Heard it Through the Grapevine

Chapter Four

We had been standing in the MoTav line for about fifteen minutes before Ari got noticeably impatient. All of the boys were anxiously fidgeting and looking around–it wasn't looking like we'd get to dance or drink anytime soon. I distantly wondered if I'd get a chance to pee soon. Finally, with a huff, Ari stepped out of line.

"This is ridiculous, we're the Honeyboys. Come with me, guys." He ushered us all out of line and marched straight up to the bouncers. I couldn't quite hear them, but it wasn't looking good. Ari was looking more flustered by the minute.

Just as it seemed like we would have to turn around, a voice rang out from inside the bar.

"Oh I KNOW that's not the Honeyboys!" I heard, and then, a beautiful woman came walking out from the crowd. She was wearing brightly colored party clothes and a chunky pair of headphones over her ears. She had luscious flowing brown hair, glowing tan skin, and a huge smile on her face.

"DJ GABBY!" The rest of the Honeyboys yelled. She leaned in to whisper something to the bouncers, who's hardened facial expressions immediately softened and they moved aside to let us in.

DJ Gabby led us through the hot, sweaty crowd and up the stairs to the dance floor. Behind her DJ booth were a group of the most fabulous people I had ever seen–gorgeous girls with slicked back pony tails and leather pants. They were each sipping from a fruity looking mixed drink and were dancing freely to the music. We made our way over to the bar, where Matt ordered us a round of shots.

Nervously, I started accepting drink after drink from the boys as we danced the night away. Tequila, green tea shots, and midori sours flowed like a river. I even saw Nick take a blowjob shot off of Reese.

Suddenly, as DJ Gabby hit us with yet another bass drop, I felt my stomach drop too. I realized I was about to lose my cool, and started running down the stairs. I made it halfway down bubblegum alley before falling to my knees and upchucking whatever I had eaten that day. When I finally composed myself, I looked up to see Grady standing at the entrance to the alley, watching me.

"Come on Nate, I'm taking you home." After picking up some nachos from Tonitas, we started to wander back home to the Hive.

"So what did you think of the show?" Grady asked me as we walked.

"It was incredible," I said drunkenly. "You guys completely blew me away. I had no idea what I was getting into, and now that I've seen you play.... I don't know."

"What do you mean?" Grady pushed on.

"I just don't know if I have what it takes..." I took a deep breath. "What it takes to be a Honeyboy." I looked up shyly as Grady's smile softened, and he chuckled. We had made it back to the Hive, and were standing in front of the door under the dim glow of the porch light.

"Don't say that, Nathan. I've seen you play the sax with Carpool. You're really good!"

"I just don't think I'm as good as you guys yet." I confessed. Grady shook his head and laughed some more.

"You know, being a Honeyboy isn't just about musical talent." He looked up, and our eyes met. "I believe in you."

Overcome with emotion and alcohol, I leaned in. I couldn't help myself, but Grady stopped me with two hands to my chest.

"No, we can't. Not right now. You're drunk." He said, and started to open the door. I felt the blood rush to my face in embarrassment as I nodded and stepped inside. "Don't worry about it." He spoke again with a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow." He wandered off deeper into the Hive, leaving me alone in the dark living room to wonder how I had gotten here.