Page 36 of Advanced Chemistry

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Because I couldn’t helpbut get excited, I bought a new shirt for tonight, black and fitted. I couldn’t go back to the apartment and change into something nicer or else Anton would suspect something. My heart pounded in my chest as I drove to Remix.

We had already kissed, and Anton seemed to like it. Usually, I wasn’t one for risk-taking, but I took a leap with Anton once before. Maybe we’d both take one tonight.

Remix was a gay bar located at the end of an unassuming strip mall. On weekend nights, the place was packed, throngs of guys dancing to club music. On a Thursday evening, it was much calmer. One could actually walk around in there.

I took a deep breath before I opened the door.

The place was sparsely populated, a few guys dotting a few tables. In the corner by the back bar was Anton, his familiar face smiling at me.

And next to him was Chase, who gave me his signature awkward wave.

12

ANTON

When Sebastian suggested we go out for a drink tonight, my mind instantly thought of including Chase. Dare we try to recreate the magic of last weekend? I was game to try, even though Chase threw me for a fucking loop the other day with all his smart talk.

His words stuck in my head throughout the week. I wasn’t used to feeling exposed like that. I didn’t like it, but I also did?

What the actual fuck?

Fortunately, I got Chase to come out tonight. I was the guy who loved to have fun after all. If all went well, we would all fool around, and I would forget about how this science nerd got my heart all fizzy for a moment, like it was plopped into a can of La Croix.

My dick was half-hard just watching Sebastian approach. Some very dirty fantasies began to play in my head. As did some scenes that made my heart go fizzy again.

My heart really needed to take a chill pill.

“Hey.” Sebastian gave me a half-wave. He stood just out of reach of our table for a few seconds.

“What’s up, Dude?” I clapped him on the shoulder and brought him into a quick hug. “How’s it going? How’s Savannah?”

“Under a lot of academic pressure.”

“To each their own.” I took a swig from my beer bottle. I sure as hell dodged a bullet on the college stuff. “I was dealing with a ticked-off customer. Sourwood Fitness.”

Sebastian nodded in understanding. “Is Maurice still complaining about the sounds coming from the machine?”

“I told him that’s the hum of the motor keeping the drinks cool. He hasverysensitive hearing.”

I had a suspicion that Maurice loved to complain because in some way, it was his way of getting his money’s worth.

“I’ll deal with him tomorrow. First, I’m gonna order a drink.” Sebastian turned to make a beeline to the bar. I blocked him with a firm hand on the chest.

“You remember Chase, right?” I pointed at Chase, who waved hello. Maybe it was just me, but I didn’t think Sebastian had acknowledged him yet.

“Good to see you,” Sebastian said, as if it were the lowest mandated form of conversation available. “I’m gonna get a drink.”

And he was off, not to be stopped.

“You good, Chase?” I nodded at his mixed drink.

“Yes. It should take me about twenty to twenty-five minutes to finish my drink.”

“I’m timing you. Once we hit minute twenty-six, I’m taking it for myself.” I winked at him, then caught up to Sebastian.

Remix was fairly empty at the moment, making it easy for me to break into a light jog to meet up with Sebastian. Things didn’t get going until Fridays, when this place became the center of gay Hudson Valley life. Guys liked to party, but most of them also had work in the morning.

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