We move to a high-top table. Nate relaxes a bit and starts talking about his move to Newark, his chaotic siblings, Mel, and their band, as well as his dreams of a music career. He mentions how we reconnected, how the timing felt like fate. We both keep rambling, low-key obsessing about each other.
Charlie smiles. “You two are cute. Maybe someday I’ll meet a cute, messy-haired singer, too.”
I grin, but shift the focus. “No way you came all the way to New York just to catch up and give me a pep talk about coming out.”
“You’re right,” Charlie says with a knowing smile. “As much as I love catching up, and I really do. I actually came to visit the Hawks. Things are changing. I’m only thirty-two, and yeah, I thought about staying retired, but…I think I want to come back. I’m feeling around the league to see if I can get a one or two-year deal for next season.”
Nate’s eyes light up. “You were so good in Chicago. Some of your catches were insane. And thirty-two’s young!”
Charlie laughs. “Stop buttering me up. I’m football old, but thanks.”
I glance at Nate again, practically glowing with obsession. I love that he knows the game and loves it as much as I do. I might be the one playing it, but he’s the one who knows all the stats, the players, the history. No wonder he kills it in fantasy football.
Just as I’m soaking in the moment, with Charlie laughing, Nate glowing, and me finally not drowning in my thoughts, Paul reappears, holding four rainbow-colored shots and looking entirely too pleased with himself.
“Okay, everyone shut up,” he announces. “I just made some very gay shots called ‘Spiral Surprise.’ It’s tequila, cranberry juice, and something blue I didn’t bother identifying. Cheers, queers!”
Charlie blinks. “Is that even on the menu? Is it safe?”
“No,” Paul says proudly. “But it should be, and who knows?”
He shoves one into my hand, then Nate’s, then Charlie’s. Charlie just stares at the tiny glass like it might bite him.
“I’m not drinking this,” Charlie says flatly.
Paul gasps. “Oh my God. Are you one of those gays?”
Charlie raises an eyebrow. “One of what gays?”
“You know. Hot but humorless.”
Nate chokes on a laugh, turning away. I cover my mouth, trying not to lose it.
Charlie looks at Paul like he might toss the shot at him, then, surprisingly, throws it back in one gulp.
Paul’s jaw drops. “Okay, Daddy.”
“Never call me that,” Charlie says flatly.
Paul shrugs. “Fine. Zaddy. Better?”
Charlie glances at me, amused now despite himself. “Is he like this all the time?”
“Only when he’s awake,” I say.
Paul leans against the table, smirking. “You’re welcome for loosening up the vibe. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go flirt with the guy over there. Toodles!”
He swans off, leaving the three of us speechless.
Charlie looks between us and shakes his head. “That guy is pure insanity.”
“Yeah,” I say, grinning. “But he’sourinsane guy.”
After Paul’s dramatic exit, the three of us fall back into conversation like nothing happened. It’s been about two hours now, and we’re all definitely drunk. Four, maybe five drinks each, and between Paul’s stealthy pouring andhis don’t tell my managerwinks, we’ve probably paid for one drink total.
Charlie explains why he wants to play again. “I thought I was done, I really did. But..."
We’re cut off by two tall redheads who appear at our table out of nowhere.
