Page 60 of The Barkeep and the Bro

“It’s cool.” He sauntered past me and hung up his garment bag in the closet. He threw his gym bag with the rest of his stuff at the bottom.

“It’s a big bed,” I said in a half-hearted attempt to find a silver lining.

“We’ll be so exhausted we’ll just pass out.” He sat on the edge and scrolled on his phone. It was odd watching Charlie be taciturn, like something against nature.

“I don’t move much when I sleep.” I liked sleeping in the center of the bed, though, so that would be an adjustment.

“Me neither.”

I remember.Resting with him on the couch was its own form of heaven. His soft breathing and fresh scent lulled me into a peaceful sleep.

I went into the bathroom and washed up for the rehearsal dinner, throwing ice-cold water on my face. “Are you coming to the dinner?” I called out.

“Am I invited?” he called back.

“Yeah, I think so.” Even though he was working the wedding, he was like an unofficial guest. Unlike the hotel, they could squeeze another chair at the table. I didn’t want him sitting in the room by himself while we were enjoying our meal.

I stepped out and found Charlie shirtless, standing over the bed. He ruffled through his gym bag. His body looked even better than I’d dreamt about. And I hadveryvivid dreams. I pulled a button-down shirt and slacks from my bag and got changed, too. I avoided sneaking peeks at him and wondered if he did the same for me. My heart rate jumped just knowing we were undressing at the same time, and his half-naked body was mere feet away. My dick swelled up accordingly.

I got dressed in record time and nearly pulled a hamstring getting into my pants.

Charlie went into the bathroom. I sat on the bed to put on my shoes, and the comforter shifted, sending his gym bag toppling to the floor.

Now, I couldn’t exactly describe the feeling that surged through me when I noticed a bottle of lube that had tumbled from his bag. Shock and confusion gave way to excitement. It made me jittery with nerves like I was a boy going to my first amusement park, even though I had no idea why he packed the lube. There could be somebody else he was planning to screw at this wedding. I shoved his stuff back in his bag and replaced it on the bed as he re-entered the room.

“Let’s go.” I clapped once and marched to the door.

“Your shoes aren’t tied.”

I looked down at straggly laces flowing over my feet. “I’ll tie them in the hall. I’ll meet you outside. I don’t want us to be late.”

My circuits were scrambled like Charlie had poured a bucket of water over them. Make that a bucket of water-based lubricant.

I can make it through this weekend, I told myself.I can do it.

21

MITCH

Ellie and Tim booked one of the restaurants at the Culinary Institute, whose main campus was in the Hudson Valley. Students worked at the restaurants on the main grounds perfecting their techniques. The bride and groom made their way around to each table to greet out-of-town guests, a primer for tomorrow. Charlie and I kept our distance. He hung out with his college friends, and I spent time with family members I hadn’t seen in a while (and who all asked me if I was dating. Ugh). Tim’s parents and I had a pleasant-enough conversation about local politics and summer plans. I averted my eyes from looking over at Charlie lest Cal or Leo catch me in the act. Charlie’s voice carried through the room as he regaled friends with tales of bartending.

Dinner was delicious. I had a chicken parm that melted in my mouth. I enjoyed the meal because it’d be the only relaxing one I’d have this weekend. Ellie and Tim canoodled and shared food on each other’s plates. My ex-wife, Hannah, cuddled against her husband as they shared a slice of cheesecake for dessert. I was happy she’d found someone, but watching them turned a crank of longing inside me.

I wanted to get a good night's sleep before the big day tomorrow, so I planned to leave shortly after dessert. I interrupted Charlie holding court at his table.

“I’m going back to the room to go to sleep.”

“Okay,” he said over his shoulder.

“Don’t stay out too late. We have a busy day tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Message received. I said my goodbyes to Ellie, Tim, and family members. When I got outside, I found Charlie leaning against the truck. I gulped back my attraction and desire to tear off his clothes. My cock stirred in my pants, thinking about sharing a bed with him.

Calm the fuck down, dick. Nothing is happening.

“You didn’t want to stay?” I asked.

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