Page 6 of Back to You

“I’m going to duck out in another little bit. Been up a while.”

“Hey, no problem, I appreciate you coming out. I better get back, we’re about to start back up.”

Brandon resumed his position holding up the wall. After a moment, he felt a presence at his side. He glanced down at the kid who’d sidled up to him.

“Yes?”

“Hi, what’s your name?” the kid said. He was cute, for sure, but if he was even 21 Brandon would eat his beer, mug and all.

“Sorry kid, I’m just here to listen to music.”

“I’m not a kid,” the kid snapped.

“You are to me. Sorry, not trying to be an ass. But I’m an old man.”

“You don’t look that old.”

“Age is all in the mind. And my mind is telling me I’m pretty damn old these days.”

“I like older men,” the kid said, creeping closer.

“You probably shouldn’t. Most of us are assholes.”

“Guys my age are assholes.” The kid glared across the bar at another guy, who was trying not to look like he was watching their every move.

Brandon smirked. “What’s your name?” he said.

“Reynolds.”

“Okay, Reynolds, stay right here.” With that, Brandon stared down the guy at the bar and crooked his finger. “Come here,” he mouthed.

“What are you doing?” Reynolds squeaked.

“Fixing something.” Brandon eyed the new kid as he got close. “And what is your name?”

“Ashton.”

“Fine. Ashton, I’m assuming you know Reynolds.”

“Yeah, he’s my friend’s roommate.”

“Cool. So let’s lay our cards on the table. Ashton, you like Reynolds, right?”

Ashton’s eyes bulged, and his face went crimson. “Uh, I mean yeah, he’s cool.”

“No no, none of that. You like him romantically, right?”

Ashton shuffled his feet as Reynolds stared in fascination. “Well, I mean … yeah.”

“You do?” Reynolds said breathily.

“Yeah. You’re really hot, and you’re funny and smart.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“Well, why would you want me? You go for guys like this,” he said, glaring at Brandon.

“Leave me out of this,” Brandon said.

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