The Platinum Reunion

by T V Hartwell

  “Nope, not at all. It was dark but you could still see what they were up to.”

  “What were other people in the club doing while this was going on?”

  “Nothing. People were completely unaffected by it. It was like you either join in or sit back and be a voyeur and watch. I’ve got to take you to this place, dude. You’ve got to expand your horizons a little,” Kirby said with a chuckle, patting Jake on the shoulder.

  “Well, I must admit, I am a little curious. I’d definitely prefer it over The Abbey, that’s for sure. Nothing against gay clubs, but I really don’t want to run into any of Amanda’s friends and get the rumors flying all over again.”

  “Yeah, this place doesn’t bill itself as a gay club. There are a lot straight people who go there. Everybody goes there, really. It meets the definition of mixed crowd perfectly. Nobody’s trying to figure out if you’re gay, straight, bi, or whatever. It’s just a wild, decadent club with no boundaries. You’re free to be whoever you want to be there. No judgment.”

  “I’m just wearing a T-shirt and jeans. Should I go home and change?”

  Kirby smirked as he eyeballed Jake up and down. “Jake, you make that T-shirt look good, like it’s the hottest piece of clothing ever. You know, that’s one thing I’ve always liked about you,” Kirby said as he chuckled in a teasing way.

  “What?” Jake asked with a dumbfounded expression on his face.

  “You can be so humble and unassuming at times. It’s very charming. Stay that way.”

  “Why? Because I think I should change clothes?”

  “No. Because you seem to have no idea how sexy you are at times. You could be wearing a pair of raggedy overalls and people would think they were the hottest thing ever just because you were wearing them.”

  Jake grinned from ear to ear.

  Kirby grinned too. His charm offensive appeared to be working. In his mind, his night with Jake was just getting started.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  “Fuck, look at this line,” Jake said when he and Kirby arrived outside the club.

  “I know the promoter, or at least, I’ve met him.”

  “How’d you meet him?”

  “Because a buddy of mine—a guy in the industry, you don’t know him—is the one who first brought me here, and he knows the promoter. They’re friends, and he introduced me to him.”

  “So are you on a list or something to get us in? Because I really don’t plan on waiting around in this line.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Just follow me,” Kirby said as he walked straight to the head of the line and greeted one of the bouncers, a bald-headed, hulking black dude in a dark suit. He had the build of an NFL linebacker and must’ve weighted at least two hundred fifty pounds.

  Kirby shook the bouncer’s hand and bumped shoulders with him followed by a pat on the back. “Hey, man….”

  After the initial greeting, Jake couldn’t hear what else Kirby told the man, but whatever he said, it worked. The man unhooked the velvet rope and let them through. No questions asked.

  Kirby led the way as they walked down a long dark hall with just enough dim lighting along the baseboards to make their way to the club’s main room without tripping over themselves. The pulsating sound of electronic dance music could be heard louder and louder as they drew closer to the point of entry. They passed through a set of thick floor-to-ceiling curtains to enter the space, which was dark but dramatic, with electric candelabras everywhere. It was like walking into a secret lair for vampires. The intermittent flash of strobe lights revealed a room that was packed, alive, and full of revelry. The music pumped hard and the dance floor was lit. There were scantily clad male and female go-go dancers on risers above the dance floor. They were gyrating and pumping their bodies provocatively, drawing attention to themselves while guiding the crowd to follow their lead through the chorus of sound.

  Kirby got caught up in the energy of the scene the minute he walked in. He started grooving to the music, swaying his body and snapping his fingers to the beat. “Isn’t this cool?”

