dryly.
He said, "Not always."
"What do you mean?"
"You won't always be a teenager!" and with that we cracked up. He told me it was time as the bar was busy and no one was paying attention. We snuck around back behind the curtain and grabbed a bottle of vodka which we hid off to the side so we could sip on over the evening.
When we got back to the table, Jack, Brandon and Tyson launched into sports talk which I couldn't follow. I looked at Emma hoping she didn't want to talk about dresses and fingernail polish. Where are the financial guys when you need them? I looked over and saw Aunt Margo sitting by herself. Emma saw it too. She said, "I dare you to ask Aunt Margo to dance," she said half joking.
"I only respond to double dog dares," I said.
"Double dog dare then!" she said. The guys looked up at me in surprise.
"He wouldn't dare," said Brandon. "She will eat him alive," he said with everyone laughing.
"Fine!" I retorted. I got up and straightened my jacket. I walked over to her table.
"Hey Aunt Margo. How are you doing?" I asked.
"Doing well, Ryan. Doing well. That was a nice speech you gave at dinner. I hope you know how thrilled Ben is to spend time with you. I swear he thinks you hung the moon! I am very proud of the bond you two have formed," and she paused. "Would you like to have a seat?" she asked.
"Well, actually, I was going to ask if you would like to dance," I said shyly.
"With a fine young man like you? Could I possibly keep up?" she said with a big smile.
"I think it would be me that has to keep up," and I extended my hand. She took it and we walked over to the dance floor. I put one hand on her shoulder and she placed my other hand on her hip and we were off. It was kind of fun, actually. She was a very good dancer, you know how ladies like her are. Graceful and keen on their dance steps. I could sense everyone on the dance floor watching us. We did a 190 degree turn and I could see Ben was all eyes. Quinn draped his hand over his mouth in disbelief. That just encouraged me further. I felt big. Really big. Like a gentleman. Noble. Then she surprised me with a count, "2, 3, 4" and I raised my hand and she spun back in a twirl and spun back to me. "Whoa," I thought. That was pretty amazing but then she did it again. "2, 3, 4" and she pushed me out and I spun and came back. She grabbed me tight so I didn't crash into her. She laughed and we finished the song and there was a lot of applause. I think it was for us.
"Thank you, Ryan. It's a great compliment to a lady when a young man asks her to dance. You were lovely," she said.
"That was fun," I said. "We might do that again before the end of the party," I said and Uncle Phil showed up to take her out for another dance and I headed back to the teens table. Jack punched me in the arm. "You stud!" he said. Brandon and Emma chuckled. Emma told me she was impressed and that she might never double dog dare me again.
"Brandon, you're going to have to do that with Gramma Claire!" I said to him. He stopped laughing.
"Do you think I have to?" he asked.
"You surely do," said Emma. "You are her favorite after all." We all laughed as Brandon had a terrified look spread across his face.
At some point in the evening, with the booze flowing, everyone was having a blast. The teen table had enjoyed some "punch" as well as we had mixed a little of the vodka with our drinks. It was essential to not get caught in this initiative. Quinn came by and grabbed me by the arm. "Come with me," he said and just then the DJ started playing Dancing Queen by ABBA. Yes, I knew that song. He and Ben pulled me up on the floor with them and made me dance with them. I look lost in a field, I'm sure. Then Erin showed up and Joe was behind him. Then Adam came up. The two guys from Birmingham joined and they formed a tight circle around me. It was really fun. I was actually getting into it. They were all laughing and smiling and had their arms around each other. With one extended straight up, I was the dancing king, so to speak. Then, I saw my mother with Jack. She tapped Erin on the shoulder and he and Joe parted and she pushed Jack into the circle with me. "Oh my God!" I thought. Jack is dancing with me. "Woohoo!" I shouted. I turned away from him and backed into him. And he let me. Then that totally hot guy who looked like Keanu Reeves turned me and I backed into him. Ok I would totally fuck him. He is so hot. His name is Marlow but I like "totally hot guy!" He felt good. There was some awesome rhythm in his waist. Ben pulled me away from him and Marlow looked disappointed. The guy with the pink sunglasses was cracking me up.
I spoke into Ben's ear, "You should have fucked him," I said.
"What makes you think I didn't?" he asked with raised eyebrows. Ok yeah, I got hard really fast. I was sticky with sweat and so was Jack and we were having a blast. It was so amazing. I had a flashback to that night I first met Ben and Quinn in person and they dedicated the football field to the Brevard's. When they hugged me on TV, I liked the feeling of being seen. I liked people seeing me when I felt strong and safe, surrounded by "my people." I felt like that again. Everyone was watching and we were stars! I loved all these guys and they were certainly loving me. Not sure if its ego or some fetish but it was great.
