Tenement Funster

It's Too Late Baby....

He had a plan.  After Allen left him to determine his next move, Roger came up with a plan. His first course of action was to talk to Brian.  He needed to see him before the party.  Before he saw Mel. Roger hurriedly dressed and checked his hair before he left his flat with determination.  He walked straight to the other side of the 6th floor.  He was running late to his own party.

Roger prayed Brian was home when he pressed the buzzer on the door to his flat.  He twisted the new ring on his finger and felt his stomach whirl as he waited.  There was no answer.  Shit!  He checked his watch again and felt sure Brian had to be home if he was going to the party tonight.  What if Brian had already gone to Monty's?  Shit!

He realized he wasn't going to see him before the party and groaned as he headed for the lift.  He couldn't delay his arrival much longer.  The party was for him after all.  He arrived at Monty's door and could hear music playing inside.  Roger took a deep breath and opened the door.

"There you are!"  he heard Monty declare as he found the room full of people.  Someone had strung paper streamers up with balloons and there was a hand made sign with 'Happy Birthday Roger' on it.  There was cheesy music playing and he noted everyone had on paper party hats.  It all felt kind of kitsch.  He smiled and saw everyone was already here except Brian.  Where was he?

"Happy Birthday Roger!"  Terry, one of the regulars, declared as everyone started milling closer to the birthday boy.  Roger waved and kept his smile as he got a few kisses on the cheek and pats on the shoulder from his party guests.  He noticed people were dressed up a bit for an informal birthday party.   Mel was wearing a new dress and had on a paper hat like the others.

"Thanks..."  he told them as Mel walked up and placed a crown on his head.  He gave her an unsure look as she adjusted it.  It all seemed a little over the top for a grown up party.

"Happy birthday baby..."  she said and kissed his cheek.  She then wrapped her arm around his and led him to the dining table.  

"I hope your hungry...we've put out a feast for you!"  she remarked as Roger saw platters of chicken canapes, potato salad, crisps, pretzels, sandwiches, cheese and pineapple sticks.  Vicky came in carrying a plate of fish fingers.   It was nicer than he imagined.

"This looks great...thanks!"  he told them politely.  

"Everyone is here...what do you want to drink?"  Mel asked him.  Roger still didn't see Brian.

"Is Brian here yet?"  he asked.  As soon as the words left his mouth, Brian appeared from the hallway wearing one of those ridiculous paper hats.  He saw that Brian had also dressed up a bit and looked quite handsome.  He smiled when he saw Roger.  The blond noticed he was carrying a wrapped gift.   Brian waved to him casually as Roger watched him walk to a side table and lay his gift down next to several other presents.  Roger was relieved to see he made it to the party, but was irritated he had missed seeing him in private.   Monty came up to Brian and they exchanged a few words as Monty patted Brian on the shoulder and smiled at him.  Roger wondered what it was about.  He was starting to feel a little anxious.

"I'll having something strong..."  Roger told Mel.  He needed a stiff drink to get through this night.  Mel nodded and turned to Brian.

"Want something to drink?"  Mel asked Brian.  

"Anything is fine..."  he replied and Mel disappeared into the kitchen as Brian came up to Roger's side at the food table. 

"Happy birthday..."  Brian said and wrapped his arm around Roger's shoulder in a friendly manner.  Roger looked up at him and smiled.  He knew Brian was trying to appear casual.  Just another friend at the party.