Page 15 of Tobias

“You’ve never been to a gay bar before?” I ask.

He shakes his head.

“I’ll tell you, this is a great place to be your first. If you want to leave at any time, feel free, but I do think you’ll have a great time here. Everyone is very accepting.”

He nods, taking a breath. “Okay, let’s go.”

I grin at him before moving to the door and pulling it open. The music gets a little louder, but we have to walk down some steps and the hallway before getting to the actual bar.

“After you.”

It’s dark inside, the lights dim. We make our way through the hallway that’s lined with different pieces of artwork and sconces in the shape of dicks.

“Are those…”

“Yep,” I say with a chuckle. "Dicks."

He smirks, shaking his head, and we make it to the next set of doors that I pull open. The music is much louder. Not so loud we won’t be able to chat, but loud enough that you know it’s okay to dance. As we step inside, the smell of bar food hits my nose and my mouth waters. I do love a good meal from a nice restaurant, but nothing beats greasy burgers.

As we step inside, I spot Nathanial up on the small stage, singing his lungs out to “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan. It isn’t karaoke night or anything; Nathanial just goes up there any chance he gets to sing. No one complains because he sounds great and is a good source of entertainment.

“Let me have your coat,” I say loud enough that Theo can hear. I take mine off. He gives me his, and I hang them both up on one of the many coat racks lined by the door. I put my hand on his lower back. It’s warm and firm, and I guide him over to the bar, where I see a group of my friends.

“Holy shit, it’s Tobias!” Benton shouts from the bar, throwing his arms up. The guys he’s sitting with all look my way, smiling at me in shock.

“Hey, guys,” I say. “Long time no see.”

“No shit. Where have you been?” Mario asks.

“Just busy working.” I gesture to Theo. “This is my friend, Theo” I give him a look to ask if introducing him as Theo is okay, and he gives a little nod. “This is Benton, Mario, and Luca.” I point to each of them as I say their name.

“Hey,” Theo says, waving shyly.

They all return a hello.

“So, is this a friend or afriend?” Benton asks, waggling his brows.

“Don’t be annoying so soon, Benton. I just got here.” He holds his hands up in an apologetic way, causing Mario to laugh.

“Let’s move to a table,” Luca says as he gets up from his stool. “There’s a free one in the back over there.”

There aren’t any free seats at the bar, so moving is a good idea. I don't mind standing, but sitting is more comfortable.

“How long has Nathanial been up there?” I ask, gesturing toward the stage as we walk by it to get to the table. He sees me, smiling and winking as he belts out lyrics to “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry.

“Too long. He’s on this Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan kick,” Luca explains.

“And Katy Perry, it seems,” Theo adds, and I grin at him. Glad he’s comfortable enough to add to the conversation.

“Yeah, that’s new,” Luca says.

We get to the table, which is a half circle booth with a small table between. There’s enough room to get up and walk out, even if you’re in the center of the booth, but the table is big enough to hold our drinks and some food. Great design, if I'm being honest.

“So, what brings you here tonight?” Benton asks.

I never come here after dates. Usually only when I have a night off, which is rare. And I have never, not once, ever brought a datehere. This is personal to me, and I keep personal stuff to myself.

“Just looking for something to do,” I say as I get up. “Who needs a drink?”

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