Love to Hate You

Chapter 24

EZRA'S POV
The girls were topless and spinning on poles. The music was blaring and the crowd were all enjoying the entertainment. My job is to make the drinks and keep that crowd happy.
"Long Island Iced Tea, please." The female ordered. I wipe my hands on a towel and toss it  over my shoulder. I smile and try to be welcoming. I prepare the drink and then hand it over. I hear someone calling my name. I look up and there's Liam, walking towards me.
"Ezra." He said. I smile and give him a bro hug over the counter.
"Liam. What are you doing here??" I asked, surprised to see him at my job.
"I'm here with some buddies. I didn't know you worked at this club." He said. I didn't think Liam would be the type of guy to visit a strip club. He seems to be full of surprises.
"Having fun??" I asked, purely out of curiosity.
He smiled mischievously.
"Do you have fun working here??"
Now it was my turn to smile. I originally began to work here because I'm damn good bartender and I was single, living my life on the edge. That all changed when I saw Jasper with his killer blue eyes, full lips and broad shoulders. I stayed to be around him then but now I stay because I'm good at my job and the night life is full of exciting things.
"Look at this place. It's full of people with cash, who want to drink. That's money in my pockets. Of course, it's fun making easy money." I said. He just laughs. He looks good tonight. His hair is loose around his shoulders and he's wearing button down shirt with short sleeves, showing off his ink.
Suddenly I hear someone else calling my name. I look around and spot my boyfriend walking towards me. Shit. He has the worst timing.
"Ezra!! I came to-" he cuts himself off, when he sees Liam.
"Hey." Liam awkwardly greets Jasper. Of course, Jasper just scowls and ignores him.
"What are you doing here, Jas??" I said, as I wipe down the counter.
"I decided to come see you. Surprise! Can you make me drink??" He said. I glance at Liam and then back at Jasper.
"Consider me surprised, babe. What do you want to drink??"
"Surprise me." He smiles. I know he's upset but he's trying really hard to be civil. I also know that he's feeling jealous right now.
"I'll see you around, Liam. You should head back to your friends." I said. He nodded and left.
"Why is it that Liam seems to always be around??" Jasper groans. I make him a strong drink and hand it over to him.
"We are not starting this argument again. Not at my job, Jas."
He knocked back that drink in seconds. Maybe he should go home. I can't have him distracting me at work. I sigh.
"I'm not arguing with you. It was just an observation. I came here because you hung up on me and I didn't feel right just leaving things like that." He said. I hadn't meant to just hang up. I mean I did hang up but I didn't know how else to react. I just didn't have anything else to say. Emilia is fucking gorgeous and she's a reminder that before me, Jasper was very into women. And that makes me feel like a nobody. How long before he wants to be with a woman like Emilia again?? I'm actually jealous of a female. Ugh. What the fuck??
"I'm sorry, Jas. It won't happen again. I don't even know why I reacted that way but listen, go home. I'll head over to your place after my shift." I said. He nodded, gave me a kiss and left the club.
A few hours later, I finally clocked out. I grab my belongings and head out to my motorcycle but sitting out on the curb is a very familiar guy.
"Liam??" I say to grab his attention. He turns slowly and his face lights up when he sees it's me. "What are you doing out here?? Where are your friends??"
"Those assholes left without me. They said I was too gay or whatever." He slurred. That instantly made me angry. No one should be left stranded drunk just because they're gay. Homophobia is truly a disgusting thing.
"Come on, Liam. Get up. I'm taking you home." I grab his arm and help him stand up. Then guide him towards my bike.
"Whoa. I can't ride on THAT." He said, pointing dramatically towards my motorcycle.
"Relax. As long as you hold on to me, you'll be fine." I smile. I hand over a helmet and put mine on, as I sit comfortably on my bike. Hesitantly, he sits behind me and wraps his arms tightly around my torso. It makes me laugh because he really is scared right now. I start up the ignition and bring my baby to life.
"Ok!! Holy shit!! I'm really doing this!!" Liam panics. Or is that excitement??
"You're doing great." I reassure him. Then I take off. At first, Liam seemed afraid but as I picked up speed on the highway, I think his fear melted away and the thrill of it all kicked in. I got a bit nervous when his arms loosened up a bit around my waist because he's definitely drunk but overall it was a smooth ride and I was happy his first motorcycle ride was with me. A few short minutes later, we arrive at Liam's house. I helped him stumble into his home, as he laughed and cursed. His arm around my shoulder and mine firmly wrapped around his waist.
"Where's your room?? Shhh.. be quiet. You're going to wake up your mom. Where's your room, Liam??" I said but he just kept laughing and pointed down the hallway. Very vague sense of direction because this hall had many doors. Walking in the dark didn't help matters either. I opened three doors. The first one was the bathroom. The second one was a closet. The third one was his sister's room. Awkward. I guess, here goes my fourth attempt. The fourth door was Liam's room. Thankfully. I bring him to his bed and attempt to lay him down but he suddenly had a sense of humor and refused to go to bed like a giggling child.
"Liam, I have to go. Jasper is waiting for me. So, go to bed, you drunk idiot."
He stumbled his way towards me so I could help him into bed but suddenly he was falling and I was falling with him. I hit the floor with a thud and groaned. While Liam landed on top of me, laughing his ass off.
"Alright. Get off me, dude. You crushed all of my organs." I said.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I won't ever drink again." He said.
"Yeah, I'm sure you will." I said sarcastically. Then he just stared at me quietly. I was a bit uncomfortable on the floor with his body on top of mine.
"What??" I finally break the silence. He didn't respond verbally. He did something that surprised me. He kissed me and then stood up. Leaving me on the floor baffled. He climbed into bed. My brain finally started working again and I quickly got up. Leaving his house without another word. I tell myself that Liam was just drunk and didn't mean to kiss me.
I drive to Jasper's apartment like my life depends on it. I rush inside the building and run to Jasper's front door. I know it's unlocked. So, I just walk in. I make my way to his bedroom. I strip out of my clothes and stay in just my underwear. I climb into bed. Next to my boyfriend. His dark curly hair sticking to his forehead. His eyes closed. His full lips parted. He's so beautiful and he's all mine. I would never want that to change. I kiss his lips softly. Then close my eyes. I must have fallen asleep sometime after because the next time I open my eyes, the room is filled with natural light.
Jasper isn't next to me anymore. I get out of bed and go in search for him around the apartment. I find him on the couch, watching tv with a bowl of cereal. I plopped down next to him and cuddle up with him.
"Good morning." My sleepy voice said.
"You slept in. It's noon." He replied, before taking another spoonful of cereal into his mouth. The sound of crunching as he chews filling my ears.
"Got any plans today??" I asked, suddenly struck with an idea.
"Nope. You??" His answer made me smile because that's what I was hoping for.
"I'm taking you out on a date today." I tell him and kiss his cheek before getting up from the couch. He stops eating and looks at me.
"What??"
"You heard me. We're finally going on a date. It's about time. So stop looking at me like that." I smirk as I walk away.
"Ezra, I'm not a chick!! I don't need to go on dates to know you're mine!! Ezra!! Ezra!!" He shouts. I don't respond. Fully enjoying Jasper freaking out. I get dressed to head out and plan a great date for us. Jasper walks in the room.
"Ezra, I'm not playing around. Stop it."
"I'm not playing around either. We made a deal. I won't buy you roses or treat you like a princess and you join me on a date." I say very matter of fact like. He groans and flops on his bed. I chuckle.
"I'll pick you up at 4pm. Be ready." I said.