Then the song ended and the circle broke away. I was left standing there not sure what to do. To these guys, this was just some dancefloor theatre and then the show is over. For me, I was confused and aware of all the eyes. Jack turned around when he realized I wasn't behind him. He came back over to me and tapped my chin.
"You ok?" he asked.
I looked him right in the eyes and said, "Damn Jack! Only my best friend in the world would have come into that circle with me. You were fucking hot! Thank you," I said.
He responded, "Well, your mom made me do it but yeah, it was fun. You have moves, man!" Then he added "If that video goes viral, I will be ruined in my hometown," he said laughing.
"If that video goes viral, you'll be the sexiest guy alive in your hometown," I told him.
Just then I noticed my mother standing there. She used her finger and gave me the "come with me," gesture. I walked off and she took my hand and led me back to their table where my dad, Grandfather and Grandma Claire were sitting. I sat in one of the chairs. I hoped I was not in trouble. Gramma Claire had her lips pursed.
"Ryan," said my mother. "That was quite a scene up there. What did you think?" she asked.
"It was fun, Mom. Are you mad?"
"Oh no. Amazed is more like it. Not sure we've ever seen you engage so actively," she said. "It's good to see you having fun, Ryan. After that speech you gave at dinner, I was a little concerned but I see that you are happy." She paused for a moment, then, "you looked good. Super handsome. Even your hair was dancing," she said.
"That might have been me 20 years ago, you know," said my dad. "Yep I would have been up there tearing it up," he said.
"Really Charles? Tearing it up? Seriously?" asked my mom.
Gramma Claire and Grandfather screamed with laughter. My dad looked trapped. He was laughing too. Gramma Claire said to me, "Ryan, I'm parched and my glass is empty. Why don't you come with me to the bar,"
I got up and we walked over to the bar where she ordered a glass of champagne and ordered a sparkling water for me. The bartender guy was really cute. He gave me a wink. "Oh shit," I thought. "He wants me." Winking at me in front of her was risky to say the least.
"Ryan," she said to me. "I have never known quite what to do with you. You have always marched to your own tune. You rarely ask for help or tell anyone what's going on in your life. You have always had this little force field around you and maybe it's coming down? I have kept quiet for fear you would think I was prying but I have to tell you this tonight," she said, looking me in the face. Her eyes were dancing and maybe she had put down several glasses of champagne already.
"That speech you gave tonight really touched home and it gave me pause. I know we kept you close to my side of the family but it wasn't done with intent. Time just got away from us and I'm sorry you missed those years. It makes me second think everything I have ever thought about you seeing you with the Brevards, having a good time and joining in family activities. I am so happy that, well like your mother said, you are forming bonds. Strong bonds. What scares me right now is that as you continue to build these circles, circles of friends, circles of family, there is the chance I may not be a part of those circles and I don't want to be left out. I want to be a part of your circle, honey," she said. "I want you to know how proud I am of you," she said. You know I was speechless, right? I never expected that tune to come from her. It felt like a chance to muscle in on Brandon's territory though. The time for the new family favorite was at hand. And I was it!
"Aw fu..." and there it was - the Christmas Story moment. That moment where the little boy looked his dad in the face and dropped the "F" bomb and I was about to do the same thing. I swerved that tree and said, "Forget it Gramma. Of course I want you in my circle, if that's what it is. These people are so cool and I have never been happier. I love the time I spend with them. I love these people."
She kissed me on the cheek and added, "I saw you dancing with your Aunt Margo. That was very sweet. When do I get that honor?" she asked, then wiped her lipstick off my cheek. "You are really something," she said smiling. I was about to walk her back to her table when Emma grabbed me by the coat sleeve. She and Jack and Brandon were sitting there.
"You looked good up there," she quipped. "Didn't know you were such a dancer," she said laughing.
"Why didn't you come up with us?" I asked.
"Oh, that was a boy's night out," she said. "No way I was going to be the only girl!" she said.
"You should have sent Brandon, then," I responded.
"What, and fuck up the Ryan Show?" Brandon said, rolling his eyes back.
"What does that mean?" I asked, sensing that was not meant to be funny. "There is no `Ryan Show' as you put it!"
"Well it seems to me, this is Ben and Quinn's gay wedding and its all about you. The whole fucking night is about you!" he quipped.
"Hey," said Jack in my defense. I stopped him. Brandon got up to walk away and I got up to him and tapped his shoulder. "Don't you drop some shit like that on me and walk away! What's your problem? You're mad because I'm having a little fun?"
"I don't care about your fun," he said. "You look a little silly in the spotlight," he said. "You might ought to pull back a little so you don't look like Shirley Temple!"
"You are shitface crazy!" I yelled. "You're mad because for once I'm having a good time? Because with these people, I don't have to sit on the sidelines and watch you and Trevor and his stooge brother Duster,"
"Dustin," he corrected me. These are some of our cousins on Gramma Claire's side of the family in Virginia.
