That gives me chills. Rachel’s a nut, but she’s always been there for me. It’s nice to see she’s already there for Carter, too. I mean, that’s what therapists are for.
This night was better than I expected. I feel like Carter fits right into my crazy family.
Evan, Carter, and I shoot the shit for another hour before we call it a night. Tomorrow is Monday. Evan has work. Carter has a post-game film review. And I have to figure out what the hell I’m doing with my life.
Carter
Idon’t know why I’m stressing myself the fuck out. I’m seeing Charlie in thirty minutes, at the same gay bar Paul works at. It’s called Spiral, which doesn’t exactly scream gay bar, but that doesn’t really matter. It’s early October, so the weather is brisk, which is why I pick Spiral’s great indoor bar vibe.
I like going there because it’s low-key; it helps that I get to see Paul’s chipper face. It’s not a sports bar, so no one ever really comes up to me. It’s the kind of place where I don’t have to look over my shoulder wondering,am I about to get caught?
I suggested it to Charlie just because it’s a chill option. Saturday midday means typically it should be quiet.
Right now, I’m spiraling on the couch while Nate’s getting dressed in the bedroom. I think he can tell what kind of mood I’m in, because a minute later, he walks out completely naked, hard as a rock, and says, “Need a distraction?”
I grin and nod. Truth is, I’m not really in the mood for anything sexual, but I’ll take anything that gets me out of my own head.
Nate walks over, standing in front of the couch as I lean back. “Let me do all the work,” he says.
I open wide. He slips into my mouth and starts moving slowly in and out. I gag a bit as he pushes deeper, and I pull away quickly.
“Not that deep, silly,” I say, smirking. “I’m not a pro like you.”
He laughs. I wink, and he gets the green light to continue.
He continues for a few minutes before finishing in my mouth. I look up at him, licking my lips, and say, “Guess I need to brush my teeth again.” I flash a grin and head for the bathroom.
He’s not wrong. It helped. I feel a little more relaxed now.
As I’m brushing, Nate calls from the other room, “Carter, you have nothing to lose. You don’t even know what this is about. He probably just wants to catch up. Talk about retirement or whatever.”
He’s right. Charlie and I only texted briefly about where to meet. We never talked about why we’re meeting. And last I checked, he still lives in Chicago, which, sure, is gorgeous in the summer, but a full-on icebox come wintertime. Why is he even in New York?
By the time we’re ready, it’s close to three. Nate’s wearing a light blue T-shirt, typical, and I’ve got a red polo on. Pretty sure every item Nate owns is some shade of blue, which totally contrasts with his warm brown eyes.
We hop in an Uber, which should take about fifteen minutes to get to Spiral.
Once we arrive, I check my phone. Missed message from Charlie:Running 15 mins late. Sorry, bro.
I'm okay with that; it gives me more time to get a buzz on.
Nate and I walk in and spot Paul already deep in conversation with some short, balding guy. Nate nudges me. “Paul’s looking very flirtatious. You think he’s into that guy?”
I squint. “Honestly? Kinda seems like his type. Wild, right?”
We both laugh.
“He’s cute,” Nate adds.
“Shut up,” I say with a smirk.
The guy wanders off just as we approach. I nod at Paul. “So, who was that?”
Paul grins. “Jeff. He’s a regular. And no, he’snotmy boyfriend.”
I raise a brow. “He looks exactly your type.”
Paul rolls his eyes, then looks at Nate. “Guys. I’m not a slut. I’m easy, but not that easy.” We all crack up.
