Chapter 2: The Party Begins
Jermaine and I had been friends in college -- we had been in the same dorm as freshmen and had a few classes together throughout the years. Not to mention parties. I didn't realise this until it was too late but I secretly had feelings for him. He was handsome, beautiful even. He was a jock -- with the body of an athlete. Much like his father, he was a top college football player. I'd seen him naked a few times -- his chestnut skin always seemed to glow and he had a body close to perfection.
Seeing him naked for the first time was all the confirmation I needed that dicks were what I desired. He was hung -- in a way that was nicely proportioned with his 6'2 body. I often fantasized about a world where he and I could make love. When he had asked me to move in with him in downtown after college, I didn't hesitate to say yes. Even though the apartment was more expensive than I could justify with my graduate salary.
Our first year was pretty good, our second year however has been more fraught as he was now having to foot most of the bills and rent. I was desperately trying to get back into work but finding good paying jobs in the city was tough. This situation had become a source of great strain on our friendship. I certainly felt terrible about it.
Earlier that week, we'd had a fight. Jermaine was angry that I wasn't able to pay rent or bills. I explained that my low paying bar work was just about covering some of that and I was still applying for corporate jobs. He wasn't particularly happy with that answer -- he wanted more and he wanted it now. I didn't want to throw it back in his face that he was rich because of his Daddy so he didn't have to worry like I did. After all, if it wasn't for that fact, we wouldn't be living in such a great apartment in downtown Chicago. I was afraid that sooner or later he would lose patience and kick me out, at which point I would have no choice but to move back home.
It was a Friday night and he was usually out partying. Which was why I had decided to hook up with Eddie. But Jermaine had returned early with Tyrone, one of his friends from work.
We had a pretty big lounge, which he often used to host some pretty good parties. Tyrone was on the balcony outside, smoking a blunt. He one of Jermaine's friends from college - although I did not know him well. Like Jermaine, he was a frat boy. One of the small, secretive, all black frat houses. Back in college, I had thought applying to it but had changed my mind the day before pledge day.
A couple of other guys I did not know arrived around 9 -- Adrian, Leon and Toby. Music and sports highlights reels were put on the entertainment system. A cliché no doubt but I reckon most of the guys here were ex-frat boys. Although I myself loved a good party too, to be honest. The doorbell rang.
"Yo Rio, get that will 'ya?"
I opened the door. It was Manny, Jermaine's long-time friend. Along with him was Cole, his petite and soft-spoken friend, who I had met a couple of times whenever Manny was around, but did not know well. I always found him to be strange company for the bullish, boisterous and arrogant Manny to have. Between Manny, Tyrone, and Jermaine, who were all alpha-male, athletic jock types, Cole was the odd one out. But I suppose one could say the same about me.
One thing I did notice about Cole was that he was cute, in a pretty boy way. He was similar to my looks, with a Hispanic or Caribbean hint. And he liked to dress like he was still in college, often wearing vests and a baseball cap, even though I was informed he never went to college.
While I found Cole the odd one out, Manny and Tyrone were guys I generally did not really like very much. Especially Manny, who I thought was an asshole, always seemingly pleased with himself, walking around with a cocky grin. He was one of Jermaine's older brother's friends and originally from Nigeria but had lived in the US for most of his life.
"So how's the job hunt going, Rio?" Manny asked me, after he'd joined the party with a drink in his hand. We were all hanging around in the lounge, drinking beer. A couple of the guys were on the balcony smoking. There was also punch, which Cole had brought. He asked if I wanted to try some and I said sure. It was quite strong.
"Yeah it's going alright, thanks. I'm hoping to hear back on a few companies pretty soon," I told him, trying to sound more confident than I was. Curious as to how he was so familiar with my current situation. At this point I was feeling a little tipsy.
"You know... if you haven't got a job in a couple of months, let me know. We're always looking for a secretary," he laughed.
"Um... thanks. That would be awesome," I replied, biting into the sarcasm.
Cole, who was standing next to Manny, snaked an arm over his shoulder. "I thought I was your secretary, papi?"
Manny gave Cole a stern look and a playful slap on the ass. The guys laughed.
"So what you doing all day, if you ain't working?" Tyrone asked me rather directly. He had a quiet, off-putting intensity that I found to be also quite mesmerising.
"Just applying for jobs man. You know how it is," I said.
"More like jerking off all day. Sounds fucking great!" Manny laughed uproariously again, joined by everyone around who heard the joke laughed too. I sipped from my drink in resentful silence, even though he wasn't far from the truth. After that, the guys started having a conversation without me and I was just sort of starting around and being ignored. I was also starting to feel a little lightheaded because of the weed.
"Go get us some shots, will you?" Jermaine approached me.
I frowned at him. "Why me?"
"You ain't paying rent. The least you could do is be a good host to my friends... Get a tray. Eight shots... for now."
"We expecting more company later?"
"Maybe. Quit being such a bitch." I'd not seen him this aggressive before. Strangely, it turned me on.
