by Tyler May
“Why don’t you come with us?” I ask. Silver nods in agreement.
“Oh, no―no offense―gay bars are not my thing.” Connor laughs. “Plus, the misses and I have a special evening planned.”
“Oh, well don’t let us keep you anymore,” Silver says suggestively. “Actually, Connor, you don’t have to come back tonight. Go home and enjoy your night with your love. I’ll get us a cab.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely, and I’ll go over my plans with you tomorrow morning. You have a good night,” Silver stresses. Connor thanks Silver. We watch him pull away as we turn to walk in the bar. There is just a short line to get in, but it moves quickly. This is Levi’s big event night, and I can’t wait to see what he has planned.
~Chapter Eighteen~
The Equality Lounge has been a hit since it reopened over a year ago. Before the renovations, the old storefront bar was run down, and looked like something out a time capsule from the eighties. A couple bought it as a wedding present to each other―a way to celebrate finally being able to marry legally. The men poured their heart and soul into rebuilding this bar. They wanted a small, friendly, entertaining atmosphere that wasn’t like any other gay bar or club you would normally find in New York. A year later, The Equality Lounge debuted. The name and the motto of the bar is featured in all their advertisements. Everyone is welcome, come as you are, no hate, and socialize in a place where everyone is equal. Levi has worked with the men for a while now, and theme nights are just starting to make it on the calendar thanks to him. Tonight, it’s karaoke. This isn’t a normal karaoke night. The bar plays music in between the songs that every gay man wants to sing. They want the place hopping still. I’m excited to see it. I’ve only heard about it from Levi.
Silver and I walk in hand in hand. My attention is all on Silver. He looks great tonight. Well, he looks good every night, but tonight he’s gone casual―a black fitted V-neck tee that shows off his shape and a pair of jeans that hang off his hips just perfectly. Silver nods to Levi who is at the bar. Glad he is paying attention. I was too busy checking out his ass in those tight jeans. Levi struts across the bar, and joins us. “Hey, lovers, so glad you could make it.” Levi kisses my cheek, and then does the same with Silver.
“I’m excited to see how this karaoke night takes off.” I know he’s worked hard on it.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Silver says.
“Well, don’t take too much from it, Brian. It’s a world of difference than what I would do for you at Silver Lining.” Levi must be nervous that Silver is going to judge or misjudge his ability. I hope not.
“Levi, please don’t worry. You and I will talk―Sunday maybe. I’m very impressed by you.” Silver charms. Levi looks relieved. I’m just glad that Levi can relax and act like himself.
“Great!” Levi looks to Silver. “What is going to be passing through those luscious lips of yours?”
“Levi!” I gasp.
“Drink, I meant drinks,” Levi retorts quickly. “But hey, get enough drinks and you two can discuss the other later.” He winks.
Silver laughs. I think he’s finally starting to see the Levi I love. “I’ll take a gin and tonic.”
Levi sips his fruity drink, and gives Silver thumbs up. Levi turns and starts to dance his way to the bar. “Hey, Levi!” I announce loudly. Levi looks back. “Um, how about me? I’d like a drink too.”
“Oh please, honey, you’re my best friend. I know you like the captain.” He salutes and dances off.
Silver and I take the tabletop chairs next to where Milo and Levi are sitting. The place is packed, and the sounds coming from the stage echo with some pretty awesome voices. Silver scans the bar. He’s told me it’s been awhile since he’s been out to a club or bar. I’m sure this is going to be an experience for both of us. The dance floor is hopping as the next singer belts out a popular pop song. Men are grinding, rubbing, and dancing their asses off. It certainly is a sight. Levi comes back with our drinks, and a refill for Milo and himself. Just as Levi sits, a waiter comes with four double shots of some kind of greenish liquid. “Thanks, Barry,” Levi says as he slips a tip into the waiter’s pocket. Levi pushes one shot glass to each of us. “Drink up, boys. Shall we toast?”
“What’s this?” Milo speaks. Finally.
“It’s called liquid marijuana,” Levi says. We all examine the strange-looking drink. “It’s legal, boys. It alcohol not pot.”
