Page 4 of Party Animal
“I don’t believe in it.”
“What do you believe in?”
“Having a good time.That’s what I live for.”I picked up my glass and took a big swallow.
Paul attempted to change the subject.“Lee is a freelance photographer.We went to college together back East.”
Lee finally smiled, and two adorable dimples appeared.“And now I’m giving LA a trial run.”
I frowned.“What does that mean?”
“Paul kept telling me that moving here was the best thing he ever did, and I should try it, but other guys told me they hated it.I decided to commit to twelve months.I travel a lot so I figured a year would give me enough time to find out what living here is really like.I’m staying with Paul until I find a place of my own.”
“People love to hate on LA.They come here with big dreams, and when they don’t make them happen, they run home with their tail between their legs and bitch about the shallowness, the traffic, and the lack of seasons.It’s unfair.”
“That’s why I want to give it a fair chance.”
“What do you think so far?”
“So far, so good.”
“I’ll drink to that.”I finished my martini and ordered a round for the table.“I need some new photos for my portfolio.Maybe I’ll give you the job instead of Paul.”
“I’m not really set up yet.”
What the fuck, had I just gotten dissed?No way.Lee must have been concerned about Paul’s feelings.“Well, if you need any help getting set up, call me.In fact, give me your cell.I’ll put my number in.”
Lee hesitated for a second, then handed over his phone.I was pissed but punched in my number anyway.I didn’t get him.Lee seemed tight with Paul and Joey, but standoffish with me.Fuck him!
The drinks came and I raised my glass for a toast.“To the Three Musketeers.”
Paul raised his glass.“To the fourth Musketeer.”
“To the wannabe,” I added.
Paul seemed about to say something else, but Joey jumped in.“One for all, and all for one.”
I downed half of my drink, but it didn’t help.Lee had already ruined my good mood.I felt belittled somehow.I didn’t care about Lee, but my pride was hurt.It was like I needed to prove something.
After an hour of drinking and dancing, Joey pleaded exhaustion and left.I flirted with the hopefuls who stopped by the table, while Paul and Lee talked about the good old days.Then Paul went to the men’s room and left me alone with Lee.It was getting late.I decided to give him another chance.
I scooted closer to Lee and put a hand on his thigh.“Feeling any butterflies yet?”
“Nothing an antacid won’t cure.”
“I like your sense of humor.We should get to know each other better.Since you’re doing trial runs, why not try my place tonight?”
“Thanks, but no thanks.”
“Paul won’t mind.”
He didn’t reply.
“Are you and Paul…?”
He shook his head.“No.”
I decided he was playing hard to get to catch my interest.Well, it was working.Most men are too easy.I like a challenge once in a while, so I tried again.“Let me guess.”I gave him my most seductive look.“You never fuck on the first date.”
