“Oh, you just leave it all to Charlie, mon ami. I’m so excited for you.”
At last, some actual words come from Hakeem as the corner of his lips turns up, “Yeah. So am I, Charlie. Thank you in advance, I know it’s a little last minute.”
“A week is not last minute when I’ve survived the great party rush of the summer of 2022.” States Charlie.
“The what now?” Asks Hakeem.
“One summer everyone and their great aunt Mirabelle was either having a bachelor/bachelorette party, baby shower, engagement party, milestone birthday or wedding. And I was ready for every. Single. One of them.”
“That sounds awful and I’m impressed the memory isn’t triggering for you.”
“Oh no, it was harrowing. But I had lots of fun and made great memories, so all in all, yay me!” Remarks Charlie, triumphantly.
The group consisting of Wendy, Bernard, Oswald and Eddie arrive at the ‘Shape of Brew’ cafe. Hakeem looks up and is surprised to see Eddie so soon, till he realizes Friday is usually the day he did the run for the gym. Charlie spots his friend’s strapping young suitor and notices the glimmer in Wendy’s eyes. It’s the look of a woman on a mission, one they are more than happy to assist in.
“Hello, beautiful people!” Chirps Charlie from behind the register, “Is this all going to be one large order today?”
Oswald replies, “Me and this one,” pointing to Bernard who waves, “will be paying for our own today.”
“Marvelous, what can we get started for you today? Wendy, I’m assuming you’re here with Eddie for an order for the gym?”
The twinkle in Charlie’s eyes as they look between Eddie and Hakeem, who are currently staring shyly at one another, confirms Wendy’s suspicions. “Indeed I am, Charlie. Indeed I am.”
Hakeem’s speed at making drinks never ceases to impress Eddie and Wendy, and truly stuns Oswald and Bernard. Even with the noticeable stolen glances at Eddie, Hakeem gets all the drink orders right without missing a beat. Wendy takes a chance to slide up next to Eddie. “Some say service jobs are easy, but not everyone can do that,” she says pointing to Hakeem behind the counter.
Eddie nods, his gaze lingering on the man whose technique has dazzled him since day one, “Yeah, he really is amazing.”
Bernard wraps an arm around Oswald’s waist and kisses his mate’s cheek. They know that look on Eddie’s face all too well.
“Order up.” Hakeem fills drink trays and passes them to Eddie over the counter, their fingers grazing as he passes the trays.
“Thanks as always, Hakeem.”
“Anytime, Eddie.”
They stare at each other with longing. Charlie actually swoons, like the dramatic they are, and catches themselves on a countertop, earning a giggle from the rest of the group.
“Sooooooo,” Wendy says as she takes her drinks from Hakeem. “Any plans for the solstice next week, Hakeem?” Her smile of innocence is a mask that threatens to slip away by her burning desire to inquire. Hakeem’s face flushes and he quickly turns to Eddie, as if asking for approval. A nod and small smile is all Eddie needs to offer Hakeem to let him know it was more than alright.
“Yeah, Eddie and I are going to the masquerade ball in the Spring Realm, together.” He replies bashfully.
Blessed confirmation, Wendy could kiss the sun for shining its light on the world today. “Oh how fun. And is a certain vampiric elf joining you boys?”
Hakeem reflexively brushes fingers across his lips at the thought of Jackson, which is most definitely noticed by the group. “Jackson said he was still debating, but we’re hoping he does.”
Eddie chuckles fondly at the idea, “Yeah, we really are.”
We? Hand to the lips? Jackson’s aversion to last night’s events in a way that wasn’t sad and angsty but mischievous like he was hiding something from Wendy he knew she would freak the fuck out over? Did he? Did they? And did Eddie? Wendy’s last clue was how Jackson blushed when she mentioned Eddie and how he placed his hand to his lips at the mention of Hakeem. “Oh. My. Gods. Jackson Nocturne, you SCOUNDREL!”
Wendy’s joyful screech is shrill and causes the entire cafe to jump and turn their towards her. “Oh my fucking gawds! I gotta go, bye!” She was gone with the wind, literally, before anyone could ask her what was wrong.
Hakeem is confused, Eddie has to get back with the drinks, and Charlie apologizes to their customers. Oswald and Bernard get their drinks from Hakeem next, say their thanks and leave. “Hakeem kissed Jackson, didn’t he?”
“Oh yes, honey bear, there is not a doubt in my mind. I think our Eddie might have stolen a peck as well.”
“You think?”
Oswald shrugs, “He can be oddly possessive, in a sweet way.”
