A Fluid State
Page 25
“What did I tell you about being on your phone in the mornings though?” Patrick said.
Peter’s face fell. “But I was looking at the stuff from last night. Bob shared a video of Ann. It’s got lots of likes.”
“That doesn’t matter-”
“Well, wait a minute there,” Andrew said. “How many is ‘lots’?”
Patrick rolled his eyes. “I see I’m out-numbered. Come up here then and show us this video.”
Peter jumped up onto the bed between them and they watched the video of Ann’s performance.
(As always, flawless)
“I guess I did okay,” Andrew said, always more modest than the queen in his head.
“You did great,” Patrick said. “You know you did.”
Andrew grinned. “True.” Modesty, after all, only got you so far.
Peter’s stomach growled. “Guess we should get you some breakfast, hey?” They both turned to look at Patrick, who rolled his eyes again and laughed. “Fine. I’ll cook. Peter, go watch TV while we get dressed.”
“There’s no new episodes.”
“There are shows other than Drag Race,” Patrick said.
Peter looked at Andrew and they both looked at Patrick. “Bad shows,” Peter said.
“Go,” Patrick said, pointing to the door and laughing. “I can’t roll my eyes three times before even getting out of bed.”
When they were alone, Patrick rolled onto his side and placed his hand on Andrew’s shoulder. “You’re still saying yes?”
“To moving in? Yes, it’s a yes.”
He leaned in. The kiss was less minty and far more serious. Short though, because Andrew’s stomach gurgled too. “Fine, fine,” Patrick said. “I can take the hint.”
They quickly threw on clothes and headed out to the kitchen. “You really should start learning how to cook more,” Patrick said. “There’s lots I can teach you too, it seems.”
“I know how to order take-out.”
“You can’t do that every night.”
“That’s why I have you,” Andrew said, wrapping his arms around Patrick and nuzzling his neck.
“I can hear that!” Peter called. “I know you’re smooching.”
“We aren’t!” Andrew called back.
“Well, you’re about to be!”
Patrick spun out of Andrew’s arms. “Were we about to be?”
Andrew shrugged. “Probably.” He stuck his tongue out.
As the coffee started to percolate and as the eggs began to sizzle in the frying pan, Andrew sat down at the table and simply drank in the moment. This was his life now. It really was.
He looked up to see Patrick looking at him.
“What?”
“You’re happy.”
Andrew smiled. “I really am.” He paused. “Hey, look who’s reading whose mind now.”
Patrick smiled back, and Andrew could tell he was remembering that long ago conversation. “Guess that’s one more thing I learned to do.”
“I think you already knew how. I just freed you up.”
“You freed me in a lot of ways.”
Patrick said it with such authenticity and ease. That was why Andrew loved him so much. There was no pretense in him at all. Andrew felt the grin creep across his face.
“What are we going to do today then?” Patrick said.
“I guess I should pack.”
Patrick raised an eyebrow. “You don’t waste any time.”
“Not gonna let you change your mind.”
“That’s not going to happen. Andrewsexual forever.”
And Andrew believed him. Life could move in unexpected ways, that was for sure, and nothing could ever stay the same forever. Andrew believed that too. But he also knew they’d found something in each other that would keep them solid.
He stood up and pressed his lips against Patrick’s neck. “I’m trying to cook here.”
“Just one little kiss?”
Patrick turned his head and his mouth found Andrew’s.
“I can hear that!” Peter called again.
“Then turn up the TV!” They said it at the same time and then both laughed.
He really did have it all, it seemed. Laughter on his lips, a beautiful man in his arms, and more.
(See? I’m everywhere)
About the Author
Rob Browatzke has been writing for as long as he can remember, and is pretty darn excited for someone else to be reading his stuff finally! When it comes to gay bars and booze and drugs and drama, he knows what he's talking about. He came out in the mid-90s, and liquor and drama went hand in hand. He has 20+ years of experience working in gay clubs in Edmonton, Alberta, and is now 8+ years clean and sober, although there's still a bit of drama once in a while, for old times' sake.
Rob loves the growing market for gay fiction and m/m romance. There are some incredible authors out there, and it's important to be able to see in print (or on the screen) stories about people just like us. Coming out, our relationships, the issues we face, we all have stories to tell. And this book is just one of the stories coming out of his imaginary Wonderland.
Feel free to stalk him online. He’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @robbrowatzke.
www.browatzke.com
ALSO SET IN RIVER CITY
Wonderland is River City’s hottest nightclub, but for Alex, it’s a rabbit hole of temptation. A fight with his boyfriend Steven plunges him into a world of drug-fueled sexcapades, and when Steven goes missing, things escalate, FAST. The Hatter’s sick beats and the Caterpillar’s tasty treats are just distractions from his one goal: finding Steven.
This tale of sex, drugs, kidnapping, and brunch takes you into the underbelly of gay River City.
Things should have gone back to normal for Alex and Steven but the Caterpillar’s treats proved to tempting for Alex. This rabbit hole is darker than ever, a spiral of booze and drugs and sex. His friends reach out, but Alex doesn’t want their help. Only Steven manages to make Alex see that he needs to confront his past if he wants a future.
From the flashing lights of Wonderland to the backroom of the Hole, this book takes us back to River City, where nothing is as it seems.
Wonderland is closing. The bar owner, Chess, has decided it’s time. News of the pending closure send shockwaves through staff and customers alike. Brandon faces an uncertain future while starting a new flirtation with a charming twink. Aaron, the resident Queen of Hearts, finds his spotlight challenged by a newcomer. Jesse and Colton, the Wonder Twins, navigate their open relationship.
Until one night changes everything.
Also from Rob Browatzke
Jake is dead. Ben knows that, as Ben was the one who arranged his funeral. No wonder then that Ben was a bit surprised to wake up and see Jake standing over him.
On the night before Pride, Jake’s ghost warns Ben that the path he is on will only lead to loneliness. Jake promises three more spirits will visit Ben before the night is through. If Ben doesn’t want to die angry and alone, he needs to listen to what they tell him.
www.browatzke.com