Page 11 of Noah

Everyone agreed and then headed for our table. It was 9 pm so the pub was still busy. The live band had taken the stage thirty minutes ago. At some point during the night, Ethan would convince us to head toward the dance floor and cut a rug. Not my favorite activity but I'd never deny him.

"So …," Ethan said. "Let's go around and talk about our week." He smiled. "I'll start."

We took turns pouring ourselves a beer.

"You always go first," Liam said.

"That's because my life is the most exciting," Ethan replied, winking at Liam.

"Hardly," I added.

"Shush up," Ethan warned. "I had a great week. The coffee shop was busy. Loads of interesting customers." He grinned. "One in particular."

"Here it comes," Owen said. "You met a nice guy."

"The best," Ethan answered. "We sat and talked for quite a while. He's an accountant. Loves getting outdoors and camping and stuff. Seems very stable."

Owen sighed. "Better than my week."

"You didn't get tied to a bed again, did you?" I teased. The table erupted in laughter. All except Owen. A month ago, some guy had tied Owen to his bed and just left him there. Left the apartment. Thank God Owen was able to ask his phone's AI assistant to dial Ethan to come untie him.

"No," Owen replied. "Nothing that dramatic. Went for dinner with who I thought was a guy looking for a relationship. That's what his profile said. I talked about my desire to someday get married and start a family … have children—"

"On the first date?" Liam interrupted.

"I wanted to put it out there from the get-go," Owen replied.

"What happened?" I asked.

"I went to the washroom. When I came back, the guy was gone. Tried to text him to apologize for being so forward. No reply. He's totally ghosted me."

"Maybe for the best," Ethan said. "He doesn't deserve someone as awesome as you."

Owen took a sip of his beer. "Thanks, Ethan. At least you're in my corner."

I reached out and gripped Owen's arm. "We all are."

Ethan turned in his seat. "What about you, Liam?"

"Same old, same old. Fucking my way through the gay population of Victoria," Liam replied.

"Nothing meaningful at all?" Owen asked.

"There was one guy who seemed a bit needy." Liam drained his beer and poured himself another. "Wanted to cuddle and stay overnight. Had to set him right."

"You let guys sleep over sometimes," I said. "Caught you with one yesterday morning."

"Eh … that's Carl. He's a fun fuck. I like to milk him dry all night long."

Owen shifted in his seat. "Ew."

It was my turn. "I'm worried about the pub."

"You're always worried about the pub," Ethan pointed out.

"I know, but there's so much to do to bring it up to the way I want it and we're not making enough money to pay for the improvements."

"We've talked about this, Noah," Owen said. "Stop trying to make it perfect."

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