Between my junior and senior year in college, I attended a family party of friend (Sophie) that was hosted by her gay, married uncles Stephen and Joe.
I was straight. 21 years old, 6'3, 190 lbs. Stephen and Joe were in their upper 40s/ early 50s. Stephen was 6'1, 230 lbs. Joe was smaller, probably 5'10, 170 lbs.
I arrived to the party a tad later than the actual family, hoping to just sneak in for a few with my friend and not have to small talk about of people I had never met. That occurred for a couple of hours but then Sophie became a tad too drunk and her parents took her home.
As my only true connection to the party was leaving, I decided to start heading home as well. I pulled out my phone and was in the middle of ordering the Uber when I felt a hand land on my right shoulder.
"Garrett, I'm heading in to make a round, would you like one?" asked Stephen.
"I appreciate it, but I think I'm going to head home and get out of your hair" I responded.
"Shut up, you are not in our hair. We are just going to wind down the evening with a couple of drinks by the fire. You are more than welcome to stay"
Uber was surcharging so being able to have a few more free drinks and a cheaper Uber was definitely appealing. I opted to stay and went inside to let Stephen know and use the restroom.
I came back out from the bathroom and the party had significantly died down. It was just Stephen, Joe and their neighbors Frank and Rachel. I grabbed a seat on a bench sat opposite of the bench Stephen and Joe were sharing. Frank and Rachel sat in chairs to the right of me.
We spent the next 30 minutes chatting and it was a very good time. Stephen and Joe were cuddled up under a blanket. From time to time, they would whisper to each other and I almost felt like they might have been talking about me, but that was just in my head.
Joe stood up and asked who was ready for another drink. I quickly raised my glass thinking everyone staying for another.
Rachel announced her and Frank were heading home.
I told Joe not to make me another as I should head home and he just kept walking to the kitchen and said, "Too late. I've already mentally made it."
I still had to order an Uber so one more drink wasn't an issue. Frank and Rachel left so it was just Stephen and I by the fire while Joe made drinks.
"So, how's college going you Garrett? Big plans for the summer?"
"College is fine. Lots of fun, but lots of studying too. For the summer, just working my internship here in town trying to make money for college."
"Well, Joe and I can always use help around the yard so if we have an odd job, I'll definitely reach out. "