Secrets That Kill

Friends Don't Let Friends Text Drunk

Nate
Ruby's Diner

Nate glanced down at Zack from behind his notepad. He made a half hearted attempt to seem interested in the conversation they'd been having. Thank god Saturday nights at Ruby's Diner were slow, because his brain was turning into a complete pile of mush. Thoughts of Sean and whatever repercussions might come from the little get together he'd had with Erik replaced any otherwise productive musings he might have had.

"Nate?"

Nate blinked twice. Zack's worried voice pulled him from his brooding.

"Huh?"

"Nate, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Nate assured him, mustering a small smile.
Zack appeared unconvinced, continuing to peg Nate with a worried stare. "Those guys giving you trouble again?"

Nate shook his head. "No." He really hoped Zack would quit with all the questions. He didn't plan on having an impromptu Dr.Phil session with him on his break about his fucked up love life.

Zack took the hint, though he still had a look in his eyes that told Nate he wasn't done. "Nate, maybe you just need a little down time. I'm sure you're overworked between work and school. Look, there's this party tonight my friends invited me to. You should come. "

Nate hesitated, contemplating Zack's offer. Well…maybe. He hadn't hung out with his friends in awhile …alright, maybe just Amber. But she didn't really count. And with all the drama going on between himself, Erik, and Sean, he could really use something to take his mind off the whole ordeal.

"Sure."

Zack smiled up at him widely. "Great. I'll be back at the end of your shift to pick you up."

***

At 10:01, Nate spotted Zack's car pull up in front of Ruby's Diner. Crap. How had he ever thought this was a good idea? Zack liked him. And they both knew it. And now he was going to a late night party with him. Alone.
He couldn't help but feel guilty, like he was going behind Erik's back by doing so. Almost like cheating. Which was ridiculous because they weren't going out. And he didn't owe him anything. Nope. Not a thing.

Honestly, though, how was he supposed to know if he liked naughty or nice if he didn't try them both? He was still young, only 18. This was the time you were supposed to spend exploring different things to figure out what you liked and didn't like.

Nate took a deep breath and made his way out to Zack's black pickup truck, hopping into the passenger seat and giving him a friendly smile.

"So, how was your shift?" Zack asked as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Good." Nate said, nose wrinkling. The car smelled of fast food and sweat. Ah, the telltale signs of construction work. Nate hated himself for it, but he couldn't help but compare it to the pleasant peppermint aroma that had welcomed him when he'd first rode in Erik's car.

"You alright? You've been real quiet lately." Zack said, casting another worried glance Nate's way.

"Yeah, I've just got a lot on my mind." Nate mumbled, looking down at his hands. He felt slightly guilty for not being the good company he knew Zack deserved. He was a nice guy. Really. He just…

"Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here." Zack said, reaching over and giving Nate a small pat on the shoulder. His hands were heavy, and slightly calloused from his work. Erik's had been-

Gah.

He seriously had to stop this.
Nate had to keep himself from pulling back at the physical contact. It had never bothered him before.