Guys on the Bottom - Guys Book Three

by Darien Cox

  “Zach?”

  “Yeah.” I shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Same. I’m Robert. Is this everything?”

  “This is everything.”

  Robert looked down and took inventory of my supplies. “If we both load up we can probably do it in one trip.”

  “I’m down. Let’s do it.”

  After loading everything into Robert’s SUV, I climbed in the passenger seat and we headed down the road. “So you bartend at Mythic?” he asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “Duncan’s great, isn’t he?” Robert chuckled. “He’s so much fun.”

  Robert wore that dreamy expression I used to see after people met Corey, and suspected Duncan was just as adept as his nephew at charming others. That alluring Stengel presence.

  “Yeah, he’s a nice guy I guess. Don’t know him that well yet. You known him long?”

  “About six months. He comes to the gym where I work. He’s trying to get me to leave and work at Mythic, though.”

  I glanced at him. “That’s kind of an odd leap. You a trainer or something?”

  “Oh, no.” Robert laughed. “I manage a juice bar at the gym. I am a juicing maniac.”

  “So Duncan wants what? A juice bar at Mythic?”

  “Yes and no. He wants to combine my juicing with booze to make healthy cocktails. I guess the bartenders get a lot of requests for lower calorie, healthier drinks, so they have to improvise. Someone mentioned to Duncan it would be easier to just put some on the menu.”

  “Yes, that happens a lot. It’s a pretty fitness-conscious neighborhood. I personally don’t mind, just trade out syrupy stuff for lime juice and club soda or whatever with the booze.”

  Robert nodded. “Well, I guess some of the bartenders think it’s a pain in the ass. Duncan thinks the idea of freshly made juice combos in the cocktails will be attractive and easy to market. And he’s interested in my management skills.” Robert sighed. “So, I guess I’ll have a decision to make soon.”

  “Is that why you’re involved in this today, or were you and Duncan just…hanging out?”

  “No, I’m there to work as well. From what Duncan tells me, the customers’ desire for healthier cocktails combined with you asking about veggie tapas has gotten him thinking about combining the two.” He glanced at me. “I’ll be giving Duncan a presentation today too. My juicer and supplies are already at the house.”

  “I see. Hope he’s satisfied with my food. I mean…you’re already a juicing guy…manager thing, so you’ve got that going for you. But I’m a bartender, not a professional cook. Not sure why he chose me for this, aside from it being my idea.”

  “Well, I’m not a bartender.” Robert shrugged. “So I’m having to improvise a bit too. But I came up with some ideas and did a practice run with my friends this week.”

  I chuckled. “Yeah, me too. It’s just kind of odd, don’t you think?”

  “Duncan’s kind of odd. I’ve gotten used to it. Once he sets his mind to something, he gathers the means and raw materials. Finds a way to make it happen.”

  Sounded just like Corey. Coming up with weird projects on a whim. Not listening to anyone who tried to talk sense into him. Then the fucker would always make it work. Maybe it ran in the family. Robert called Duncan odd. I didn’t find him that odd, but I thought I knew what Robert meant. Duncan was odd in the way that Corey was, but to me, that translated to special. Unique. I wished I could be that kind of odd. And wished I had the confidence that seemed to come with it.

  “Anyway,” Robert said. “Duncan doesn’t choose anything at random. Must have been something about you that impressed him.”

  “Yeah. You too, apparently.”

  Robert and I exchanged a glance. I wondered if he had any of the same trepidations I did. He sang Duncan’s praises, didn’t seem to question his motives. But the fact was Robert and I were close to the same age, both attractive, and I was nearly positive Robert was also gay. Both of us were slightly underqualified for the projects Duncan had assigned us today. Was Duncan merely collecting attractive people like dolls? More nymphs for his forest?

  What was it he’d said? That he wanted to surround himself with fun and beauty and good feelings now that he’d quit his old life. That was fine for Duncan, he’d made his money and everything now was playtime for him. For people like Robert and me, a job was survival.

  “It’s hard to say no to Duncan,” Robert said. “Plus his ideas usually work out. He said everyone told him opening Mythic was a stupid idea. But I’ve been there, it’s always packed.”

