Page 116 of Someday Away

“Yup,” I say.

“I graduated with Marcus. What’s he up to these days?”

“He owns a pub in Vancouver, actually,” I reply, my eyes still searching for a familiar face to rescue me from this small talk.

“No shit,” she says. “Good for him.” She sets my drink down in front of me.

Just then, I spot Trey from the other room, a perfectly tanned hand running through his mess of golden locks while he laughs with someone I can’t see.

“Sorry, I see my friends.” I look back at the bartender apologetically.

“No worries,” she says. “Tell Marcus that Trisha says hello.”

“Will do,” I say before walking toward the back room. I step around the doorframe as subtly as possible to take in the scene, and I’m glad I do because I didn’t expect to see so many people. Some I recognize from Brighton Prep, though no one I knew that well, but I assume the others must’ve gone to Washington Prep.

I take a large gulp of my drink, and wince when the whisky burns down my throat.

Wow, thanks Trisha, I think.Is there any actual Pepsi in this?

But that’s probably a good thing as the alcohol immediately starts to quiet the anxiety in my gut. I take another generous sip.

Trey is standing at one of the tall tables in the corner, looking delicious in a blue flannel button-up, dark jeans, and brown boots. He’s leaning forward across the table, his shirt sleeves rolled up showing off those beautiful veiny forearms, and his head is cocked to one side causing his blond hair to tumble sexily across his forehead. A small smile plays across his full lips as he listens intently to the person across from him, who happens to be the third hottest guy in this room—and I say third hottest because I know Link is lurking here somewhere even though I haven’t spotted him yet.

I study the stranger. He’s tall and muscular but lean, with hair so blond it’s practically silver in contrast with Trey’s golden locks. He has high cheekbones and bright turquoise eyes, the color of some tropical paradise. I stiffen when I notice his pale hand resting casually on Trey’s wrist, and my eyes bounce between them as I as icy shock slides under my skin.

This is probably threesome guy.

Something unpleasant that feels suspiciously like jealousy curls in my stomach as I stare at them, which is ridiculous. I didn’t feel like this when Trey told me their story, but I suppose it’s more real putting a face to the guy who Trey fucked while he sucked Link’s cock.

And such a breathtaking face at that, the ugly voice in my head notes.

I take a deep breath and push away my spiraling thoughts.

I blink and continue to scan the room and finally spot Lincoln. He holds a pool cue in one hand and a little square of blue chalk in the other while he chats with Serenity and two other girls.

Fan-fucking-tastic.

I steel myself to enter what I am sure is going to be social suicide and go to take another drink when I realize there’s nothing in my glass but ice.

TREY

“I’m telling you, dude, I have never seen so many out-and-proud gays in my life. Seattle is my vibe,” Jeremy says with a wink, leaning closer to me so I can hear him over the breathy croon of Soundgarden's “Black Hole Sun.” He smells like vodka and something fruity, and I eye his drink, which is almost the same shade of blue as his eyes. “You should come visit sometime, and I’ll take you to some bars on Cap Hill—really hook you up.”

I snicker. “I dunno, man,” I say. “I’m not really into hookups anymore.”

Jeremy’s eyes widen and he takes a dramatic step back, his hand falling from my wrist. “Who are you and what have you done with Trey Walker?”

“Shut up, asshole,” I reply with a glare.

He chuckles. “This girl must be something.” He pauses, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “I always thought you’d settle down with a guy, but I guess I can’t be right about everything.”

I swallow heavily at his words because I honestly thought that too. Guys were always a fun hook up—so aggressive, especially the closeted ones. They were a challenge. But girls were always an average lay to me, as bad as that sounds. Until Charlie. We’ve been messing around for months now, and I still can’t get enough of those flushed cheeks and the way she moans when I push her over the edge into an orgasm. It’s so fucking addictive. I feel my dick thickening and quickly redirect my thoughts before I get a damn boner in the middle of the bar.

What’s weirder still, beyond the physical stuff, I still want her around all the time—she’s kind and ridiculously smart, and shecares so fucking much about me and Lincoln. We've only had each other for years, but Charlie is the first person who actuallyseesus. She knows all the shit we’ve been through and all the messed up stuff we’ve done, and she loves us both despite our flaws, sometimes even because of them.

I clear my throat, looking over at Jeremy. “Who said anything about settling down?” It’s a weak, bullshit reply, and he sees right through me.

“Trey, we’ve been friends a long time, and you’ve been a slut for most of that time,” he says, looking at me steadily.

---