Page 65 of The Bro Date
“Toby!” Daija shouts excitedly, rushing over to him with a big smile and an even bigger hug.
And of course, Tate is right behind her, wrapping his arms around both of them. “So, how was the thing I got you?” Tate asks way too loudly, glancing over at me, then back to Toby. “Did you enjoy it? Practice with it? Think you’re ready for therealthing?” He waggles his eyebrows and laughs, already drunk and being way too obvious.
“Oh, stop it, Tate!” Daija scolds. “Don’t make our baby boy uncomfortable. Rein it in.”
“I’m just checking on him, honey. No one even knows what I’m talking about.Chill.” Tate makes eye contact with me, giving me a cheeky little wink that I narrow my eyes at.
I appreciate him helping Toby come into his own, but it’s none of his damn business when and how he used it.
I lean down and whisper into Toby’s ear. “Let’s go get a drink.”
We slip away from Daija and Tate and head toward the kitchen. I spot an unopened bottle of rum and grab two red Solo cups. I pour a generous amount into one, and less than a shot into the other since I’m driving. Popping open two cans of Coke, I fill the cups, adding a little ice before mixing it all together with a plastic straw.
“Careful,” I warn, handing the extremely full and extremely strong drink over to Toby. “Pace yourself because I’m not pouring you a drink from an open bottle tonight.”
I don’t trust these frat parties, and I have a weird feeling about this one.
Toby’s face scrunches up when he tastes the drink. “Oh, yuck,” he coughs. “That’s disgusting, Shane.”
I chuckle.Perfect.This way, he has to sip it slowly.
“Yo, yo, yo!” a familiar, obnoxious voice shouts behind me.
I set my drink down and spin around quickly, stopping the asshat from jumping on my back. Jake daps me up instead, making himself a drink with the rum I just opened.
“What’s up, Jake? Where’s Spencer?” I ask, leaning against the counter behind me while Toby attempts to take another sip of his rum and Coke without cringing.
“I dunno. Chasing ass.You know?Like how you used to before?—”
“Before what?” I interrupt, stepping up to Jake.
What’s he trying to say?
“Before you weregay,” he tries to explain, but only makes it worse, like a drunken fool.
I grit my teeth, completely annoyed by him right now. “I’m bi,” I say, correcting him.
And it’s really none of his business to comment on.
“Jake. Just shut up,” Toby blurts out, equally as irritated as me.
Jake just laughs it off, holding his hands up in surrender. “I didn’t mean anything by it.Honestly.You guys know I’m a dumbass.”
“And a loudmouth,” I add.
“That too,” he admits. “Look, I’m sorry, okay? I love you both. I’m just drunk. You know I don’t care if you’re straight, gay, bi, or whatever.”
“How can we be mad at that?” Toby asks with a laugh, staring up at me.
“Not mad,” I agree, giving Jake a pass this time. “But going forward, don’t comment on my sexuality out loud at a party, bro.”
“Gotcha,” Jake replies with a salute. “Thanks, guys. I’m gonna go find Spence. Catch ya later.” He gives us drunken finger guns and disappears into the living room.
Shaking my head in exasperation, I sigh and focus on the only reason I’m here, staring at him while I sip my drink. His matching hair and eyes shimmer like long-lost treasure as he dances under the overhead kitchen light.
Toby tries more of his drink and doesn’t make a face this time. “Think I’m getting used to it,” he says, smiling up at me with glassy eyes and warm cheeks. “Can hardly taste the rum now.”
“Take it slow,” I whisper huskily, running the back of my finger along his cheekbone.
