Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 6

our patrol watches on Bobby, Chase and I did hang out in the male stripper room. Male strippers weren't really our thing, but you couldn't deny the men were hot. Even the waiters were all extremely good-looking. One young twink in particular seemed to take quite a shine to Chase and was constantly checking in with us to see if we needed more drinks or if there was anything he could do for us. The intention in his words was very clear as he directed his eyes solely at Chase, ignoring that I was even there. I came back from one trip of checking on Bobby to find the little imp straddling Chase's lap and whispering something in his ear. Chase wasn't touching him but all I could focus on was that nearly naked twit on Chase's lap, running his finger down Chase's shirt. I had no claim on Chase, but it still bugged the crap out of me to see him with someone else. And I knew I was out of line, but I couldn't help it.
    I smacked my glass down on the table, startling both of them. "Oh excuse me, sorry to interrupt boys." The twink gave me a rather disgusted look and Chase was quickly pushing him out of the way, until he finally left.
    "Adam, you know we weren't doing anything, in fact I'm glad you showed up when you did; he was a persistent little thing."
    I couldn't look at him. "Hey, none of my business really. We are supposed to be having fun tonight, right?" I took another swallow of my drink and Chase didn't say another word. We sat there, silent for a while. I noticed another man— sitting over in the corner with a couple of other guys— who kept shooting looks at Chase. He was the complete opposite of the twink— normal, button-down shirt and slacks, conservative looking guy. He was looking at Chase with real interest, not leering in any way. Chase was apparently oblivious.
    After a while, I couldn't take any more of the obnoxious music, the cheesy dancers and especially Chase's nerd-boy fan from the table across the room. I got up to hit the bathroom. Checked in with Bobby, who was still slurring his words a little, but allowed me to convince him to switch a coke or some water in between drinks.
    I was heading back to the other room when I saw nerd boy standing at our table talking to Chase. Chase shook his hand and actually gestured to him to sit down. At our fucking table. I stood there for several minutes and watched the two of them. They were both talking animatedly and Chase was... smiling. He was enjoying himself. My heart twisted in my chest. Chase looked happy.
    I turned and headed straight to the bar and gave my order to the bartender as I slid on to an empty stool. "Whiskey. Make it a double."
    ****
    I don't know how much later it was when I heard Chase again; I just knew I was feeling no pain.
    "There you are."
    I turned and gave him a big smile. "Chas-s-sse! How are you buddy? Where'sss your friend? D'you wann a drink?"
    I heard Chase sigh and he didn't look very happy. "No more drinks Adam, it's time to go."
    "Wait! We haff t'get Bobby! He can't miss hisss weddin' tomorrow!"
    "Bobby is already in the limo and a heck of a lot more sober than you. What the hell happened Adam, I thought you were watching out for him?"
    "Are you leavin' witout your friend or isss he comin' wit usss?"
    "Friend, what friend? That stupid waiter?" Chase was trying to pull me up off the barstool.
    "Nah, that nerdy guy wit the glassss-es. You were smilin' at him."
    Chase stopped trying to pull me up and he had this strange look on his face. "Oh, Adam." He just stood there, so I started trying to stand up myself, instead falling into him. Quickly his arm was around my waist, getting me up on my feet. "Come on, we have to get you back to the hotel."
    I lay down on the back seat of the limo until we got to the hotel and Chase was waking me and pulling me up again. He had his arm around me and helped me into the lobby. "It's okay Little A, I got you," he whispered in my ear. It felt so good having his arm around me, so right. I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes.
    "No, no Adam, you can't fall asleep yet, we're almost to the room. Just a little farther." I vaguely registered getting in an elevator and more walking until finally we were at our room and Chase was struggling to open the door. Finally we were in and Chase was trying to settle me on the bed. At some point I had thrown my arms around his neck and so I ended up pulling him down with me onto the bed. His body on top of mine felt so hard and warm and I never wanted