Still You Want Me - 5. Chapter 5 - Bro Date and Colin's Birthday Surprise

* * COLIN * *

Charlie announces out of nowhere.

“I’m going to throw a big Fourth of July party and it’s going to be awesome!”

I look up from my computer screen and frown.

“Yeah?”

He chuckles.

“That’s not usually the response I get when I decide to throw a party.”

“Well, I’m going to be at a lake house near Bend for the Fourth. I leave Friday for a much needed week in the sun and water.”

I’m beyond happy to get away from the city for a while, hit the lake, and relax. Clarke-Co always gives the whole week off so everyone can celebrate. Charlie’s Fourth of July party actually throws a damper into my plans.

“That sounds great. Only you and Jesse?”

“That was my intention, but his family’s doing something for the Fourth so he’ll be in Washington.”

Charlie catches my eye and raises his brow slightly.

“Why aren’t you going to Washington with him?”

I shrug. “I thought about it, but I haven’t been to the lake in years and, since we have the week off of work for the holiday, I want to take advantage of it. I know it’s selfish and I don’t think Jesse is particularly happy about my choice.”

I know, for a fact, Jesse’s not happy about it. Charlie twists his face in disgust.

“So, you’re going to go by yourself. I’m all for solitude, but that sounds terrible.”

“I agree, it’s not ideal. Everyone has big plans for the big weekend, though. I was going to ask you, to come with me, but you’re throwing this big party. I’m trying to convince Glen to fly in, but he’s on the fence. I need someone to drive the fucking boat. If I can’t board the boat, then what’s this all been about?”

I smile when Charlie picks up on my reference, but as he leans back, he looks bummed. I know I am.

“I wish you would’ve told me a week ago. I would’ve gladly joined you.”

“Cancel your party and come with me. There’s no one else I want to invite. I don’t have that many friends.”

I’m trying not to beg, but I want him to go. Jesse and Charlie are my only real guy friends. I don’t want to spend the weekend with Natalie or Bethany. They’re busy anyway…I checked. He rolls his eyes and the sarcastic look on Charlie's face makes me laugh.

“Sure, let me cancel on the three hundred people who are invited!”

I gasp.

“Three hundred! Holy shit, man. That’s massive.”

We lead very different lives. With pride and a giant smile, he says.

“I believe in going big or going home.”

I pout.

“Well, shit, looks like you’ll be going big and I’ll be going to the lake…alone.”

I look at Charlie and muster the saddest eyes I can. His lip curls into a slight smile, but he shakes his head, no. I let out a disappointed huff, but keep my eyes on Charlie, pleading. Without breaking eye contact, I reach into my desk drawer and pull out my weapon of choice…Charlie’s Kryptonite.

Charlie looks at his computer for a moment, so I slip on my glasses. I already have contacts on, now I can’t see crap. That’s okay because it’s only the look I’m looking for.

“Please, don’t make me go alone.”

Charlie looks at me, again.

“Are you fucking serious?”

I think he’s rolling his eyes and trying not to laugh, but I can’t tell for sure with contacts and glasses.

“You’re an asshole, you know that? How dare you put your glasses on? That’s low, really low.”

I continue to pout.

“I know, but...I want you to go. You never hangout with me outside of work. I thought we were friends. Maybe it’s only me that wants a friendship. I can’t stop you, if you only want to be work colleagues.”

None of this is true of course. I’m only laying it on as thick as possible. Guilt, sex appeal, you name it. I’m not above the influence, or in this case, being the influence.

“I have no respect for you. Stop looking at me. Take your glasses off!”

He waves me off. I may not be able to see him clearly, but I can hear the playfulness in his voice.

“Fine.”

I return the glasses to my drawer, drop my head in defeat, and mumble.

“I’ll cancel my trip since I can’t go alone. I’ll go to Washington with Jesse, instead. He’ll be pumped! I’ll simply let a part of my soul die.”

