A few hours later, they walked into Bar None, the official post-Pointe hangout spot, half-owned by Marci’s new husband. She’d met him years ago when he was the bartender and, according to her, she’d never felt so strongly about anyone before. Tristan couldn’t help but compare that tothe way he’d been feeling about Jax; it was like all of his doubts didn’t matter, and Tristan wasn’t quite sure what to do about that.
“What can I get you?” Tristan instinctively put his hand a couple of inches out from Jax’s lower back, being a protective layer between him and any wobbly patrons in the crowded bar.
“I know I saiddrink,” Jax looked a bit sheepish, “but I would really like a cup of tea with one sugar. You can ask at the bar, they’re cool about it.”
Tristan smiled, lighting up. “I’m not a fan of alcohol myself, but tea is another story. And we take it the same!”
“I don’t understand people who use a ton of milk and sugar. I want to taste the tea!” Jax stopped in a less-populated corner.
“Agreed.” He looked around as if they were being spied on and continued in a hushed tone. “Sometimes I feel like an outsider because I don’t enjoy alcohol or coffee.”
Jax tossed his head back with a laugh.
“I’m in friendly territory! I’ve tried coffee but…” He scrunched his face. “Too bitter. I can take it as flavoring, but not as a liquid. Tea is my only addiction.”
“Then I can’t let you go without!” Tristan smiled. “Be right back.”
Heading to the bar, Tristan placed his order, and the bartender handed him two large mugs full of an impressive herbal blend.
“Thanks!” Quickly paying, Tristan weaved back to Jax, liking the quieter area he’d chosen.
“Sick!” Jax stated as he grabbed his mug. “One of the bartenders is into tea, so they always keep the good stuff on hand.”
“They do! By the way, is standing better? Or do you want me to get us a table?” Tristan asked, gesturing at the free one next to them.
Jax gave him a faint look of surprise before grinning.
“Standing is good.” He paused for a moment, as if he were contemplating what he wanted to say. “Icansit, but only on tall chairs with no cushion. Obviously, I sit in the car, but even with the adjustable seat, I can’t drive more than an hour without taking a break.”
Tristan couldn’t believe that Jax was dealing with that. Aside from walking a bit oddly, he appeared fine, although thinking back, Tristan had never seen him in a chair.
“Well, I think that sitting is overrated,” he declared. “Ilikebeing on my feet.”
That seemed to be the right thing to say because Jax chuckled, blowing on his tea before taking a sip.
“Hmm, this needs to steep another minute.”
Sniffing the brew, Tristan agreed. “From one tea snob to another? You know what you’re doing.”
“Of course I do,” Jax winked at him. “And that doesn’t apply to just teas.”
His tone had Tristan’s cheeks turning pink. This younger man had ten times more charisma than Tristan did, leaving him flabbergasted and blushing like a schoolgirl. All he could do was try not to stammer as he continued the conversation.
“Thank you, again, by the way.” Tristan cleared his throat. “The rest of the party was a breeze after the groom's cousin left.”
“Like I said, the other guy did all the heavy lifting.” Jax tilted his head, staring into Tristan’s eyes. “I knowyoucan’t yell at jerks like that, but I can.”
“You’re good at it.” Tristan stirred his tea. “And while I appreciate what you did, you probably shouldn’t do it again. We’re lucky it worked out this time.”
“Trust me, I know, I’ve been fired before. But The Pointe is different. We have each other’s backs. If I didn’t do it, then Angelo was going to talk to him, and I didn’t want our head chef dirtying his hands.” Testing his tea again, Jax gave a short hum of delight, removing the teabag. “It’s perfect now. So, can I see some pictures from your hike?”
“You sure can!” Pulling out his phone, Tristan opened his gallery, and Jax instantly pressed against his side. Freezing, Tristan realized he’d walked right into that trap, and Jax’s body heat made him want to go somewhere private and touch Jax everywhere.
But he focused, showing Jax the best shots. Genuinely invested, Jax asked questions throughout, and their teas were almost done when Tristan reached the photo of him cheering in front of the Appalachian Trail sign on top of Mount Katahdin, where he finished his journey.
“It looks like you had the best time.” Jax let out a sigh. “My body wouldnever let me do that.”
“You’re in the majority, because most people’s bodies don’t let them. Seventy-five percent of people who start the trail don’t finish. I mean, the experience was amazing and it changed my life, but you saw me in physical therapy. Many hikers end up with permanent damage. I was lucky. And…” He looked around. “And The Pointe is great, but being out in the woods for months makes capitalismmuchharder to take.”
