Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 85167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
“Did I mention I’m a bartender?” Driver waggled his eyebrows.
“Really? You’d want to come?” He hadn’t intended it to be an invitation, had he? He told himself the rumbling in his stomach was just hunger, not the stampede that seemed to charge through him every time Driver was near. He’d ordered the pizza and hadn’t eaten since before dance class. Yeah, it was just hunger, not nerves or desire or interest of any kind.
“Why not? Sounds like fun.”
“I guess. It’s just going to be my friends and their boyfriends, but sure.”
“Sweet.”
“Can you do virgins?”
Driver’s mouth dropped open for a whole second. “Uhhh?”
“I mean, drinks. Virgin drinks. Fuck.” Tam covered his face.
Driver’s chuckle was gentle. “You’re adorable when you’re flustered. Yeah, beautiful, I can do virgins, but what fun is that?” Not even hiding the innuendo in his tone.
“Ansel doesn’t drink.”
“Ah, alcoholic?” At Tam’s nod, he continued. “No problem, I’ve got you covered. What time?”
“They’ll probably start arriving around nine.”
“Can’t wait.”
Chapter Five
Tam was applying a coat of mascara in the bathroom the next night when there was a knock on the door. He fanned his face without blinking. “Door’s open!”
“Where’s tonight’s princess of honor?” Ansel called. Tam met him in the entryway with his boyfriend, Fitch, trailing behind carrying two arms full of boxes.
“You’re early.”
“We’ve got decorations.” Ansel strutted through to the living room like the diva he was. “Babe, hang the rainbow streamers here and here. Tam, start blowing up the balloons.”
“You’re kidding me, right?” Tam peeked into the first box.
“It’s easier to just go with it, trust me.” Fitch went to work tacking up the first string on the wall.
“I figured we’d just hang out and order takeout,” Tam said.
Ansel shot him a disbelieving glare. “What kind of best friend would I be if your very first housewarming party was so lame?”
“Fine, streamers but no balloons. Floor space is already limited.” Tam rested his hands on his hips while Ansel eyed him.
“What about the rainbow pom-pom hangers?”
“One.”
“Killjoy.”
“Libertine.”
Fitch chuckled in the corner. “Round one goes to Tam. Sorry, Angel.”
Before they could say anything else there was another knock.
“Let’s get this party started.” Z didn’t wait to be let inside, he burst through with his boyfriend, Connelly, who carried trays and bags into the kitchen.
Tam followed. “What’s this?”
“I was in charge of grub because my man is a fucking MasterChef.”
Connelly placed a peck on Z’s cheek. “We brought a deli patter, a veggie platter, chips and dip, mini sliders—”
“And cookies.” Z stole one of the sweet treats.
Not long after, Jae arrived. As one of the newest members of the group he was still a mystery to Tam. His quiet personality was at odds with his style. Tonight his eyeliner was winged as if he had a professional makeup artist following him around.
Tam showed him where to set up the impromptu DJ station—his cell phone connected to Tam’s Bluetooth speaker. First on the playlist was an upbeat Years & Years song that lifted the atmosphere. Ansel started singing and the rest of them joined in as they danced. The Sassy Boyz couldn’t help moving to a good beat. It was one of the many things they had in common.
When Hop, with his guest in tow, entered announcing he had Jell-O shots, Tam couldn’t help but smile. Leave it to his friends to make this an over-the-top party. Not fifteen minutes later, his apartment was full to bursting with guests. Ansel’s old roommate came with a friend. Fitch’s sister came with her girlfriend. Z’d invited his roommate, who came with a date, as did Connelly’s sister.
For Tam, who’d grown up with no support, seeing so many friendly faces filling his new home with smiles and laughter and warmth was overwhelming. He escaped to the bathroom for a few minutes. It wasn’t because he needed the space.
Or, at least that’s what he told his reflection. It was hard to combat years of programming and memories. Tam shuddered and closed his eyes.
A quiet knock preceded Ansel’s voice, “Everything okay?”
Tam straightened his shoulders and opened his eyes. He wasn’t in that hovel anymore. He was no longer a slave to his mother’s debts and her boyfriend’s whims. He was no longer a victim.
“Be right out.”
“Good, ’cause there’s some guy here saying he’s the bartender. And damn, he’s hot. If you want dibs you’d better get out here before Hop drops his date and starts climbing the new guy like a tree.”
Inexplicably, Tam’s heart quickened. He whipped the door open. “He’s here? Who’s with him? You didn’t leave him alone with Z, did you? Damn it, Ansel.”
As fast as he could in his five-inch gold patent leather heels, Tam rushed back to the party. In the living room, Fitch was chatting with the other boyfriends while Jae and Hop danced together. The girls were nibbling on the veggie platter. Z was nowhere to be seen.