“Really?” I mock his dumb response. “Ok, let’s do this.” We all shout a toast, clank our glasses, and down the potent drink. And potent it was. That bitch burned all the way down, and just as we finished that one, the waiter brought over another round of shots, this time a double shot lemon head. Guess I get to see Silver drunk tonight because we downed that one just as fast as the first.
I scoot my stool as close as I can get to Silver, his eyes already showing a shine of drunkenness. He said he hardly drinks so I’m sure he’s a light weight. Whoa, head rush—I guess so am I. The next karaoke singer takes the stage. One great thing is these men can sing. Levi dances by his seat and Milo bops along. “When are you getting up there, honey?” Levi asks me. He loves to hear me sing, and truthfully, I like to do it. “Brian, you should hear that date of yours sing. I swear the angels join in when he opens his mouth.”
“Oh, you’re putting those dramatic acting classes to good use,” I tease Levi.
“No, no—you know it’s true. Come on, don’t make me beg. You know I like that too much.” Levi laughs as he swirls and dances around the table.
“I’ll do it, but not now. Right now I want to have a few more drinks to fuel my courage and moisten my throat.”
“Hmhmm…” Levi hums then pulls Milo off his seat and onto the dance floor. I can’t help but bop my head. A little Journey is playing now. I went from sipping my drink to gulping it as the shots take the lead, and everything is just going down so smoothly now. I study Silver, he watches everyone. Placing my hand on his thigh, I draw his attention back to me. A smile, a glance, and then the kiss…. That was my plan and he was happy to oblige.
I pull off his lips, but hover close to his mouth. “Are you having fun?”
“I’m having a great time. I love to watch everyone. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a gay bar. Hell, the closest I get to the bar scene is my own club, and I’m usually there on business not pleasure.” He grabs a fistful of my shirt and pulls me into another kiss. “I’m feeling those shots already, this should be interesting.” His boyish laugh is music to my ears. It’s great to see him act his age for once. He’s always business. He asked me to show him fun, and I plan to do just that.
We watch Levi and Milo grind out on the dance floor as we finish off our drinks. “Do you want to dance?” I ask Silver. I know he said he doesn’t, but I love to. He stares toward the door not answering my question. So I ask again. Nothing still. Snapping my fingers and tilting my head to block his view I say, “You in there? Earth to Silver.”
“Look who just walked in.” He nods his head to point toward the front door. The crowd clears just enough for me to see Professor Mullins walking in. He stands at the entrance and looks around. He must be expecting someone. “What the hell is he doing here?”
“It’s a gay bar, Silver. He’s probably here on a date, or just here to socialize.”
Silver grunts a mocking laugh. “He’s not social. Now, the date is entirely possible.”
I rub my hand up his thigh. I lean in closely to whisper, “Let’s not worry about Marcus. I know I’m not. I want to pull you on the dance floor and show all these men how hot MY date is.” I tease his lips with my tongue―the taste of the liquor still lingering on them. He grabs my chin, looks me in the eyes, and devours my teasing mouth. I will announce right now that Brian Silver, CEO, is the best fucking kisser I have ever experienced. Wow… again, wow. “Dance with me.”
“I don’t dance.”
“Don’t or won’t?”
“I
need more drinks.”
“Mr. Silver, do I need to remind you that you wanted fun, and this is fun.” I look over to the dance floor that is packed with gorgeous men grinding and dancing―having fun. I pout my lips, but he is one hard man. He sips his drink slowly, teasing me with his answer. “Fine, I’m dancing. You can just sit here on your little barstool, and watch me dance with Levi and Milo.” I don’t give him a chance to respond. I know he isn’t changing his mind. I kiss him on the cheek and bounce my groove to the middle of the dance floor.
The next song comes on just as I reach Levi and Milo. I love to dance. I love to move freely―to show off the way my body melts to the music. My hips are swaying. I feel a hand reach from behind me and grab my waist. I turn expecting Silver, but instead there is a gorgeous tall African-American man moving and dancing up against my back. I go with it. I glance over to Silver―he’s not nursing his drink anymore. Instead, his eyes glue to me and the man that made the move. The man rubs his hands down the sides of my body as we work the rhythm of the sound though our dance moves. Silver stands. Well, my pouting or asking didn’t work, but I found what will get Silver on the dance floor. Jealously
I turn away from Silver as he walks to the dance floor. I’m trying to play this cool so he doesn’t think I’m intentionally making him jealous―although, I’m guilty as charged. Silver walks right in front of me. He smiles and then glares at the man. “I think it’s my turn.” He pulls me to his chest.
