Page 28 of Need Him
They climbed into Gareth’s car, and he aimed for the club. He explained what Ben should expect when they got there, and in true form, they set Ben up with a guest pass within minutes. Gareth kept hold of Ben’s hand as they entered the main club area. It was a cross between a pub and a club in looks, thankfully without the strobe lighting, and had plenty of seats. They found Preston and Victor at the bar, and Gareth wound his arm around Ben’s waist, not wanting to lose him.
“Preston, how are you?” Gareth asked, seeing the dark circles beneath his friend’s eyes.
Preston smiled ruefully. “I’ve been better.” He glanced at Ben and raised his eyebrows.
Gareth grinned. “Preston, this is Ben, my boy.”
Preston held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Ben. How the hell can you put up with this guy?” He thumbed towards Gareth.
Ben chuckled. “He’s growing on me.”
They laughed when Gareth poked his fingers into Ben’s side, making him giggle and squirm.
“Ooh, ticklish. That’s going to be fun to explore,” Victor said with a wink.
Gareth ignored him. “What would you like to drink?” he asked Ben.
Ben studied the bar, his forehead and nose creasing. When he hadn’t answered a few minutes later, Gareth nudged him.
“Are you okay?”
Ben nodded, then shook his head. “I have no idea what half these drinks are,” he admitted.
“What do you usually drink?”
“I don’t.” Ben tilted his head. “Well, I usually have a glass of whiskey, but it’s just window dressing. I’m not allowed to drink it. Even though I did the last time.” Ben’s eyes took on a faraway look, and Gareth tightened his hold.
“How about we have something non-alcoholic, and you’ll be able to look around and ask questions without the alcohol being involved?”
Ben chuckled. “I might need it to ask the question.”
Gareth smiled. “No, you don’t. Never be ashamed or embarrassed about asking questions. Any of us will answer for you.”
“He’s right,” Preston said, resting his chin in his palm and his elbow on the counter. “Unless you ask questions, you don’t know the answer, and that, around here, could cause problems.”
Ben frowned. “Problems?”
Victor piped up, “There are certain aspects of the club that require protocols to be followed. You learn them as you go, but if we’re here to help, it can stop issues before they begin.”
Ben nodded. “Okay, always ask before I do or say anything. Gotcha.”
Gareth chuckled. “It’s nothing sinister, but it’s always best to check when you’re new to the scene.” He placed a drink order with the bartender. “Once we have the drinks, shall we find a booth? It might be easier to see everything from there.”
Preston gave a thumbs up. “I’m all for it.” He threw back the whiskey he had and held up his hands to the bartender.
As much as Gareth needed to keep an eye on Ben, he also needed to watch Preston. There was no way he was leaving the guy alone when he was drinking heavily again.
“He’ll be fine with us,” Ben whispered in his ear. Gareth raised his eyebrows at him, and Ben shrugged. “You seem concerned, and he seems sad.”
Gareth kissed him. “Thank you. I’ll explain later.”
“No need. He’s your friend. That’s all I need to know.”
Gareth cupped Ben’s jaw and took his mouth harder, unable to vocalise how much that meant to him. A throat clearing had Gareth pulling away, and he glanced at Preston, who held out two drinks.
“Get a booth, and you can do that without him falling over.”
Victor snorted, and Gareth laughed. “On it.”
