Last Friday Night (ManxMan) ✔️

Chapter 29

Josh had the most interesting group of friends. Hunter was mingling with a lawyer, a carpenter, and a professional gamer. Him being the groom's boss felt less strange when a man started explaining gaming tournaments and celebrity endorsements. The four of them sipped on champagne glasses, exchanging small talk and awkwardly waiting for Josh to come back.

"How do I look?"

The groomsmen turned and there stood the husband to be. Josh was literally glowing in red shoes, a red tie, and a bright red suit jacket.

"What is that?" Coby, the lawyer, laughed. He tried to cover it up with a whistle, shoving large arms into his pants' pockets, but Josh was already scowling in his direction.

"Kellie wants a Christmas-themed wedding," Josh said instead of answering, dropping his arms from his tie, defeated. "I was trying to match."

"Match what? Santa Claus?"

Hunter's champagne went the wrong way after Coby's startling comment. He coughed to free up his airway while the gamer, Kyland, smacked his back. The other men were laughing, Mirek high-fiving Coby for a job well done. What was supposed to have been an encouraging reaction was turning into his groomsmen making fun of him, so Josh hightailed it back to the changing room.

The next choice was a more muted red–or burgundy, Hunter didn't know colors–and wasn't so offensive on the eyes. Hunter liked the fit but some of the other groomsmen weren't so excited. After some lukewarm comments, Josh gave up on convincing his friends and went to change.

Then, he found it. A deep green jacket, matching pants, and a blood red tie. Josh re-entered the room, sporting a bright grin, and his carpenter friend, Mirek, whistled.

"That looks nice," Hunter gushed, dusting off invisible lint from Josh's shoulder. The shorter man couldn't stay still. He adjusted the cuffs, popped and refolded the collar, and did everything but stand still. That was dude code for 'I love it.'

"Kellie's going to like it," Kyland spoke up.

"I hope so." Josh paused his movements, staring at the tie with a thoughtful expression. "Kellie's given me so much. This wedding needs to be special."

"It will be."

Josh looked up at Hunter's words, smiling at the other man's encouragement.

"Okay, this is getting way too mushy," Coby interjected, re-buttoning his jacket over a rounded stomach. A moment later, he was snapping in the air. "Can we get some more champagne?"

The men laughed then cheered when moments later, a bottle was brought over. Hunter realized that he didn't feel out of place anymore when hearing Josh talk about marriage. It made sense now. He understood how a person could be confident in wanting to spend the rest of their life with someone else.

Discussion had switched over to the inner jacket lining and Hunter joined them by the swatches. Josh needed someone else who understood the power of pattern giving him advice.

—————

Hunter walked into Adonis at 8 pm on a Friday and felt strange. It had been months since he'd come at night. Most days he showed up during the slow, welcoming lunch hour. He'd forgotten how crowded the place could be on weekends. His favorite spot was taken and Hunter frowned as took a seat two chairs down. River didn't see him at first. He was moving back and forth through customers, taking care of their needs with that sweet, customer service smile of his.