I manage a shallow laugh. I only want to spend some time on the water. Charlie teases me.

“Jesse is one lucky man. He scored with you. I’ll tell you what…I’ll go with you.”

I perk up.

“Really?”

He leans back and smiles, devilishly.

“I have one condition.”

“Name it.”

Anything. I’ll do it.

“You have to woo me this weekend. Take me to dinner.”

I smile, knowing he won’t approve.

“McDonalds? Taco Bell? Chick-Fil-A? You name it!”

He gestures his thumb up. Signaling higher and nicer.

“Nope, some place nicer.”

I balk, playfully.

“Panera?”

He returns his focus back to work, not willing to play around.

“Okay. I need to finish planning my party. Have fun in Washington.”

I shout.

“Fuck! Okay!”

Charlie looks up from his computer, waiting for me to suggest a new option.

“Famous Dave’s?”

He furrows his brows, then quickly returns to his work.

Yeah, I figured.

“The Observatory?”

He doesn’t look up from his work, only shakes his head no and sings playfully.

“You’re not trying very hard.”

Bastard.

”Fogo de Chao?”

Come on, this place is nice and a little pricey. He uses his fingers to indicate I’m getting close.

“Okay. Fine. Seven o’clock, Saturday night. El Gaucho!”

“Don’t forget to pick me up in your grocery getter.”

He’s wearing a shit eating grin.

“You only want me to spend my entire June food budget on one dinner. I’ll be eating rice and beans until July first.”

I mouth I hate you and he blows me a kiss.

“I love you, too,” he teases sarcastically.

* * *

We’re laying on my couch, watching random TV and enjoying a Wednesday night in. I’m currently the little spoon and enjoying every second of being surrounded by Jesse’s massive hot body when he suggests.

“Let’s do something this weekend.”

“Sure, what do you have in mind?”

“We haven’t gone out in a while, why don’t we go dancing?”

“Yes! Friday night and I can invite Charlie, Ryan, and Quinn.”

He groans, lightly.

“I was thinking Saturday evening out for us, we can do dinner, first.”

He starts kissing my neck and moves his hand under my shirt, running his tuff fingers across my belly. My heart rate increases every time he touches me.

“Saturday evening is no good. I have plans with Charlie.”

I feel my body respond to his touch, the blood is rushing and slowly inflating my cock.

“What are you guys doing?”

His hand slows while waiting for my response.

“Only dinner.”

I bump my hips forward slightly, encouraging him to resume his stroking.

“Cancel.”

He moves his hand lower and lower, causing my skin to shudder in anticipation.

“Stop, I’m not going to cancel. We never hangout outside of work.”

He runs his hand over my bulge, giving my hardness a gentle squeeze.

Ughf.

He whispers into my ear and his breath on my neck sends another wave of desire through my body.

“Hmm. You don’t workout with him almost every day? You have dinner with him, followed by Karaoke, every Thursday?”

I pant.

“That’s different.”

He pulls his hand away and my hips try to follow. I’m annoyed because he’s stopping, but he sounds irritated as he looks toward the kitchen.

“What are we doing for dinner?”

I run my hand up his thigh and over his bulge.

“Food, but I thought we’d have dessert, first...”

He abruptly removes my hand and spits, coldly.

“You should probably save that for your boyfriend.”

“I’m trying, but he’s rejecting me.”

He looks straight at me, his face anything but amused.

“I meant, Charles.”

I roll my eyes and smile, trying not to laugh. This is the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard.

“Seriously? Are you jealous of Charlie?”

He tosses his hands up.

“No. Yes. I don’t know!”

He shrugs in defeat.

“I like Charles, he’s awesome, but you definitely spend more time with him than me.”

I reach for him.

“Hey, baby, I spend more time with him because we work together, during which time, we’re working. Outside of work, we’re at the gym for sixty to ninety minutes and not talking much. Which leaves only Thursdays. I definitely don’t spend more quality time with him than you.”

