Page 38 of Angel

“But, um, are you free on Wednesday night?” Rhys takes a step closer. “I dance at The Bronzed Rail on Wednesday nights. If you want to come, I can get them to waive the cover charge for you.”

Images of Rhys dangling from a pole flash through my mind. I’ve watched a bunch of videos of him online, but I never thought I’d get to see him dance in person.

“It’s a gay nightclub, though, just so you know. In case that makes you uncomfortable or anything. No worries if it does. It’s totally cool either way. Oh, and I go on kind of late. At elevenish. And I know you have to work early the next day. I also dance on Fridays if that works better for you. Just let me know and I’ll put your name on the list. Or not. Either way. It’s cool.” His hand waves as he speaks and he shuffles backward, turning slightly as if he’s about to escape out the door.

“I’d love to.”

Rhys freezes, already halfway to the door. “Really?” he breathes.

Nightclubs aren’t really my scene. I haven’t been clubbing in years. Most days I’m in bed by the time eleven rolls around. And I definitely haven’t been to a gay nightclub before.

But none of that matters. Rhys invited me and every cell in my body is screaming yes.

CHAPTER

THIRTEEN

RHYS

Teddy Bear

I’m so sorry I couldn’t make it tonight.

I was a tad upset when Angel messaged me this afternoon, saying that he wouldn’t be able to come to The Bronzed Rail tonight for my show. Something to do with his sister and baby nephew.

He’s already apologized three times, and I’m starting to feel guilty about how guilty he feels.

Rhys

No worries! Stop apologizing!

I type out “family comes first” before shaking my head and deleting it. I’m the last person who should be saying something so inane. “Found family comes first” is more like it.

Although, it is kinda sweet how devoted he is to them. Sunday dinners and mowing the lawn and last-minute babysitting. It’s so… domestic. I’ve never found that attractive before, never been drawn to that kind of life, but something about Angel makes it look way more appealing than it has any right to be.

Teddy Bear

Is it still okay if I come on Friday?

Rhys

You can come any day. *winky face emoji*

“What are you smiling about?”

I drop my phone face down on the dressing table. “Hmm?” I blink up at Hayden through the lit mirror in front of me. He’s leaning against the back of my chair, trying to peer over my shoulder.

We’re backstage at The Bronzed Rail and I’m in the middle of getting ready for my set. Hayden isn’t a dancer, but he’s here often enough that the bouncers all know him, so he comes backstage whenever he wants.

“Who were you texting?” Hayden asks.

“No one,” I say, laying a hand over my phone so Hayden doesn’t try to snatch it and check. He already did that earlier this week when I was texting with Angel on the couch at home.

“Could it be one cuddly teddy bear?” Hayden teases.

I huff. “Maybe.”

“Is he still coming tonight?”

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