“Hey, man, sorry about that. I didn’t realize he was with you,” the man says, grinning at me. “Too bad―I had some pretty bad things I wanted to do to you tonight.” He winks, and Silver’s jealousy boils.
“Not gonna happen. The only things that will be happening to him tonight will be from me.”
“Gotchya, man.” The man looks me in my eyes. “Nice dancing with you. Look me up if this doesn’t work.” He points back and forth between me and Silver then hands me a business card.
Silver takes the card. “Thank you.” The man walks away. Silver crumbles the card and puts it into those tight jeans of his. “You did that on purpose.”
“What?” My innocence is fading though the alcohol and lights.
He pulls me close, and we sway to the music. His hips grind close to me, his hands grip my waist. The music changes to MKTO’s “Classic”. He releases me and we roll our bodies to the upbeat song. Silver lied―this man can move. He has every eye on him and me. He’s dancing, rolling his sexy body, all around me. I keep up with his moves. We got this, and we look damn hot. I should have known that he could dance. He’s awesome in bed―I know those hips can move. This is great. He’s having fun. Milo and Levi are still all over each other. And I am slowly feeling my heart soar one move at a time. The song ends, but we still move closely to the other. “And you said you couldn’t dance.”
“I never said I couldn’t. I said I don’t dance. I don’t like to look like a fool.”
“You had every eye on you―you did not look like a fool. I do though for not kissing the fuck out of you right now to stake my claim.” I laugh.
“Is that so.” He stops our sensual samba. “Are you staking your claim? I thought I had to do that.” He yanks me close, and then dips me. Everyone is staring. “I claim you―remember that, Mr. Black.” He kisses me. The alcohol rushes to my head and his kiss rushes through my body. He lifts me back up.
“I need another drink.” I fan my face from the heat of the room and the heat he stirs in me.
“After that, I need a cold shower. Mr. Black, I will say that you are in for one hell of a night when I get you home tonight. Let’s go get that drink.” He takes my hand as we walk proudly to the bar.
All the eyes were on us. So of course, Marcus knows we’re there as well, and he’s conveniently leaning on the bar. Silver squeezes my hand when Marcus makes eye contact with us. Silver looks over to me and winks. We order our drinks. We try and ignore Marcus. Try. Marcus clears his throat and we’re almost forced to look his way. “Well, aren’t you both a couple of dirty dancers.”
“How’s it going, Professor Mullins?” I try to be nice.
“What’s this Professor Mullins shit? I thought we agreed you’d call me Marcus, Greyson?”
“That’s right, sorry.”
“Maybe you should go by Professor; that way you know your limits,” Silver retorts.
“Limits? I have no idea what you’re talking about, Brian. Greyson and I are friends.”
“You’re not friends―if anything, you’re merely acquaintances.”
“Whatever, doesn’t matter.”
The bartender serves us our drinks. Just in time, if you ask me. Silver pulls out his wallet to pay for the drinks. Marcus stops him and looks over to the bartender. “I got this. Please, put it on my tab.”
“I can pay,” Silver all but demands.
“Brian, why must you always be so rude? I’m doing my friendly gesture for the night as I wait for my date to show up.”
“Well, thank you Marcus,” I say, trying to break the testosterone tug-a-war between them.
“Thanks.” Silver turns away from Marcus, rolling his eyes.
“So, is this your first time here? I know the owners, and they did an awesome job on this renovation.” Marcus sips his wine while he watches the door.
“This is my first time here,” Silver answers.
“I come here all the time,” I add. “It’s a great place. My friend Levi did this event tonight.”
“Hmm…really not into karaoke―never understood the thrill in it, but that’s me.”
“Stuck-up you.” Silver glares at him. Boy, he really can’t stand him.
“I’m surprised you like it. Greyson must have some effect on you, because the Brian I know would never be in a place like this. And he would never be dancing.”