I kiss his shoulder.

“He’s my best friend, please don’t stress about this.”

I keep peppering him with kisses, feeling him relax under my affirmations.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. It’s hard because Charles is hot. He makes me nervous.”

I press my lips to his and softly slide my tongue against his, letting him feel my desire. I pull away and smile at him.

“Really? Charlie makes you insecure?”

He nods and snakes his hands around my waist. Pulling him to me, I demand.

“Stand up.”

I pull his shirt over his head.

“Look at this, this is what I think about.”

I run my fingers down his chest and across his hard stomach. I slowly unbutton his pants and push them down. He steps out of them until he’s left wearing only his boxer briefs, which I quickly remove. His hardness is making quite the debut. I slide down to my knees, leaving a trail of kisses along the way.

“Why would I think of anything else when I have this?”

I feel the weight and girth of his massive erection as I hold it in my hand and tug it a few times before taking it into my mouth. I feel his fingers running through my hair as I bob my head up and down over his cock, allowing saliva to build between my lips. I move, keeping a tight suction with my lips.

“Mmm! Oh, god, baby. This is good. You’re so good. Fuck!”

Jesse’s body is twitching as I pleasure it. I start twirling my tongue around, using my hand to maximize coverage. I hear Jesse’s breathing increase and small moans escape his chest. His fingers are constantly moving through my hair, incapable of finding solid ground.

I want to move things along between us, but I’m nervous to try. Feeling his hot steel in my mouth is giving me the courage I need. The way he tastes every time he’s in my mouth, when the tip of my tongue catches his precum before sliding back down his shaft, is unbelievable! Oh, god, it’s good! Addicting! I can feel and hear Jesse getting closer.

“Ugh! Colin, oh, fuck! Colin, suck it! Oh, god, faster. Ugh!”

I slowly glide my hand to his balls and start gently fondling them. His hips jerk in response, shoving his cock deeper into my mouth and causing both of us to moan.

“Hmpf!”

I’m not ready for him to cum, yet, so I remove my mouth from his shaft, which makes him whimper at the loss.

“Sit.”

I continue gently stroking as he leans back onto the couch. I return to his cock, lapping and sucking slowly. I hold his balls and roll them in my hand, occasionally giving them a gentle tug. Jesse’s hips are jerking as he gets closer and closer and he mumbles.

“Holy shit...” he moans.

I silently pray for forgiveness because we haven’t talked about what I’m about to do next. I gather a healthy amount of saliva and run my finger over his perineum and toward his asshole. I gently rub the saliva around his hole and hear his breathing quicken. His grip tightens on my hair as he rocks his hips toward my face, slowly fucking my mouth.

“Ugh, shit!”

I apply a gentle amount of pressure. After I don’t receive any complaints, I continue pushing until my finger is inside of his hole.

“Hmpf.”

I start moving my finger in rhythm with my mouth and, slowly adding a second finger, feel Jesse’s body respond.

“Fuck, I’m close, so fucking close! Ugh! Oh, god! Oh, god!”

I slowly release the suction on his cock, but continue to move my fingers, gently feeling for his prostate, until his hips jump and he screams.

“Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck.”

I resume bobbing my head, sucking his dick, and rubbing my fingers over his prostate. His hips start bucking wildly and he releases a constant flow of cum into my mouth. He leans forward, still gripping my hair, as he rides out his orgasm. He’s trying not to face fuck me, but failing, miserably. I love the feel of him losing control and seeing him in such an intense state of bliss only drives me on. He continues cumming, filling my mouth. I try to swallow it, but I feel it leaking down my chin.

He relaxes onto the couch, blissed-out of his mind. I remove my fingers and slowly milk his cock before finally letting go of it, completely. I move my mouth to his and he grips the back of my head as he kisses me with every ounce of appreciation he has.

“That was unexpected, but completely welcomed.”

