Hey Guys, Sorry about the really long wait. My life went a little off the deep end for a hot second, but everything's beginning to settle down finally. I really appreciate all the support coming in for my story, and I hope you all enjoy this next installment. The things that are about to happen in this next chapter are slightly... unrealistic, but that's what fiction writing is all about, am I right?
Thanks Guys!
Wes
*****
This weekend had been rough.
After that intense Thursday night I'd spent with Gabe, a bunch of questions raised in my mind. Things like, "Oh god that kid was in college." Or "Jesus Wes, he has a boyfriend and you knew that and you still hooked up with him."
I zoned for most of the weekend, not really paying attention to any of my work. Luckily, my sisters were there to cover up my slack with the patrons and brewing work, but I still had to make sure I kept up with all the reports due.
It was tough for me to concentrate in my little 4 by 4 office all alone with nothing really to grab my attention. My mind would switch from self-deprecating thoughts of how much of a terrible person I was for taking advantage of such a young and emotionally distraught man, but then picture that same guy tied up in my bed, eyes glazed in post-orgasm bliss.
I would stare at my phone for hours lost in thought of what I should say, typing out phrases then immediately deleting them. I really didn't want our one night together to be just that, one night. I wanted to get to know Gabe, both physically and mentally. He was an interesting, beautiful character that I wanted to wrap myself around. I just couldn't ever get the balls to text him, all those worst case anxieties popping into my head before I could hit the send button.
Luckily, the Monday after that weekend I had a been invited to a small business presentation at Westwood as one of their keynote speakers. Gabe had told me he went there, but Westwood was quite a large college and I really doubted I would see him there. I wasn't mentally prepared at all to have a conversation with him yet, and I knew he would probably be upset that I hadn't texted him.
When I arrived that morning, I kept both eyes open and glancing around the entire time I was on campus. I was hopeful yet nervous that I would spot Gabe. I scurried through the outside walkways, then made it to safety in the auditorium.
The auditorium was set up like most, with one large stage up front and rows of chairs stacked one above the other behind the stage, with the highest point being the back row. There were two large speakers on either side of the stage. I had walked into the back entrance behind the stage curtain, where I saw a couple other local business heads. Brady was their as well, which I was extremely grateful for.
"Bro, how are ya!"
Brady's puppy-like personality broke the rugged look of him instantly. A 6'6 hulking man, he looked more like a linebacker than a restaurant owner. His broad shoulder spanned out like wings, and his body looked like it was cut from marble. His ginger hair was cut short on the sides and medium length on top, slightly slicked back since he ran his fingers through it almost constantly. He was wearing a dark pair of denim jeans, a black t-shirt with his restaurant's logo, and a pair of combat boots. He was never one for dressing up no matter the occasion. You would assume from his overall appearance that he had a hot-headed asshole personality.
You couldn't be more wrong. Brady was like an overtly hyper twelve-year-old trapped in a muscle-bound body. He loved to take all the pleasure he could out of life, and he had a constant optimism that radiated onto someone like me, who was constantly having doubts, like the warm spring sun melting the snow off a budding flower.
I was dressed a little more formally for the event. I had on a white button down short sleeved shirt with the collar open and the top button is undone. I had a black blazer over that, with the sleeve rolled up about halfway to my elbow. The shirt was tucked into my nicest pair of black slacks I owned. I thought the outfit looked very business casual, but it still made me feel uncomfortable. I wish I had worn something a little more like what Brady had on.
"Hey, Brady! Nice to see ya, Leigh and Harp send their regards, they're back at the bar covering for me."
"Cool dude tell them I said hey. I'm so excited to present this shit! These college kids always can find some change to spare, and this could seriously stir up some business for the both of us!"