Page 87 of Tempting Him

“Happy birthday!”Linda shouts from her desk when I walk past.

“Thank you,” I reply with a grin. “You comin’ to the festival?”

“Are you kidding? Of course, I am!”

“Dope. I’ll see you there.”

“Got any plans for your birthday?”

“Me and some friends are going to a couple clubs.”

“Well, have fun.”

“I will. Thanks.”

I leave the office building, done for the day. Luther, or Mr. Pemberton as I now refer to him, has been a good boss. I’ve worked here almost a month now, and I’ll move into my apartment in two weeks. As much as I love Trev and Dom, you can only live with a couple for so long before shit gets a little awkward. There’s not much space between the rooms, and I’m sure they’ll enjoy their privacy again once I’m gone.

Tomorrow is the music festival I spent so much time working on, and it’ll be nice to be there, but it reminds me of Alek. I still haven’t texted him, though I’ve been tempted many times.

When I get home, I shower, eat, change, and wait for everybody else to be ready to leave. By ten o’clock, we’re at Toast, drinking to my newest year of life, falling off mechanical bulls, and dancing the night away. I talk to a girl there and she gives me her number. When midnight hits, we’re heading to Lily Pad via several Ubers, and while there, I dance with a couple cute guys.

I don’t feel any sort of excitement or searing attraction, but they’re nice enough. One lingers around, offering to buy me a shot, and is more flirtatious than anybody has been in a while. I consider jumping head first and hoping that if I just give someone a chance, I’ll wash Alek out of my system. Who’s to say who or what he’s been doing back in Chicago. Maybe he called that woman back and took her out. Maybe he found another closeted gay man to hook up with. The thought of either of those things makes my stomach roll.

At one-ten, I spot Ronan standing between Renzo’s legs as Zo sits on a barstool, their arms wrapped around each other, lost in their own little lovers bubble. Trevor and Dominic are further down the bar, taking a shot together before collapsing into laughter and falling into each other. Dex left to go be with Violet around twelve-thirty, and Bryant and Ivy are on the dance floor together, making new friends.

“Hey, I think I’m gonna call it a night,” I tell Zo and Ronan.

“You sure?” Renzo asks. “You okay?”

“I’m good. Feeling a headache coming on,” I lie. “I think I’m just gonna go home and lay down, but I had a good time. Thanks for coming out.”

“Yeah, man. Happy birthday. We’ll see you tomorrow at the festival.”

“Definitely.”

I say bye to Bryant and Ivy before heading toward Trevor and Dom. “Hey guys. I’m gonna head back.”

“Why? You okay?” Trevor asks.

“Yeah, just a headache.”

“Okay, well, we’ll be home later,” Dom says.

“I’ll probably be asleep. Don’t worry, I have my earplugs.”

“Fuck off,” Dom says with a laugh.

“Thanks for tonight,” I tell them before leaving, waiting outside the club until my Uber arrives.

As soon as I’m in the backseat of the black sedan, I drop my head back and close my eyes. Two minutes later my phone buzzes in my hand and I open my eyes to read the screen.

Alek:Happy Birthday. Sorry I’m a little late.

I jolt up,my heart attempting to leave my body through my throat. I read the message three more times to make sure I’m not just drunk. Alek’s texting me. After a month and a half.

Me:Thank you. I’ll let it slide this once.

I deletedfour variations of that text, unsure what to say. Should I have left it atthank you? Should I have asked him how he was, how he’s been, and if he misses me like I miss him? Okay, that last one is a definite no.

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