  “Wow,” is all Jake could muster. He couldn’t believe his eyes—the debauchery and indulgence of it all. Just as Kirby had told him, there were people on the dance floor, including some bare-chested men and women wearing skimpy halter or bikini tops, dancing tight and close, touching, feeling, and holding on to each other. Some people seemed delirious like they were high on ecstasy while others seemed like they were having an out-of-body spiritual experience like in a Pentecostal church. They all seemed lost in the moment, lost in jubilation. They seemed free. Jake couldn’t take his eyes off the go-go dancers, especially the male dancers and their buff bodies. They looked so sensual and erotic as they danced and tantalized the crowd with seeming obliviousness. One man in particular caught Jake’s eye. He was very muscular and his skin glistened with oil like that of a bodybuilder in competition. In addition to a pair of black leather biker boots, all the male dancer was wearing was a G-string with suspenders that strung up from his crotch, over his shoulders and down his back, where they converged at the crack of his butt. The guy had the most monstrous, muscular ass Jake had ever seen. Jake’s mouth fell open when the dancer swirled around to display it, holding onto the rail of the riser he was dancing on, taunting and teasing with every dance move. Then he turned back around. “Holy fuck,” Jake said to himself when he noticed how hung the dude appeared to be. The strobe lights flashing and flickering made the size of the guy’s endowment all the more apparent.

  The dancer started to pump his pelvis while running his hands up and down his chest and abdomen seductively. Jake was mesmerized. He just stood still and watched the dancer’s body as his own body began to react. He could feel an erection coming on as his tool began to twitch and fight for room to stretch underneath his underwear and tight jeans. It became so uncomfortable that he reached down to make an adjustment. He had a head-on view as the dancer kept pumping his pelvis with the beat of the music. Jake’s mouth watered at the sight of the stud. It was one of the most erotic things he’d ever seen—a big, muscular guy in a G-string dancing around in front of a crowd so confidently, so seductively, effeminately even, while still dripping with so much testosterone and rugged masculinity. Jake kept his eyes glued on the guy’s crotch until suddenly he realized that he too was being watched—by said dancer. The dancer caught Jake’s gaze. He then stretched his arm out and pointed to Jake and with his index finger and motioned for Jake to come hither, over to him. Startled and a little embarrassed, Jake immediately looked away.

  Jake glanced over at Kirby and could see that he was on the verge of joining the crowd on the dance floor. The music with its fast, up-tempo beat, emotional melody, and rhythmic crescendos was beckoning and casting a spell on his friend, but Jake didn’t want to dance, at least not yet. He grabbed Kirby by the arm to get his attention and then leaned over to speak in his ear. “Where’s the bar? Let’s go get a drink.”

  “The bar?” Kirby said back over the loud music.

  “Yeah. Let’s go get a drink,” Jake said, raising his voice so that Kirby could hear him better.

  “I’m ready to dance, man. This music is on point right now. Whattaya think of this crowd?”

  “It’s just like you said it would be, but I didn’t expect the go-go dancers.”

  “Isn’t that hot? I love it. Check out that guy up there with the big ass. He’s workin’ it, isn’t he?”

  “I noticed him,” Jake said with a smirk. Increasingly feeling the need for a drink to loosen up a bit, Jake looked around the room and finally spotted the bar. It had been hidden behind a crush of people that was beginning to break up a little. Jake took charge and pulled Kirby by the shirt. “I found the bar. Let’s go.”

  Kirby pulled loose from Jake’s grip. “Dude, I swear, you always want a drink. You just had three beers, man.”

  “Well, it’s time for another one. This place is weirding me out. I need something a little harder to get me in the right mood.”r />
  Jake led the way, and Kirby followed behind him. “What are you having? It’s on me,” Jake said after they’d reached the bar.

  “I don’t know what I want.”

  “How about tequila?”

  Kirby didn’t seem too keen as he continued to hem and haw.

  “Come on, let’s do a few tequila shots, nice and straight.”

  “Man, I don’t need that right now.”

  “But it loosens you up, makes you relaxed.”

  “I’m already relaxed. You’re the one who’s all uptight and needs to relax. I’m good, man…really. You go ahead and have however many shots it takes.”

  “Wait, you’re going to let me drink by myself, bro? You’re not going to have a shot with me, not even one?” Jake said with feigned incredulity.

  Seeing that Kirby wasn’t budging, Jake said, “All right, fine!” before turning to the bartender, who asked for his order.

  “I’ll take three tequila shots,” Jake said as he opened his wallet and pulled out a wad of bills.

  Kirby rolled his eyes. “Okay, I’ll have a shot.”

  “A shot? That’s it?”

  “A shot,” Kirby said firmly. “But only because I feel pity for you and don’t want you drink alone.”

