Page 47 of Allured
I’ll tell her to be nice to you though
since you’re bringing me flowers
Is that your way of asking for flowers?
I roll my eyes, partly in annoyance, but my smirk betrays me. I’m a tad disappointed Alek guessed I was going to bring him flowers after the show. I had read that it was a customary gift for performers.
Aleksander
It’s my way of telling you my favorite color is purple
Noted.I’ll get him purple flowers.
Aleksander
you spending the night after?
not to beg but that would be an even better gift than flowers
Me
I love it when you beg, though.
But yes, I would like to spend the night. It’s been a long week without you, Alek.
I know, angel. I’m all yours after the show.
“Virgin!”
The head bouncer, who is a Viking of a woman, yells out to me as I approach the beginning of the line to get into the Garden of Eden Burlesque Club. Bri, as I recall.
“Well, technically, I’m no longer a virgin since this is my second time at the show.”
I present my digital ticket to her and she quickly scans the code with a friendly smile on her face. The fallen strands of short—cropped platinum blonde hair reflect the neon lights from the signs at the entry as she hunches over to move the velvet rope.
“Oh, I’m sure Alek took care of that.” Bri laughs as she winks. “It’s nice to meet you, Ezekiel.” She motions me and a few other patrons inside.
“Nice to meet you too, Bri.” I offer a smile and a polite wave as I walk into the building.
Something tugs at my chest knowing that people are aware of my and Alek’s relationship. There’s excitement, pride, and a slight sense of trepidation. I want to be the man that Alek deserves, my sunshine incarnate deserves nothing less.
Only a few steps into the building, I glance at the bar and see another familiar face. Alek’s best friend, Emma, is busy taking orders. But as soon as she gets a moment she jogs over to greet me with a beaming smile.
“Emma, hello.” I lean into the bar at the corner that’s currently unoccupied by customers ordering their pre—show drinks.
“Hey, Ez!” Leaning over the polished wood, Emma plants a kiss on my cheek, and then quickly digs around the undercounter refrigerator beneath the bar.
“It’s gonna be a busy one tonight. It’s the first week of our Halloween—themed shows and people are freaking loving it,” she explains as she hands me a bottle of pineapple cider.
“I remembered that you’re not a beer guy and prefer the sweeter stuff— does this sound good to you?”
I examine the bottle curiously and I nod in reply. The fact that she remembered such a small detail about me and kindly offered this drink leaves me a little shocked.
“It’s perfect, thank you so much, Emma. I’m sure it’s a much more simple drink order than the last one I had to place with you.”
It was just last month that I was here for a bachelorette party with Anna’s group of rowdy women, but it certainly has felt like a lifetime since then.
Emma offers a soft laugh. Her eyes shine in the light as she takes a moment to look me over. “You’re good for him, you know? I’ve known Alek for a while now and he’s never been crazy about someone like he is with you. Y’all are goals.”