He drops back against the couch, totally sated from pleasure and I smile.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

I crawl up and straddle his lap, relaxing my head on his shoulder, and he asks.

“Do you think we’re ready?”

I lift my head and look at him.

“For?”

I think I know what he’s asking, but I don’t want to assume. He smiles and playfully lifts his brow. I ask, surprised.

“Yeah?”

He laughs, “Yeah.”

I sit up quickly, still straddling his lap. My hard-on reaching a new level.

“Right now?”

He laughs harder.

“No, not tonight, but soon?”

“Yes!”

I lean forward, smashing our faces together.

“Definitely, yes.”

 * * *

Charlie leans back in his chair and teases me, as always.

“It sounds as if it was a great blowjob.”

“I definitely nailed it. You should have seen him, it was beautiful!”

Thinking of Jesse sprawled out on the couch makes me smile.

“Afterward, he mentioned finally moving things forward.”

I can feel the smile consume my face and I’m not ashamed of it. Charlie looks shocked for a second.

“Really? Do you guys think you’re ready?”

“Fuck, yeah! It’s almost been two months. I am ready anyway. I haven’t told him, yet, but you know I love him. God, he’s fucking perfect.”

He really is, I never imagined someone, such as Jesse, would be interested in me. Not only is he hot as hell, he’s so sweet and kind.

It’s times like this when I’m glad to have Charlie to talk to. He’s the only person I can tell everything to. Well, almost everything. I definitely talk to him about all things regarding Jesse. It’s nice to have someone who understands me, plus he’s great for sexual advice. Although, normally he tells me to figure it out myself, as he had to do. Before taking a bite of his Pho, he offers.

“He’s pretty amazing.”

“Yes. Now, I’ll be in a perpetual state of arousal until D-day comes.”

D-day, ha! I’m fucking hilarious. Charlie rolls his eyes at my pun and barely looks at me.

“So, I guess you’re going to tell him?”

“Yes, I’m definitely going to tell him. I’m pretty sure he feels the same…I hope. God, what if he doesn’t say it back. Do you think he might not feel the same?”

Shit, now I’m freaking out. What if I have this all wrong?

“Dude, you need to calm down. If he doesn’t love you, then you need to run in the opposite direction because he’s fucking crazy.”

Charlie uses his fork to make the crazy gesture by his temple. He always knows what to say, this is why Charlie is the best.

“I can’t imagine falling in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same. That would be the worst!”

Charlie chuckles and mumbles to himself.

“Yeah, that’s the worst. Seriously, don’t worry about it. Jesse’s crazy about you.”

“Okay. You’re right. I’m sorry for being crazy, but I’ve never been in this type of relationship before. Seriously, though, how do you top Jesse?”

“I don’t know man, he’s awesome.”

“No, I mean, how do I top? I have no clue, I’ve never done it. I’m fucking nervous I’ll screw it up.”

I can feel myself starting to sweat and it’s only dinner with Charlie, what’s going to happen when it’s actually going down? Charlie looks nervous, which is unlike him.

“Oh. We’re really talking about this?”

He usually doesn’t have any qualms about this stuff. He’ll talk about sex forever. I look around, remembering we’re at dinner in a public place.

“Shit, I’m sorry.”

While staring intently at his meal, he robotically says.

“Seriously, don’t worry about it. Once you start, it comes naturally, but make sure you go slow, have him push out, and use all of the lube you’ve got. Preparation, preparation, preparation.”

“You’re right. It’s hard not to over think. With the way things are going, I’m feeling as though, maybe, Jesse is the one.”

All of a sudden, Charlie starts choking on his noodles. He’s coughing and pounding his chest in an effort to dislodge whatever he’s inhaled.

Do I remember how to do the Heimlich? Throwing my fork and napkin down, and ready to jump across the table to save his life, I ask.

“Holy shit! Do you need help?”