  “Oh, gee, thanks,” Jake said before calling out to the bartender, “Can you add one more shot to that order, please?”

  “Plus, you’re so damn cute and irresistible when you pout. I can’t help it.”

  Jake grinned. “You’re so easy to guilt-trip.”

  The bartender placed the four shots on the bar in front of them. “Forty bucks,” he said.

  Jake handed him two twenties and a ten. “You can keep the change.”

  “Salud,” Kirby said before he quickly downed his single shot while Jake looked on. Kirby opened his mouth wide and poked out his tongue afterward. “Ahhh,” he exclaimed as he widened his eyes and shook his head slightly as if trying to shake off the burn in his throat. “Damn, that’s some potent shit.”

  Jake snickered. “Want another one, bro? Here,” Jake said teasingly as he attempted to hand Kirby one of his three shots.

  “No, thanks. I’m good. I’ve never really liked doing shots, to be honest. Besides, any tequila expert will tell you that it’s supposed to be sipped and savored like a good whiskey, not gulped like its fucking water or something.”

  “That’s unless you’re trying to get drunk quickly, in which case downing it is the better approach.”

  “Well then, get to it, bro. What are you waiting for? Although you’re such a fish, I don’t think three will be enough for you.”

  “Hey, don’t push me or you’ll be carrying me out of here over your shoulder.”

  “That’s all right. Come on now…” Kirby said, taking the shot out of Jake’s hand “… bottoms up.” Kirby lifted the glass to serve it up to Jake.

  Jake titled his head back and stuck out his tongue, waving it around tauntingly, and doing a little jiggle with his body, acting silly.

  Kirby laughed and stepped toward him. “You ready, man?”

  “Uh-huh,” Jake uttered with his mouth wide open and head titled back.

  “Here we go,” Kirby said before putting the rim of the glass to Jake’s bottom lip and then lifting it swiftly to pour into his mouth.

  It came rushing down fast and quick. Jake began to gag and cough, stepping back and bending over.

  “You all right, man?” Kirby said as he reached to pat Jake on the back.

  Jake gathered himself and stood up straight. “Yeah…I’m fine,” he said with a grimace, wiping his face as some of the tequila had fallen out of his mouth. “You poured it down too fast. I’m not a fuckin’ drain, dude. Jeez.”

  Kirby laughed and then picked up another tequila shot. “Are you ready for the next one?”

  “I’ll do it myself,” Jake said, taking the glass of tequila from Kirby. He then downed the second and third shots in short order.

  A busty redhead approached them soon after. It wasn’t clear if she died her hair or not, but the color was beautifully bright and uniform throughout and perfectly coiffed. She had kind of a throwback Farrah Fawcett vibe going on. Her skin was pale with light freckles, and she was a bit fleshy, but she wore it well. Her confidence was apparent, and she looked sexy as hell in her platform high heels, skinny, form fitting, rhinestone-covered designer jeans, and sequin mesh halter top that left little to the imagination. It stopped Kirby in midsentence.

  “Damn,” he said, looking her up and down as she stepped toward him.

  “Hey,” she said cheerfully, patting Kirby on the arm. “I remember you. Oh my gosh, your name is on the tip of my tongue. Wait, don’t tell me. It’s Tobey, right?”

  Kirby started to laugh. Jake grinned as he looked on, distracted by the sight of her big breasts. He could hardly keep his eyes off them.

  “Close. It’s Kirby.”

  “Oh shit,” she said, slapping her hand to her forehead. “I’m so sorry.”

  “That’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”

  “I’m so embarrassed. I always forget names.”

  “Oh, no worries. Come here,” Kirby said, extending his arms to hug her. She stepped into his arms and Kirby held her tight and close. He made eye contact with Jake as he did so and winked.

  Jake lifted his brow and grinned as he checked out the woman from behind.

  “You’re looking good, girl,” Kirby said to her after they broke their embrace.

  “So do you, and who’s this hottie you’re with over here, serving shots to?”

  “Oh, you saw that?”

  “I sure did,” she answered all cutesy.

  “This is my best friend, Jake.”

  “Hi! Katrina,” she said, extending her hand to Jake.