"Duster!" I yelled again. "You all have left me out of everything. You have played games, hiked, biked, gone to the lake, everything and you have left me behind every chance you could! Fuck you and that bunch. THIS," I said pointing around me, "is my family and maybe it's your turn to be left out! There's the sideline over there," I pointed to the end of the room. "Let me walk you over there so you can enjoy the view. It might make more sense to you watching from the "side lines!" He poked me in the shoulder and told me I better watch it.
Jack came up and stood by me. And just then, I felt two sets of hands grab me on each side. Quinn was on one side and my Dad was on the other. I held firm and I looked at Brandon, who had disappointed me greatly with this attitude, and I told him, "I know you called me a fag at Christmas."
"Did not," Brandon said.
"Oh yes you did. You said it to Trevor and said `confirmed fag!" I felt them dragging me and I yanked myself back into position and got into his face and said, "You ever say that again and I hear about it, you will find that even the sidelines are too close for comfort! This little spat will look like Sunday School!" I blurted out then I was really dragged across the floor and out into the lobby. I knew my shit was up so I composed my thoughts and my temper. Ben was right behind us.
"Ryan," shouted my dad. "What in the hell is going on?"
"A little Brevard temper, I should say," said Ben. "I like it!"
"Hush Ben! You shouldn't be encouraging him," snipped my dad.
"If Ryan was standing his ground, and standing up to that bully, I would think we should all be encouraging him," Ben said.
"Maybe, but this is not the time or place for his bullshit," my dad barked. My mother came out and she didn't look happy.
"Ryan, do you think you should go upstairs and cool off? I'm not sure another episode of that will be called for tonight," she hissed.
"I'm not being sent to my room, if that's what you're thinking Mom. Brandon just got up my nose because he was jealous I was having fun. He was hateful and he needed to be straightened out!" I said. "If he'll leave me alone, I won't say anything else to him tonight," I said. Everyone took a breath and my mom and dad walked back into the ballroom. Quinn and Ben stayed with me and Jack came out.
"Wow," said Jack dramatically. "Remind me to not get on your bad side," he said, relieving the tension. We all went back in and enjoyed the rest of the night. I saw Brandon's parents had him on the other side of the room and they were letting him have it to. We seemed to have made so much progress over the past months. Yes, I heard him say that to Trevor and Dusthead but I was willing to let it go. Tonight was just a big surprise and I dumped on him.
As the evening wound down, we waved Ben and Quinn off at the Ballroom entrance. There was a portico for the limo to park under. They were going over to the airport and stay the night so they could catch their early flight to Mexico. Everyone started leaving and the party was over. For as much emotion as I have encountered through the evening, I didn't feel much just then. Maybe all my senses were worn out. Mom told me to be in my room by Midnight and to call her when I was there. Jack had to turn in because of their early flght in the morning.
"Jack," I said. "It was the greatest thing in the world, you being here. Not sure how I can go a day without you," I said very sincerely.
"I will see you in July. Virginia vacation and everything, remember? We'll catch up soon," he said and he got on the elevator with his parents.
I went back into the hotel lobby and saw the last people heading out. Bartender boy came through and tapped me on the shoulder.
"Hey, what are you doing?" he asked.
"Nothing. Just watching everyone leave," I said.
"Want to come out with me to my car? Maybe we can chat or "something" he said using finger quotations.
"Sure," I said and I was about to go out of the door when an arm draped around me. It was Adam West.
"Where are you going?" he asked me.
"We were going out to his car and chat," I said.
"The hell you are!" he snipped
"It's none of your business," I said to him.
"Fuck Ryan, you are 16 years old and you are not going outside with some bartender so we can spend the next three days looking for your body and going through all kinds of shit! Not happening!" he shouted.
"Hey!" said the bartender. "That's not me. Not me at all!" he said defensively. He looked at me, "yeah dude, 16 might be a little young," and then he slipped out of the door.
I didn't know what to say as Adam walked me to the elevator. We were the only ones getting on. He asked me what floor and I said 22. He said he was on 23 and only pushed the 23 button.
"Listen, dude, I would, on any day of the year, sweep over you and protect you from some pervert bullshit. Ok? You don't go out to cars with guys you don't know. It could happen in a minute and there would be no replacing you. Understand?' I nodded.
"But, I do have a personal slant here. I'm going to be honest with you," he said.
"What is it, Adam," I said, not sure what was happening.
"You're hot as fuck and you turn me on like crazy. I'm going to kiss you and if you kiss me back, then it's on! Got me?" he asked and before I could respond he kissed me on the mouth and sucked my bottom lip in. Um, yeah, I was kissing him back. I could taste the drinks on his breath and his fading cologne. It was all so good. It was so sexy my knees felt shaky. When the bell rang and the door opened, we headed out of the elevator and toward his hotel room.
To be continued...
Thoughts?