Page 35 of Seamus's Basement
“It was just a…misunderstanding,” DJ said. “Don’t worry about it and Todd already Venmoed me for the pizza. How is he?”
“He’s fine. He’d probably enjoy spending time with you again.” Richard cleared his throat. “I’m going to get going, but Seamus, remember what I said and call me.”
“I will.”
“DJ, you can call me too if you have any trouble.”
“Thanks, but Seamus is taking the lead on this one.” He winked at Seamus. “He insisted and he isn’t taking no for an answer.”
“I see,” Richard said, frowning at him. Then he turned to DJ. “You can call me or the station or even Todd if you need to reach me. Don’t hesitate.” He raised his hand in a wave and walked out.
“Your friend’s a little weird,” DJ pointed out.
“Not usually, but yeah, he was being strange.” He walked over to the door and locked it. “Let’s get you upstairs.” He wrapped his arm around DJ’s shoulders and steered them toward the back. “I’ll get you settled on the couch with something to eat. I need to come back down and take care of a few things, but Laura’s going to open so I’ll be able to take care of you after she gets here.”
“Seamus, I’m fine. You don’t need to take care of me.”
“You can be fine while you’re lying down.”
A knock sounded on the bar door. “That’s probably Laura. Give me a sec.”
Sure enough, his bartender had arrived a little early. That’d help him get everything done faster so he could spend more time with DJ. “Hey, Laura. I’m glad to see you.” He held the door open and stepped back for her to pass through.
“I’m glad to see you too.” She ignored the wide space and brushed her body against his instead. “It’ll be nice hanging out with you today.”
“Um.” He cleared his throat and stepped back. “I’m not staying. We shouldn’t be busy so you’ll be fine on your own.”
“Oh.” She frowned.
“Can you, uh…” He pointed to the side, indicating that she needed to move so he could close the door.
She got out of the way but didn’t go far, and as soon as Seamus closed and locked the door, she was back in his personal space. “That’s too bad. I thought we’d be here together.”
“Can you, uh…” He thought of what he could say to get her away from him. “…check to make sure the well’s full?”
“Sure.” She put her palm on his chest and looked up at him.
He moved away again, feeling very uncomfortable with the situation. “Thanks.” He walked toward the back of the bar where DJ was propped against a table with his arms crossed over his chest, grinning at him.
“You do realize she has a thing for you, right?” DJ whispered when he got close.
“I didn’t for a while, but people kept pointing it out so then I figured it out, but I don’t know how to make her stop!” he hissed. “It’s so awkward.”
DJ laughed, stood up straight, and leaned into him. “You’re not interested in her, right?”
“Of course not!” he said, affronted. “I want her to cut it out but she’s not getting the message.”
“In that case, I have an idea of how to get your point across without any uncomfortable conversations.”
“What’s your idea?”
“I’ll show you, but you can’t be mad at me later, okay?” he said quietly.
“What do you mean?” Seamus whispered back.
Their torsos were already touching, but DJ tipped his head up and moved his face closer. “Just promise me.” His voice was so low, Seamus could barely hear him. “Say you promise.”
“I promise.” He didn’t know what he was agreeing to, but he couldn’t imagine being mad at DJ for any reason.