“This isn’t Greyson. This is me trying new things, and I quite like it.”
“Good,” Marcus sarcastically answers while he glances over to the door. His eyes light up. “Oh, good, my date is here. We met online. We’re meeting for the first time tonight. I told him to bring an orange rose.” Silver and I look over to the door, then quickly back at each other in shock. What the hell? I couldn’t believe it, and by the look on Silver’s face, he couldn’t either. The man clenching the orange rose, Marcus’s date―is Jeff.
~Chapter Nineteen~
Marcus leaves us at the bar to go to greet his “date.” Silver and I watch them exchange a warm hello, they hug, and then Jeff hands Marcus the orange rose. I guess Jeff lied about not wanting to move on―not that―that isn’t a shocker. I turn away from them and face the bar. Silver is still watching casually. I lean my shoulder into his chest. He tilts his head to face me. “Are you ok with this?”
“With what―Jeff here with another man? Fuck yes. I couldn’t really care less who he’s with. Let someone else deal with his lies. I just wish it wasn’t here in front of us.” I sigh, and slam the rest of my drink down my throat. “What I think is funny―Jeff asked me out today.” I chuckle an annoying laugh. “The guy is a chronic liar. I hate liars.”
“He asked you out? Like on a date?” Silver is focused on just that one part.
“It doesn’t matter. I can tell you, with a hundred percent certainty―I am not interested in anything that man does.”
“Then why are you letting him ruin your night?” Silver raises his eyebrows in an all-knowing motion, and then chugs the rest of his drink. He orders two more shots of liquid marijuana.
I walk behind him and wrap my arms around his waist. “I’m not, and if I was―I’m not going to anymore. I’m here with you. I’m going home with you. I’m having a wonderful time. I just don’t like games, and that’s all I was to Jeff―one big game.”
Silver turns in my arms to face me. He grins, and then leans into a soft passionate kiss. He turns me around slowly, still sealing his lips to mine. He stops. His eyes are glazed over with drunkenness. He’s drunk on alcohol, and on me. It’s a wonderful fe
eling to see that in his eyes. He steps back, hooks both his index fingers through the loops of my jeans, and pulls me toward the dance floor. His silence is very seductive. We stop right next to Levi and Milo. The music is fast, some Cher fanatic is up singing. But Silver is swaying slowly in a delicious way. I follow his moves. We’re in our own world: slow dancing, caressing, and enjoying each other. My mind is on nothing else. Not even Jeff is going to ruin this night for me. The music stops as the DJ announces the next person for their chance to shine in the karaoke spotlight. Levi jumps over to Silver and I. We haven’t stopped dancing. Levi puts his arms around both of us. He’s drunk too.
“Aw, look at you two―so fucking cute the two of you are,” Levi says in a high pitched tone. “Are you having fun? I’m having fun…. Shit, I’m drunk.”
Silver laughs, “I think we’re all drunk, Levi. And yes―” Silver pauses to look at me. “I’m having a great time.”
“Me too,” I add.
“Good!” Levi squeals, but then gets a little nervous on his face. “I’m off the clock now, Brian. This isn’t how I work normally. It’s just a little reward. The place is hopping. The night took off just the way I wanted―now it’s time to enjoy it.”
“No worries, Levi. I know you wouldn’t do this on the clock. You’ve told me all night.”
“I have? Well, shit, honey I’m just a little nervous.”
“No need to be. We are all having a wonderful time.” Silver pats Levi’s shoulder.
“Good, I was afraid after Pinocchio walked in, he would ruin everything.” Have I mentioned how much I love Levi? Pinocchio, so true.
“Not a chance,” I say, confidently.
“That’s right, baby! Drinks all around,” Levi announces, pulling my hand toward the bar―Silver and Milo follow. Shots flow as quickly as we get them to our lips. The disco ball isn’t the only thing spinning at this point―my head is spinning and my heart is jumping watching Silver laugh and smile with my friends. It’s perfect. Levi toasts one last round just as the DJ announces the next singer. “Greyson Black!” The crowd cheers. Silver grins ear to ear. Levi looks guilty as hell.
