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“I’ve been there. A long time ago. I usually go to The Backdoor.”
I cocked my head and tried to stifle a laugh.
“It’s a bit obvious, I know. It’s not like I named it. Although, if I named a bar, it would be something equally obvious. Like John’s or Blowie’s.”
“I think you missed your calling. You need to pursue that.” I chuckled as I stuffed a fry in my mouth.
“Hey, there’s a laugh. Seriously, though. Men like obvious and to the point. That’s why I’m happy to be gay. I don’t think I can deal with women.”
“Some days it’s a lot, man. For sure.”
“You think you’ll get past this thing?”
I shrugged. “I honestly don’t know.” That was true. It had been just hours since this all came to light, and I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about it.
“Good luck, man. I need to get back, but my proverbial door is always open if you need me,” he said as he stood. “Well, not the backdoor for you.”
“I’m offended. I am a nice-looking man who takes great care of himself.”
“Too meaty for me. I don’t like to be overpowered.” He grinned then walked away.
I finished my fries then cleared off my tray and headed back to work. The rest of the day was busy and went by quickly. Randy was walking out at the same time I was and caught up to me in the parking lot.
“Hey, why don’t we head over to your friend’s club, and I’ll buy you a cold one.”
I shook my head. I wasn't sure how I’d feel if she was there. “Maybe another time. I need to get home. I haven’t worked out in a few days, and I can feel it.”
He held his palms up and moved them up and down like a weight. “Hmm, free drinks or exercise?” He made one go up high and the other low.
“Alright, fine. One beer. I don’t like much more than that when I’m driving.”
“Responsible, I dig it. I’ll follow you over.”
We both got into our cars, and I made sure he was close behind me. We had to park a few businesses down, but I didn’t see Jaz’s car anywhere.
Once inside, I scanned the room but didn’t see Jason and there were no double seats at the bar. I waved Randy to a table and Lucy came up not long after. “Mike, hi! I didn’t expect you today. Who’s your friend?”
“Lucy, this is Randy. He’s my trainer at the hospital.”
Randy stood and stuck his hand out. “Pleasure to meet you. You have the most mesmerizing eyes.”
“Can I help you?” a rumbling voice came behind Randy.
I leaned to look and waved my hand to get his attention. “Jason, hey, he’s with me. Calm down.”
Lucy let go of Randy’s hand and rolled her eyes at Jason. Jason snaked a hand around her waist and looked Randy up and down.
He put his hands up in surrender. “Hey, man, trust me when I say, you don’t have to worry about me. I was just paying your lady a compliment. It’s a bedside trick to get people to loosen up.”
“Jason, this is Randy. He’s my trainer from work,” I said as Randy extended his hand. “And he’s batting for the home team.”
Jason unclenched his jaw and finally shook Randy’s hand. “I’m Jason. This is my club. And this is my fiancée, Lucy.”
“You’re a lucky man, I’m sure.” He turned to me. “He’s also too beefy for me. And definitely too growly.”
Lucy giggled. “Oh, you’re missing out, Randy.” She leaned in closer to Randy and mock-whispered. “The growling is one of my favorite things.”
Jason’s jaw clenched again but his eyes had fire and lust in them, not anger. He cleared his throat. “Any friend of Mike’s is a friend of mine. I’ll grab some drinks.”
