Page 33 of Switch Pitching

The guys laugh, unbothered by our decision. Tim gives us a quick nod before turning back toward the entrance. “Alright, suit yourselves, but don’t say we didn’t try to show you a good time!”

While the rest of the team heads inside, Tim pauses at the door and glances back at us. “Are you guys cool if we split up here? I can stick with you guys until you get a cab back to the hotel if you’d like.”

“Nah, we’re fine, but thanks man,” I say, waving him off. Ethan gives a thumbs up beside me.

“Cool, see you tomorrow.” Tim disappears into the club to join the others.

With everyone else gone, it’s just me and Ethan standing there. I turn and start walking, and Ethan’s long legs have him a few steps ahead as he turns right onto Gerrard Street.

“Yo, dude, hold up,” I call out. “There isn’t that much in that direction.” At least not for us. Ethan slows down and I slide up next to him.

“You sure you didn’t want to go into that place?” I ask, shooting Ethan a sarcastic smile.

Ethan laughs dryly, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Not my scene.”

“Really? The half-naked women on the posters outside didn’t do anything for you?”

Ethan rolls his eyes at me right as we stop to wait for a red light. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a poster with a shirtless guy on it, and an idea springs into my mind.

“Alright Ethan,” I start. “We’re in Toronto, and you know what Toronto has? Church Street. And what does Church Street have? Tons of gay bars. Let’s go to one.”

Ethan raises one eyebrow.

“Come on man, it’ll be chill. Nobody knows us here and it’ll be fun,” I continue, hoping it convinces him.

“Sounds good, I’m down.”

We turn left and head north until we hit a row of brightly lit bars and storefronts. The street is buzzing, and the vibe is so much better than where we were before. I evaluate my options and decide on the bar right in front of us where the line is short. We pay cover, order drinks, and settle in at a high-top toward the back.

I tap Ethan on the shoulder. It’s time for him to have some fun.

“Yo, let’s get you some dick tonight,” I say.

Ethan almost spits out a mouthful of vodka soda and shoots me a “what the fuck” expression.

“Why not? I’ve never seen you bring anyone home, so you’re probably dying.”

Ethan scoffs. “I’m notdying, James. Besides, I’ve taken as many people home as you have since we moved in together, which is zero.”

Ethan’s right. I haven’t done anything with anyone since the season started. It isn’t like me to have a dry spell this long.

“Okay, fine, I guess we’re both caught up in the game and stuff,” I say.

Ethan puts on a mischievous smirk, which catches me off guard. “Or maybe you prefer cuddling on the couch with me every night.”

My eyes shoot wide open.

“Fuck off, it’s not every night!” I protest.

“Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that.” Ethan shoots me a wink over the rim of his glass.

“Great! Since you’re already in a good mood, let’s get you some dick.”

Ethan puts his empty glass down. “Honestly, I wouldn’t mind that. How are you gonna wingman me?”

I break into a grin. “Here’s the deal. We pretend that we’re a couple.”

Ethan narrows his eyes at me. “How does that make sense?”

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