He shakes his head no and holds his finger up, indicating he needs a minute. He coughs a few more times before finally settling down. His eyes are watering.

“Sorry, I accidentally inhaled a noodle.”

His voice is still a little croaked. He takes a few deep breaths, trying to hold back coughing tremors from his near death experience. Half concerned and half joking, I ask.

“As long as you’re okay, are you going to be able to Karaoke tonight?”

He smiles uncomfortably at me, likely embarrassed about choking in the restaurant.

“Yeah, I think I’ll manage.”

* * CHARLES * *

Ryan takes his eyes off of the train wreck on stage to check in on me and asks.

“How much are you dying right now?”

“Whatever, its life. There’s not a whole lot I can do except sit here and watch them play, how many cheesy songs can we sing to each other every Thursday night?”

“You’re fucking right! Every week! It makes me sick.”

Ryan sticks his fingers into his mouth, pretending to gag.

“Luckily it’s almost over.”

“Yeah, but the best is yet to come. I need an Oscar for my next performance.”

I take a drink and look at Ryan with all the sadness that’s burdening my heart.

“What?”

The DJ‘s voice comes over the system.

“Next up is Charles and Colin!”

Realizing what’s about to happen, he suddenly looks at me apologetically.

“Oh, shit.”

I resign.

“Yep.”

I meet Colin on the stage. He’s smiling at me with so much anticipation, he’s practically giddy.

“Ready?”

I squeeze his shoulder, “It’s going to be awesome and funny. Jesse will love it!”

I know he’s nervous and I need to put my pride aside. Colin had asked to duet the song Fuck You (by Garfunkel & Oates), a few weeks ago. It’s a weird, yet, hilariously quirky song that we can definitely pull off. We’re good on stage together, so much so, it’s become tradition for our duet to be the last song of the night. Ultimately, ending each night with a bang.

My excitement for this song dissipated during dinner when I realized Colin wanted us to serenade Jesse.

Bleh.

“Alright! This song is dedicated to a special someone. I’m not going to name names so, if you’re unsure if it’s for you, it’s definitely not.”

Colin is working the audience. Normally, we hype the audience together, but tonight he’s only hyping Jesse.

We take our mics and look at each other as the music comes on. Karaoke is more than words, it’s about working the stage and the audience, it’s about the presentation and execution.

We alternate each line, singing to each other and to the audience. We continue alternating the lines once the chorus hits, but this time we’re singing to Jesse instead of each other.

** Colin: Because I like you

Me: I like you

Colin: I like you

Me: I like you

Colin: And like can lead to like-like

Me: And like-like can lead to love

Colin: Sure as the stars above, I’d really like to

Kiss you/Fuck you **

(As Colin said fuck you, he pointed at Jesse and, as I said kiss you, I pointed at Jesse, too)

We look at each other in shock and horror for the crude mix up. Everyone’s laughing and we’re killing it on stage. We continue singing and repeat the chorus again, except this time we keep alternating the last lines at the same time. Repeating our mock surprise/horror that we can’t get it right. Colin never takes his eyes off of Jesse.

Colin: Because I like you

Me: I like you

Colin: I like you

Me: I like you

Colin: And like can lead to like-like

Me: And like-like can lead to love

Colin: Sure as the stars above I’d really like to

Fuck You / Kiss You

Kiss You / Fuck You

Fuck You / Kiss You

Kiss You / Fuck You

Everyone’s hollering as we finish the song. Colin beelines it to Jesse and whispers something into his ear and I have a good idea what he’s saying. I’m distracted when I catch Ryan talking to the DJ. Bethany interrupts my thoughts by squeezing my arm as she laughs.

“Oh, my god. That was hilarious! They’re going to go home and do it tonight!”

Glad I could help.

Ryan looks at me and cringes at Bethany’s oblivious nature.

Suddenly, the song I Lied, I’m Dying Inside (by Anne Marie Choon), starts playing. It’s the song off of a popular Vine video.

