Page 39 of Just Is Not Enough

Chapter Twenty-Four Part One

Your Reaction to the Events of Life Means More Than the Event Itself

Luke

Thefirsttwoweeksafter opening have gone somewhat smoothly considering most restaurants struggle in the beginning. There were a couple of hiccups but Gabe and I, along with the staff, rectified the issues quickly enough for it to not affect the guests’ experiences.

I’m currently stuck behind the bar cleaning up some broken glass. We’re almost at full capacity and one of the bartenders, obviously very busy, didn’t notice the other standing behind him. During the collision he dropped the glass from his hand, shattering it to pieces. I could get some help from the bussers, but I am more of a hands-on type of guy. I want my staff to know we are here for them.

I catch a glimpse of that fiery red hair and know immediately my boyfriend is nearby. I chuckle at myself, thinking I’d never be saying those words before meeting Kaden, my boyfriend. Now they instantly put a smile on my face. I quickly finish my task and head their way.

“This is unexpected,” I say as I approach the large circular booth they are seated in. Kaden turns my way, smiling from ear-to-ear.

“We wanted to surprise you. Hope we aren’t taking you away from something important.” Kaden, always worried about something or other.

I lean down into him, “Nothing is more important than you.” Placing a kiss on his blushing cheek.

“Well, well, well, who do we have here?” Gabe, of course, joins us. I know it’s because he noticed Ender sitting with Kaden, Connor, and Faith. He’s trying to play it cool, but he’s been the one smiling at his phone more often than not lately.

“Hey Gabe. Congratulations on opening. It looks great in here. Full house.” Kaden greets him first.

“Yeah, congratulations, guys. You’ve done an amazing job here.” Ender doesn’t hesitate to join in, although his eyes are glued to Gabe’s the whole time.

“Thanks. It means a lot.” Gabe catches himself gawking at Ender and redirects his attention to the rest of the group, “Glad you could all join us.”

“We have to get back to work. There’s plenty of stuff to do around here tonight.” I pat Gabe on the back giving him the cue. “Enjoy your dinner and order whatever you want, it’s on us. I’ll be back around later.” I direct the latter part towards Kaden followed by mouthing the words ‘I love you.’ He returns the sentiment.

I’ll never get sick of it.

“Oh, one more thing.” I get close enough that Kaden can feel my breath on his cheek, “You look really good tonight and if I wouldn’t be so jealous of anyone else getting to hear the way you moan and beg for more when I finally get to suck your cock I’d be ripping your clothes off and dropping to my knees for you right now.” I realize I said that a little louder than I probably should have. Kaden starts feigning a tickle in his throat as a distraction. I didn’t think anyone heard me until I glance at the group, hearing snickering coming from none other than Faith and Connor. I send a wink towards Kaden knowing I’ll be in trouble for that later. I can’t wait for it.

Walking away I tease Gabe, “What was that you said to me a month or so ago? Oh yeah, you’ve got it bad, my friend.” I laugh at him shoving me with his elbow.

“Shut up, dickhead. Go back to picking on your boyfriend instead of me.” He mumbles so the guests won’t hear his foul mouth.

Everything is going smoothly since the broken glass incident, thankfully. I’m standing near the bar talking with Gabe and a guest having dinner there by himself when I look over to see how Kaden and our friends are doing. They look like they are almost done with their meals.

I attempt to tune back into the conversation with Gabe and the guest, but I see Kaden’s eyes widen and skin turn white as a ghost. I follow his line of sight to a couple walking past their table. The guy holding the small of the woman’s back does a double take towards him and smirks. Kaden quickly drops his chin to his chest to avoid any further eye contact.

What the fuck was that? Rather, who the fuck is that?

The hairs on the back of my neck are at full attention from witnessing the brief interaction. I politely start to wrap up the conversation with the guest and turn back towards Kaden to see he is gone. I find the table where the couple was seated not far from him and see the woman by herself reading the menu.

I move with purpose towards the restroom hallway guessing that’s the only place Kaden would have gone with the rest of our friends still at their table. When I get to the hallway I see Kaden up against the wall, facing the floor. The guy is standing in front of him too closely for an ordinary conversation.

I can’t hear what he’s saying as I approach them. He’s whispering something to Kaden.

“Kaden, is there a problem here?” Kaden’s head pops up, his eyes meeting mine with desperation.

The guy, if my assumption is right is Tyler, answers for him, “No problem here, just talking to an old friend.”

“Old friends talk with each other, not at each other. And Kaden doesn’t look like he feels like talking with you. So, let me introduce myself. I’m Luke, Kaden’s boyfriend. And you are?”

“Tyler, old dental school buddy of Kaden’s” Tyler extends his hand.

If my eyes had the fire I feel in my veins shooting out of them, they would sear his hand right off during the brief moment it takes me to decide he isn’t worthy of any further attention.

I keep my wits about the situation, knowing I cannot cause a scene in my own restaurant. Instead of responding in any way, I look to Kaden, “Can I walk you back to your table, please?”

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