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“To the Moonlight Bar. It’s not your typical bar. There’s a bit of this and that. You’ll see some interesting characters there, but I promise you’ll have fun.”
“I’m not much of a drinker, and it would have been nice to be asked first. I’m kind of tired too. Plus, I apparently need to remind you, you're my boss. Not only should we not be having drinks, but we shouldn’t be doing any of this together — intimate dinners, sharing a bed, I’m just saying.”
I glanced over, and she was smiling at me, a naughty smile. “You’ll be fine. Why the look?”
“Because, no matter what I say, you seem determined to take me off the beaten path and drag me down the road of sinful pleasures with you.”
“Why go alone? That’s so boring. Besides, the devil is going to give me extra points in hell if I show up with a few extra souls.” I laughed, and she gave my arm a love tap.
We arrived at the bar about ten minutes later. Its sleazy, yet funky exterior represented only a fraction of the unusual that dwelled inside. Years prior, my brother had introduced me to the Moonlight Bar, one of his favorite places to hang out.
It was my hope that I would find my brother, Morgan, sitting with some exotic dancer, and being his usual obnoxious, yet charming, self. The sooner Gwen got used to him, the better.
“Wow! I had no idea there was such a beautiful bar in town here!” Gwen was clutching my arm and studying the crowd of people that enveloped us as we walked inside.
Bikers sat beside strippers and business suits. A few people who embraced alternative romantic lifestyles were in the house. It was an odd mix of individuals, and one of the reasons my brother and I loved it so much.
“I’m glad you like it. The alcohol is just as diverse and exciting as the crowd of people and decor. That painting over there, I actually painted it. I’m friends with the owner, and he insisted that it be displayed here. I would have just as easily thrown it in the trash.”
Her eyes followed my finger. “Oh my! That is a gorgeous painting. I had no idea you were so creative, or that you painted too.”
“Well, before I started designing accessories, my brother and I had our hands in other things, including art and music. I can play the piano and trombone as well, but I prefer the guitar. My brother, Morgan, should be somewhere around here tonight. I was hoping you two could meet each other and get acquainted.”
“I’d love that. What instruments does he play, and what else can he do?”
“Well, he can be the one to tell you about his creative endeavors. He spends most of his time in his own head, doing whatever he wants to do. He’s always been the creative one. I’m better at business, although I wish I had his creativity. Don’t get me wrong, I can hold my own in that arena, but to compare myself to my brother is like comparing a rapper to a classical composer.”
“Oh.”
I found Morgan sitting in a far-off corner, his eyes focused on the woman at the table in front of him. She was dressed like a hippie with flowers in her hair, and looked to be a lot older than him, by about twenty-five years.
I steered Gwen towards the table, and slowly we walked in that direction, weaving through half-dressed men and women that looked like they were librarians and flower shop owners dancing on the dance floor. A furry panda character slipped past us, and I was surprised Gwen didn't say anything.
“So, I should tell you that my brother can be odd, and he’s not always nice. Don’t take it personally if he doesn't roll out the red carpet and welcome you into the fold right away. He’s the one sitting with a gray-haired, much older woman wearing shocking red lipstick just ahead of us.”
I wrapped my arm around Gwen’s waist and prayed she wouldn’t protest my doing so. It was very important to me that I staked my claim since many of the people in this particular bar liked to share and swap. I was not going to share the woman beside me, even if our relationship ended up as all business. She didn't deserve to suffer any ill will because I took her to a bar, she probably shouldn’t have come to in the first place.
“Oh, that man over there with the flaming red hair and glasses?” Her hand lifted slightly to gesture toward him, and it got his attention, so I immediately took it and kissed it.
“Well, now you’ve done it. I didn't even have time to gather my wits and prepare my speech before reaching the table.” My brother smiled and nodded his head at me, but I didn't miss the way his eyes shifted to Gwen, and he smiled curiously.
We were almost there when he turned, and the gray-haired woman did the same. “James, holy shit, I didn't think you would stop in. I know you've been working at the Chelsea Market, but I didn't think you had time to come and visit.”
He stood up and grabbed me, giving me a big squeeze. “Amanda, this is James, my brother, and owner of Renegade Wear.”
I shook hands with Amanda and kept my arm firmly wrapped around Gwen’s waist. If my brother got a hold of her, it would be all over. He turned to face Gwen. I knew it was coming.
“James, you’re a disappointment, she is so not your style. Hey lovely, what are you doing with my brother? I should tell you that you could do better than him, and by that, I mean you could do me!” He laughed and gave her a big hug.
Glancing at her, I saw how confused she was, her eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets as he hugged her.
“Hi, I’m Gwen.”
“Such a lovely name for an adorably conservative woman. I’m Morgan, come sit down with me. James, you can let go of her.”
Of course, my brother used his hands like they were the jaws of life to pry my hand from her waist. He was bigger than me, in all the ways. I knew it was going to be very hard to end this night, and for a moment, I regretted bringing Gwen to meet him.
For some reason, though, it was important to me that they liked each other even though I hardly ever saw Morgan.