  “I can vouch for that,” I said. “The tips are good.”

  We’d been so busy chatting I was only barely aware we’d entered the adjoining town of Brookline, and were driving through one of those neighborhoods with the three-million-dollar homes. And yep, Duncan lived in one of those houses, because Robert was pulling into a circular driveway in front of a big beautiful place with red brick and turrets on top. “This is it,” he said as he parked.

  “Nice place.”

  It looked like a miniature castle, and I thought that suited Duncan. He was kind of the king of make-believe. Ivy crawled up the exterior brick and honeysuckle clung to the fence, making me think of the vines and shit at Club Mythic. Though there was nothing particularly unusual about the place in this neighborhood. In fact, I’d expected something more modern from Duncan, but this house was the typical historical structure that housed the wealthy Boston elite.

  There were other cars parked in the driveway, and my pulse spiked. I’d assumed I’d be cooking for Duncan alone, it never occurred to me that he might have invited guests over for the occasion. But as Robert and I transported my supplies through the front doors, I heard laughter, male and female voices.

  The inside of the house was spacious with high ceilings, and I followed Robert, passing several large, cozy rooms. I saw a big fireplace, gleaming wood floors, but Duncan’s decorating was a bit eclectic. There were some generic rugs and bookshelves with simple, masculine-looking furniture. But there were also strange, colorful accent chairs here and there, abstract patterns jarring the eye, polka dots and multicolored zebra stripes that looked like something from a Dr. Seuss book. And some of the paintings on the walls were bizarre as well, forest scenes with odd inhuman creatures lurking behind trees, and a couple overtly sexual ones with cartoony nudes in varying lurid scenarios. A table we passed had what looked like a polished human skull sitting on a doily, a black candle sticking out the top.

  In short, the house reminded me of Duncan himself, a confusing contrast of money, sophistication, whimsy, and weirdness.

  The kitchen was empty when Robert and I strode in and set the bags and stuff down on the island. It was enormous with a red tiled floor, butler’s pantry, and shiny appliances. I was pleased to see two large ovens. Everything looked clean and shiny, but Duncan’s personal touch was here too, dashes of color everywhere, bright red and turquoise hanging lights, and the fridge was a collage of personal photos and novelty magnets.

  My eye zoned in on one of the photos pinned to the fridge, and my stomach lurched at the image of my ex-boyfriend dressed up as a punk rocker, his blond hair crafted into a fauxhawk, spiked dog collar around his neck, sneering at the camera. I knew the photo was taken at The Horse and Carriage on one of Corey’s karaoke nights, because I used to go there with him. I’d never seen Corey don this particular persona, so knew it must be a fairly recent photo, and this hit me hard for some reason.

  I’d thought all my weepiness and regret over losing Corey had long since run its course. But somehow, seeing that photo on Corey’s uncle’s fridge…it was evidence staring me in the face. Evidence that Corey’s life continued on as usual, just without me in it.

  “Duncan!” Robert called out. “We’re here!”

  I tore my eyes from the photo before Duncan could walk in and catch me staring at it with sad, lovelorn eyes. I wished I hadn’t noticed the photo on the fridge, because while I’d s
tarted the day in the mindset of going to visit my employer, I was now once again hyperaware that my employer was Corey’s uncle.

  “Hey, Zach! Oh my,” Duncan said as he stepped into the kitchen. “Look at all this!” He poked his head into one of my bags.

  Two people followed Duncan into the kitchen, a skinny, pretty woman in a sundress with a black bob and short bangs, and a muscular black man with dyed yellow hair. They were both closer to Duncan’s age, and both held glasses of wine.

  Duncan was dressed casually in jeans and a thin beige tee shirt that showed off his tan and luminous eyes, and I got a whiff of expensive cologne as he stood beside me, examining the supplies I’d brought. That silver chain was around his neck again, drawing my eye. I caught the glance of the yellow-haired man, who smirked at me, and I wondered if I’d been caught ogling Duncan’s neck. “I’m Greg,” he said, stepping forward and shaking my hand.

  “Zach.”

  “Oh, right, I’m sorry,” Duncan said. “You met Robert. This is Greg, and this is Shaylin. Guys this is Zach, and he’s gonna cook for us.”

