Page 18 of Unmasking You

I shake my head to dispel those thoughts.

“Are you okay?”

I hate that both Alexi and Ruby have to tiptoe around me because I’m a wimp and they’re worried.

“I’m good,” I say, infusing the joy of being out with my friends into my tone.

“Good,” he says, bumping his shoulder gently against mine, but it still nearly makes me stumble.

“Hey!” I tease. “Be careful with all that strength and enormous body.”

“Sorry, mate.”

Alexi stops, and I bump into him. When I look up, the pub is right in front of us. Pulse is one of the best private LGBTQ+ nightclubs in London.

When we get inside, I’m assaulted by the loud music, and I wait until my ears adjust to the sound. Every time I come here, I’m fascinated. I love the brick walls, the dark purple fabric adorning the ceiling, and the hanging Edison-style light bulbs, creating an intimate setting. The lighting is mostly purple and white, casting a sultry glow through the venue. The combination of the deep purple tones and the brightness of the white gives the place a sensual, mysterious atmosphere.

We walk in with no problem, and after leaving our coats at the entrance, we continue inside.

At the centre of the room is the dance floor—something I will avoid like the plague. The floor is dark and glossy, reflecting the lights above. All around it, there are dark benches with purple cushions, placed in the shape of a U, so the dance floor is always visible. The tables are black, and white lights are embedded in the floor to illuminate the area.

The bar is visible at the far end of the room, and it’s stocked with various bottles that I don’t recognise half of.

Mounted on the walls are multiple screens, pumping music and showing videos.

On the left are stairs leading to another section, the VIP area. That’s where we’re heading. The elevated section overlooks the downstairs, but the music is quieter to allow people to have conversations. The area is more intimate, with plush sofa-like benches, each set in private booths. Their backs are tall to create a secluded, cocooned feeling. The tables have lamps on them to illuminate the space.

When we arrive upstairs, Alexi’s friends are already sitting there, and they greet us with joy when we approach the table.

“Hey guys,” Alexi greets them before pointing at me. “This is Jamie, my best friend and work partner.”

“Hey Jamie,” they chorus.

“Hi,” I say without looking at anyone. This kind of situation makes me uncomfortable. I wait for Alexi to take a seat so I can sit next to him.

“Jamie,” Alexi calls out to me. When I raise my head, he continues. “This is Adam,” he says, pointing at the guy sitting closer to us, and then continues, going clockwise, with the introductions. “Next to him are Luis, Owen, and Dominic.”

I glance around, not really making eye contact, and smile in their general direction. Once we’re seated, the waiter arrives to take our orders.

“A glass of prosecco,” I say when it’s my turn, then lean back against the bench, trying to relax and enjoy the evening. I’m not a good drinker, and I always prefer having a clear mind.

“So, you’re the infamous Jamie,” says someone next to me, close enough to be heard over the music, making me jump.

I turn towards him, pushing away a little, and I’m met with two beautiful crystal-blue eyes and dark brown hair, short on the sides and longish at the top, with strands falling messily over his forehead. He’s a looker, and he knows it. My gaze lands on his lips, stretched in an open, gentle smile and encased in a well-kept, barely there goatee.

Remembering his name is never going to happen, I wasn’t paying enough attention. However, I find myself replying to him with no problems. “I’m not that famous. Alexi always exaggerates.”

I pick my glass up and take a sip when the waiter places it in front of me. A bit of alcohol will help me relax and not look like I swallowed a stick.

“He does,” he says while looking at Alexi, and then winks at me when my friend takes the bait and stares at him with menacing eyes no one is going to take seriously. Then he turns his attention back to me. “I heard you’re a genius, and you can make magic happen with a laptop in your hands.”

“It’s only lines of codes and numbers.” I’m not used to being the centre of attention, but I’m comfortable chatting with this guy. He’s kind enough to welcome me into the group.

“Don’t listen to him,” Alexi jumps in. “He’s amazing.”

I go bright red and then turn to Alexi, who’s put his chin on my shoulder so he can crash the conversation. “Don’t listen to him. He’s a salesman.” Now it’s my turn to wink and then laugh at the outraged sounds coming from Alexi.

He places two fingers near his eyes and then squints them threateningly, pointing those fingers at us. He and I look at each other and then back at Alexi, and then we’re both laughing.

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