Page 76 of Deep Down
The next few hours went by in a flurry of laughter, banter and friendship. Alex had never been so content, and Craig had joined in several times, too. Unfortunately, the time for him to leave came too quickly.
“Right, sorry to love you and leave you, guys, but I have to get ready for work.” Alex stood, brushing off his jeans.
“Oh god, Alex. You shouldn’t have done all this work if you had to go to the hospital. I feel awful.” Craig tunnelled his hand through his hair, agitation evident on his face.
“You didn’t ask me to do it, Craig. I wanted to help.” Alex glanced at Max. “Hey, guys, when are you next going out?”
“Friday, as it happens. My sister, Livvy, is coming up for her birthday. We’re doing dinner at Romano’s then refreshments at Crush. You’re more than welcome to join us. It’s a free for all.” Max grinned.
“Perfect. I’ll see you all Friday.” Alex shuffled out of the bedroom and headed to the front of the house. Craig saw him out.
“Thanks for your help, Alex. I appreciate it.” Craig gave a small, nervous smile.
“You’re welcome.” Alex hesitated but did what he wanted to. He leaned in slowly, advertising to Craig his intentions. He brushed his lips against Craig’s cheek, immediately withdrew and pivoted to leave. He was sure his long night shift at the hospital would do nothing to remove the smile from his face.
****
Friday rolled around quickly, even by Alex’s standard. He’d worked three night shifts, followed by two day shifts, and when he woke Friday morning, he couldn’t fathom how it had happened. He’d had no contact with Craig since the previous Saturday and no clue whether he would be with the guys tonight. Alex would go anyway. If Craig wasn’t there, Alex would enjoy the time with his newfound friends.
Entering Romano’s, Alex realised he had no idea who had booked the table. Luckily, he could see Max was already seated with Trent and a woman whose manner and appearance was decidedly similar to Max, except with longer and curlier hair. He waved away the server, striding over to the table with the flowers and card he’d picked up on his way. He hadn’t wanted to arrive empty-handed.
“Alex! Glad you could make it.” Max stood, giving him a half-hug in greeting. “This is my sister, Livvy.”
“Happy birthday, Livvy.” He presented the gifts to her with a smile.
“Oh, they’re beautiful. Thank you, Alex.” She rounded the table and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“You’re welcome. You’re looking good for…what was it, Max? Ninety-three?” Alex sniggered, along with Trent, at the glare Max gave him.
“Thank you, kind sir.” Livvy focused on Max. “Well, if I’m ninety-three,” she smiled sweetly, “that would make you ninety-eight.” She frowned. “Damn, you look good.” She bussed a kiss on Max’s cheek and ruffled his hair.
“Alex, would you like a drink?” Trent’s question rose above the sibling back and forth as Trent smiled at Max like a lovesick puppy.
“Lemonade would be great, thanks.” He knew Romano’s sold only wine, and he wasn’t a fan.
Trent hesitated before leaving for the bar, staring behind Alex with a smile. “Hey, guys. Glad you could make it.”
Alex checked over his shoulder to see who had arrived, his heart leaping when Craig came into view with Sean and Asher.
“We picked him up on the way.” Sean winked at Alex. “He couldn’t decide whether to come or not. We made the decision for him.”
Alex watched as Craig straightened his spine. “I was coming. I was going to meet you at Crush instead of here.”
Rolling his lips inwards to suppress his smile, warmth spread through Alex’s body at the spark being relit in Craig. They needed more kindling, then Craig would be back. At least Alex hoped he would. This motley crew could be the people to do it.
Sean led the way to the seats next to Alex, leaving one space between before sitting with Asher on his other side. Craig had no choice but to sit next to Alex unless he wanted to sit across the other side. From the corner of his eye, Alex saw Craig pause before sitting.
Hoping to ease Craig into joining in the conversation, Alex asked Sean a question about his work, which prompted some funny anecdotes which had them all laughing, including Craig. Drinks were spread among the whole table, more people arriving before food was ordered. Everything seemed civil to Alex. At least until they got into Crush later.
Max had obviously told someone in the bar about it because it had been decorated with balloons, and several tables had been pulled together with plenty of seats around it to seat them all. Tom, the owner, came over to wish Livvy a happy birthday and tell them their drinks were on the house. After sufficient bantering, Tom delivered his final word on it.
“If you want to pay for something, give the bartenders some nice tips. No money will be entering the till from your party tonight. Have fun.”
Max sighed. “I should’ve known he’d do this.”
“Is it a bad thing?” Alex asked.
“No. Tom is one of the best guys around. He spoils us rotten because we helped get the Garden Bar up and running. He hardly ever lets us pay when we’re having a party. I sometimes wonder whether to protest by going somewhere else.” Max chortled. “It feels like cheating somehow, though.”