  I swallowed hard, feeling the pressure.

  “What are you making?” Shaylin asked. She cozied up against Duncan, slipping her arm through his.

  “A bunch of different things,” I said. “Should I get started?”

  “Yes,” Duncan said. “These cabinets here should have all the cooking equipment you need. But let me know if you need something else.” He released himself from Shaylin’s grip and slung an arm around my shoulder, giving me a little flutter when I felt his body heat. “I’m sure you don’t want us looking over your shoulder while you cook, right?”

  I chuckled. “Yeah, I’d rather work alone. Should I just call out when everything’s ready?”

  “Over here.” Duncan moved to a nearby, blocky, dark wood table. “Just set whatever you have out and give us a shout. There are trays in those cabinets up above. And Robert?”

  Robert had moved to another counter and was fussing with his juicer. A pile of vegetables and fruits sat out alongside him, as well as several liquor bottles. “Yeah?”

  “How about you do a couple combination trays of your cocktails? And give Zach one early, if he wants it.”

  “Sure. Zach, you want to try a cucumber one?”

  Greg wrinkled his nose. “Cucumber cocktails? With like…cucumber juice?”

  Robert smiled. “They’re good. You’ll see.”

  “Maybe I’ll stick to wine,” Shaylin said.

  “Oh, you will not,” Duncan said. “You’ll try everything.” He smiled at Robert, then winked at me. “Sorry, guys. I invited these cretins over to try your goodies because they’re picky and skeptical. Figure if we can impress them, we’re doing okay.”

  Great. Just great. I had to cook for bratty, picky eaters.

  “We’ll leave you both to it,” Duncan said, giving my shoulder a quick squeeze.

  He left the kitchen with his minions in tow, and I heard giggling as they disappeared to somewhere else in the house. I turned and looked at Robert, who raised his dark eyebrows. “What do you say?” Robert smiled. “Should we blow their fucking minds?”

  “I think we pretty much have to at this point.”

  He nodded and turned to his juicer. “Let me know if I can help you out with anything. You’ve clearly got the bigger job.”

  “Thanks, I will.”

  Jazz suddenly piped into the kitchen, likely a consideration from Duncan. I went to work. Duncan’s kitchen was a dream, and I had serious house-envy as I heated the ovens and prepped my dishes. With the sound of Robert’s juicer rattling over the music, I got into a rhythm, and actually began to hum as I worked. I managed to clear my mind and focus only on the task at hand.

  At one point Robert set a cocktail down before me with a cucumber garnish. It tasted fresh and delicious, tart with a hint of sweetness. “This is awesome,” I said. “How did you sweeten it?”

  “Just a little agave. Still pretty low calorie though.”

  I nodded and took another sip before returning to my cooking. “It’s great. Thanks.”

  I was pretty damn proud of myself, because with all the space in the ovens and stovetops and indoor grill, I was able to get all my tapas done at nearly the same time. Robert had set down trays of drinks on the table, the cucumber ones along with other pink and clear and green things in nice glasses with different garnishes like mint and lemon. He helped me carry my food over, and we examined the table.

  “Everything looks great,” Robert said.

  “Yeah. Are we forgetting anything? Oh shit. We need little tasting plates. And napkins. And fuck, silverware.”

  “Relax, I’ve got it,” Robert said, and darted back to the island, pulling open drawers. Robert seemed to know where everything was, and I wondered exactly how close he was with Duncan.

  Robert and I finished adorning the table, which I had to admit, looked amazing. He lit two white candles and set them out. The sun was getting low in the sky, and I dimmed the overhead lights to give the room atmosphere. I stepped back and took a couple pictures of the table with my phone, then Robert called out, “Duncan! We’re ready!”

  Shaylin stepped into the kitchen first, her lipstick a bit smudged, and her eyes widened. “Oh man, I’m starving. I hope I can eat this weird stuff.”

  Robert’s gaze flicked to mine, and I rolled my eyes.

  Duncan came in with his arm around Greg, which enhanced my confusion about what these particular friendships entailed, particularly with Shaylin’s smudged lipstick. “Oh, my goodness,” Duncan said breaking from Greg and beaming. “This looks amazing, you two.”

