There's A First Time For Everything

Surprises

Two days had passed since TFF's last gig of the tour. Curt spent the day after the show at home; heaven knows he needed the relaxation. It was nice to take a run along the canyon trails that he knew so well and refresh his mind and body. Now, a day after, he was getting dressed up, preparing for his dinner with Roland. He hadn't given the latter much detail about where they were going. He could've told him the name of the restaurant, but he had an irrational fear that Roland might look up the place and somehow catch wind of his plan.

As he straightened his jacket in the mirror, he was deep in thought, trying to play out the night ahead in his mind. His phone lit up with a new text from Charlton.

"Good luck tonight."

He hadn't given Charlton all the details, either; he merely told him he was taking Roland out to dinner and planning to tell him about his feelings. Now he felt his nerves dancing around in his stomach, a feeling he hadn't experienced in years. This would be it: the night of coming clean. He knew what needed to be done and said; he just hoped it would turn out as smooth as in his head. He got his stuff ready and set out to meet Roland.

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The sun was setting when the two met outside the restaurant. Roland grinned at Curt and eyed him up and down. He couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked in his dinner jacket.

"Well, you look dashing. And this is quite the fancy place, isn't it?"

Curt smiled and nodded.

"They have some fine wine, too. I think you'll rather like it."

"Ooh, sign me up."

The two entered the building, and Roland was immediately awestruck by the beautiful layout. He gazed up at the many hanging lanterns that dimly lit the room, and the small alcove-like rooms that lined the walls. Each contained its own table nestled within it, and gorgeous red curtains were tied up over the entrances. It was incredibly intimate. Curt took him by the arm and led him to where a young man was working behind a counter.

"Good evening," the employee greeted them warmly. "For two, tonight?"

"Hi, yes. I have a reservation for the lounge under 'Curt.'"

The young man began looking up the reservation on his computer. After a moment, he looked up at Roland and Curt, a look of uncertainty on his face.

"I have your reservation here, sir...but are you aware that the lounge is for couples only?"

Roland's eyes went wide.

"Oh, we're not-"

"Yes. We are a couple," Curt interrupted, with a smile. "This is my partner."

Roland shot Curt a look of both confusion and panic, but said nothing.

"Oh! My apologies!" The young man looked embarrassed. "In that case, please allow me to escort you two to your table."

"Thank you," Curt replied.

As they walked,  Roland's mind was racing. What was Curt thinking, reserving a table for them in a couple's lounge?

The young employee sat the two men down and informed them their server would be with them shortly. When he left, Roland leaned in toward Curt and whispered harshly.

"You told them we're a couple? You booked a reservation as a couple?!"

"I just figured I'd have a little fun" Curt grinned.

"Oh, really? And what if someone recognizes us? Our cover will be blown!"

"Thrilling isn't it?"