  “Nice to meet you,” Jake said, shaking her hand.

  “Yeah, that’s right, Katrina,” Kirby said.

  “See, you didn’t remember my name either.”

  Kirby chuckled, appearing slightly embarrassed. “I know. I’m just as bad about remembering names.”

  “So where’s your other friend you were here with last time? I remember he’s the one who introduced you to The Naked Bunny.”

  “I don’t know if he’ll be here tonight. I believe he’s on location shooting a music video with JLo. You’re right, though—he was my chaperone, but I’m good now. I’ve been sufficiently initiated, and I’m hooked on this place. I’m chaperoning him now,” Kirby said with a nod of the head at Jake.

  Katrina turned to Jake. “Oh, so this is your first time?”

  “Yep, my first time.”

  “Love that shirt by the way. I love Metallica,” she said, surveying Jake up and down.

  “He thought he looked too underdressed,” Kirby said.

  Katrina giggled. “Oh no, you and that shirt go well together,” she said while patting Jake on the chest. “Oooh…so firm,” she said, lingering in her touch.

  Jake grinned, enjoying the attention.

  “Hey, hey, take it easy. Break him in nice and slow. He’s still a cubby bear. All this gratuitous groping and touching going on around here was freaking him out just a few minutes ago.”

  “No it wasn’t,” Jake said defensively.

  “Yes it was. Dude, don’t lie. That’s why he needed those tequila shots,” Kirby said with a chuckle.

  “Don’t listen to him,” Jake said.

  “A newbie, huh? I like that. We should take him out on the dance floor. Get you all nice and sweaty and make you lose that shirt,” Katrina said as she ran her index finger down Jake’s shirt from his pecs to his navel.

  “Now you’re talkin’,” Kirby agreed.

  Jake grinned bashfully and tried to change the subject. “So anyway, what do you do?”

  “I’m a performer. I sing. I act. I dance. I model. I’m a girl of many trades.”

  Although her response was typical for a girl one met at such a club in Hollywood, Jake acted genuinely interested and put on
the charm. “Oh yeah? I love meeting a real showgirl. What have you done?”

  “Oh, different things. I’ve been in a lot of music videos. When hip-hop artists want a white girl with big boobs and a big ass in their music videos, they call me.”

  Jake and Kirby both chuckled. “Yeah, I can see that. You definitely meet the criteria,” Kirby wisecracked.

  “Oh, hush,” she said, waving him off playfully. “Plus, I’m a pretty good dancer. What can I say? I’ve got the right look and the right moves. That’s why they want me. Anyways, what do you do?” she asked Jake.

  “I’m a lawyer.”

  “Oooh…a lawyer. You don’t see many lawyers coming through here, certainly none that look like you.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Jake said with a grin.

  “Nothing bad, but I thought you were going to say you’re a model or something. You just have that pretty boy look down pat with those blue eyes and the blond hair, and those muscles. Oh my God. You’re so damn pretty. I feel so inadequate standing next you. Jesus!”

  Jake blushed and looked down.

  Kirby busted out a laugh. “Ain’t he pretty? I tell him that all the time but he hates it.”

  “You too. You’re both gorgeous. Do you guys have girlfriends?”

  Kirby answered quickly, “Nope.”

  “No,” Jake said in a more demure way.

  “Or are you guys gay?”

  Her forwardness threw Jake off. He made eye contact with Kirby, feeling a little startled at the question. Then they both grinned.

  “If I had to guess, I’d say you guys are gay. Maybe bi.”

  “Why do you say that?” Kirby asked, incredulous.

  “My gaydar is pretty accurate about ninety percent of the time. Plus, I’m a good reader of energy, and you two have great energy. There’s like this chemistry, this magnetism between the two of you. You’re very drawn to each other. You complement each other in many ways.”

  Jake was quietly astounded at this unexpected read. It made him uncomfortable. He knew that what she was saying was true, but the accuracy of it combined with the fact that the observation was coming from a complete stranger who didn’t know him from Adam stunned him into silence. He turned to the bar, looking for a crutch to help him keep it together. However, he’d forgotten that he’d drunk all of the tequila shots already.