  “Dig in,” I said.

  They did. I was particularly glad I’d ignored my friend Sarah’s advice and included my eggplant rollups, because they were the biggest hit. But all of the dishes were met with approval, and no one held back. They tore at the food like a pack of hungry wolves.

  “Hang on,” Greg said with a mouthful of stuffed sweet potato. “This is vegan sour cream?”

  “Yeah,” I said. “Everything’s vegan, no dairy.”

  “Even the cheese in the eggplant?” Shaylin asked.

  “Yes. It’s made from nuts.”

  “Holy shit,” she said, and slid another one onto her plate, which made me smile.

  Duncan took a slice of my stuffed portabella mushroom and fed it to Robert with his fingers. “Try this.”

  Robert looked pleased, staring into Duncan’s eyes as he opened his mouth. I thought his lips might have purposely lingered on Duncan’s fingers as he accepted the bite, but suddenly he turned his gaze to me as he chewed. “Oh my God, Zach, that is so good.”

  “Thank you.”

  Duncan asked what everyone thought of the cocktails, likely because Greg and Shaylin were too busy drinking them to comment. But they took a moment to compliment Robert on the drinks, though Greg muttered, “Could be stronger,” before draining his glass. He shrugged. “But not bad. Tasty.”

  “Even the cucumber one?” Robert asked.

  “Yeah. I am officially proven wrong. Cheers.”

  Duncan gently grasped my elbow and pulled me aside. “Everything was delicious.”

  “Glad you liked it.”

  “What is in that creamy cheese you put in the eggplant? Can I ask now?”

  I got my menu sheet, which listed each item and its ingredients.

  Duncan barked out a laugh. “Elfy Choices?”

  I flushed. I’d kind of forgotten I’d left that title on there. “Uh, yeah. Just a joke I came up with when I was planning the menu.”

  Duncan’s eyes twinkled. “I like it. Can I keep this page?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  Shaylin strolled over and gave Duncan a kiss on the lips that lingered for a few seconds. “Greg and I have to head out. But thanks for everything.”

  “Should you be driving?” Duncan asked as he cupped her chin with his fingers.

  “Greg says he’s fine.”

  “G
reg,” Duncan called over. “I can get a car to drive you home if you’ve had too much to drink.”

  Greg walked over and pulled Duncan into a hug. “I’m fine. Drinks weren’t that strong.”

  Robert sighed. “The drinks all have a shot of booze in them!”

  “Just one?” Greg asked as he stepped back from Duncan. “No wonder!”

  “All right, all right,” Duncan said. “Just be careful driving.”

  After Greg and Shaylin left, I began cleaning and packing my shit up. Duncan leaned in and grabbed my arm. I looked at him, my heart beginning to pound with how close he was to me, the feel of his warm fingers on my skin. “You don’t have to do that,” he said. “I’ll get everything cleaned up and bring it back to you at work.”

  “Oh. Are you sure?”

  “I can help clean up,” Robert said. “But I have to head out soon too, got work early. Zach, am I giving you a ride?”

  “Uh, yeah, I guess.”

  “You don’t have to clean up, Robert,” Duncan said. “I’ll have your stuff returned to you as well. I’d like Zach to stay a bit longer if he can, to discuss some things.”

  “Oh.” Robert smiled. “The thing you already discussed with me?”

  “Yes.” Duncan smiled. “That thing.”

  “What thing?” I asked.

  “Stay and I’ll explain.”

  “Okay.”

  Robert wrapped his arms around Duncan, smiling. “So then you liked what we gave you tonight.”

  “Your drinks were amazing, Robert.”

  “Great!” Robert released Duncan and patted my shoulder. “You should stay and talk to Duncan.”

  Duncan turned to me. “I’ll arrange a car to take you home afterward.”

  Nerves tickled my stomach, because I wasn’t sure being left alone with Duncan was healthy for me. The last time I was alone with him our conversation had gotten very personal. He had a way of putting me at ease, maybe too at ease. It was confusing. Jitters took hold of me whenever he was around, but I knew once we were alone and I was looking into his hypnotic eyes, hearing his soothing voice, that willingness to spill all my secrets would probably return. I vowed to be cautious.