Fixated on the golden-amber liquid swirling in the diminutive glass in my hand, my mind is consumed by glimpses of my past, moments I cherish. I see myself lying atop an equally naked silver-haired man, our bodies slick with sweat as we move in perfect sync. His hands roam over my skin, exploring every inch and leaving goosebumps in their wake. One of his fingers slips beneath the red satin ribbon wrapped around my thigh, tracing its path down to my fastened dick. It's so vivid that I can almost feel his touch.
Shaking my head, I force those memories away and gulp down the strong alcohol. My throat, accustomed to the searing burn by now, barely reacts. The raven-haired bartender chuckles as he approaches my side, pulling the empty glass away. "Finally", he says with a playful grin, "I was beginning to think you were going to duplicate it just by staring at it so intensely."
His remark tugs on the corners of my lips, a faint smile breaking through my desolation. I watch him refill the glass and slide it back to me before breathing out, "Thanks, Aiden..."
Just as I reach for it, he pulls the shot back, causing me to glance up at his teasing smile. "You know—", he says, a glint in his eyes, "—the way you keep showing up here every evening, ordering the drink you know only I can make this good...I'm starting to feel like you come here for me~"
His words earn a snort from me, accompanied by an eye roll. The male beams back with his signature smile. "At least now you're in a good mood.", he quips.
Meeting his gaze, I feel my features soften before I release a soft sigh, "I appreciate the effort."
"Extra bad day, huh?", Aiden asks, casually wiping the surface of the bar with a rag and tossing it aside.
"You could say that...", I mutter. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I retrieve it, noticing a missed call from George. Any hint of a smile fades from my face as I anticipate why he's reaching out. With a resigned sigh, I'm about to stow my phone away when it begins to ring again. Reluctantly, I answer the call and press the device to my ear.
"Hello? Collen?", his voice is gentle, as if he's speaking to a delicate mirror that might shatter with the slightest touch. Given the circumstances, he's not far off.
"I'm here."
"How...are you holding up today..? I just noticed all the messages on the Wall...", he speaks and I feel a certain tightness in my chest. "I forgot it was his birthday..."
My gaze drifts back to the drink in my hand. Within its vibrant hue, flashes of the past continue to flicker—memories from exactly one year ago. "It's fine...", I reply, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. "I had forgotten it as well." It's a feeble lie, and George, even from miles away, can likely see through it. "I'm past it all, George."
"Collen...", the male calls out, his voice conveying his disapproval of my attempt to bury my feelings. But I want them to stay hidden...even from myself if possible. "Do you want to come live with us?", he offers gently, "You can work at the club. I promise Jade is a reasonable boss."
A soft chuckle escapes me and I hum, "I'll consider it." That apparently is enough to excite and launch him into sharing all the plans he has for when I come over. I let him talk, not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm. Eventually, I hear Jade in the background, summoning George to assist with work. We exchange farewells, and I disconnect the call, the momentary warmth fading as I return to my solitude.
"That was quite the one-sided conversation.", Aiden chimes in, making his way over to me.
"Just a good friend.", I reply before downing the shot. "Make me another."
"Yeah, no, I'm not serving you anymore.", he refuses, prompting my brow to raise in surprise. With a shrug, he adds, "I don't want you passing out drunk here again."
