Page 1 of Gin & Sin

ONE

KIT

“Here you go, birthday boy.”

Florian, Moby’s bartender, slides a gorgeous orange and pink layered drink in my direction while my friends gather around me.

The bar has been open for more than six months, and we’re about to weather our first major semester break. We’ll find out how business goes when most students are out of town.

Indy squeezes my shoulder. “You gonna drink it or stare at it?”

“Definitely gonna drink it, ass.”

Indy chuckles, leaning on the bar next to me. “It looks tasty.”

Florian is busy pouring more of the fruity concoction into shot glasses for the guys. Hip-hop music plays from the overhead speakers, just loud enough to create a vibe but still allow for conversation. I lift my glass and take a sip, surprised by the tangy, sweet taste exploding on my tongue. I told Florian that for my signature drink, I wanted something gin based and that would lift spirits in the winter, reminding us of warmer days to come. He nailed it.

“This is incredible, Florian.”

He beams and nods. “It’s called Gin and Sin.”

“Ooh sin, huh?” Salem says from beside Indy. “Perfect name for our resident bad boy.”

“Is that what I am?”

Salem nods. “It was Indy, but he’s off the market.”

“Hey,” Ridley complains. “I thought I was the bad boy?”

Salem shakes his head. “Nope. You’re the wild one.”

“Do I even want to know your nickname for me?” Bane asks, his face scrunched in mock nervousness.

Salem chuckles. “It’s not that bad. I call you and Jerryn the twins.”

Jerryn’s cheeks turn bright red, but he shakes his head with a smile on his face. “It could be worse.”

“Way worse,” Bane says. “We’ll take it.”

“These look yummy,” Lowen coos as he takes one of the shot glasses Florian prepared. “And dangerous.”

“The fruity drinks always are,” Indy agrees.

“That’ll be good for profits,” Salem says. “And it’s so pretty, it’ll attract everyone.”

“You like it though, Kit?” Florian asks.

I nod, smiling. “Definitely worthy of a signature drink. Thanks, man.”

Florian smiles before wiping down the countertop. A few months ago, Salem had suggested we have a rotating signature drink for some fun marketing. It’s pretty genius. So far, we have a whiskey cocktail for Indy and the infamous dirty martini for Lowen. Now I have mine too. Gin and Sin. Fitting. I’m always down for an evening of sinful pleasure.

“We’re getting old,” Bane complains. “Two of you are forty-one.”

“Age is nothing but a number,” Salem says.

“Says the guy who isn’t even thirty yet.” Ridley winks.

“Dating the guy whoisforty-one,” Salem replies. “And has zero trouble keeping up with his young boyfriend.”

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