I look at Ryan and I can’t help laughing, the song is too perfect. He starts singing to me, over exaggerating the song, and stabs himself in the heart with his fist. I join him, singing my pain into laughter.

Hey,

How you doing?

Well, I’m doing just fine

I lied, I’m dying inside.

(We repeat over and over. The lyrics are simple.) **

Eventually, I let Ryan sing solo as I have my hand on his shoulder and softly sing, I’m dying inside, dying inside, dying inside.

This isn’t an official Karaoke song or anything. We’ve finished and everyone is standing around, but we’ve captivated an audience with our impromptu session, including Colin and Jesse, who are totally oblivious that Ryan personally picked the song or that it’s how I’ve been feeling on a daily basis since Colin’s fallen in love.

We can’t take it anymore and start laughing. It’s not that the situation is funny, it’s the irony.

“Thank you, Ryan. I needed that.”

I wrap my arm around Ryan and we walk out of the bar.

“Fuck, no kidding. I don’t envy you at all, but you know what? I’m still rooting for you. It’s not over until it’s over, and it’s not fucking over!”

He pats my back with encouragement.

* * *

As I slide into his car, I ask Colin.

“You made reservations, right? Saturday’s not the day to take a chance.”

“Yes, you dumbass, I made reservations. Only the best for you, babe.”

He flips me off while blowing me a kiss. He looks smoking hot. He’s wearing blue, slim-fit slacks; a white, plaid-colored shirt; and grey button cardigan. The cherry on top is his blue bow tie, which is fucking hot.

“Colin, I’m only making sure you didn’t accidentally forget to make a reservation so you could kill me by taking me to Taco Bell. I won't stand for that.”

Colin slams his fist down, hitting the arm rest with faux authority.

“A) Taco Bell is fucking delicious, so shut your pie hole!”

Then, he gestures to himself.

“B) I look way too good to waste this on fast food!”

He has come a long way during the last few months, regarding his confidence. I wish I could take credit, but I know, realistically, it’s a shared effort between Jesse and me. Pulling gently at his sweater, I tease.

“Okay, Mister Rogers.”

“Fuck you! That’s not how you treat your sugar daddy.”

“Shit, I think you need to look up the definition of a sugar daddy. A) There’s nothing sweet about you, you’ve already flipped me off and cussed me out, and you’re more comparable to Dave Ramsey, it’s no wonder you want to go to Taco Bell--all of the rice and beans.”

He laughs.

“Fuck! Well, years of penny pinching has helped me save for tonight. I’m going to spoil you, baby.”

He smiles as he pulls onto the freeway. I know he’s teasing, but it’s moments like this that make it so hard to walk away. We’d be so great together.

* * *

Colin tells the host.

“Two for Clarke.”

We hand our jackets to the host and follow him to the table. After the host seats us next to each other at a table with no option to sit across from each other, I whisper, while trying not to laugh.

“This is hilarious.”

“No kidding.”

Colin sniffs his armpits, his hazel eyes teasing me.

“I hope I don’t smell too bad because you’re stuck next to me for the next sixty to ninety minutes.”

This is a romantic date table. I’m not complaining, I’m perfectly happy eating next to him in this dark, candle-lit restaurant.

I’m looking at the menu, debating on what to get. I haven’t been here for a long time so I’ve forgotten how expensive the menu is. The cost of lobster is one hundred thirty dollars. I’ll definitely be paying for dinner, this is way out of Colin’s league. As Colin reads the menu, he asks.

“Do you want wine? I think I want wine.”

“Yeah, that sounds good. I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

The waiter comes and explains the specials. He’s cute, in his early twenties, has short brown hair and brown eyes, and he has a swimmer’s body. In a past life, I’d be all over him.

As he politely hands the menus back, Colin says.

“I’m going to have the Filet Medallions Oscar and he’ll have the Canadian Lobster Tail. We’ll each have a side salad and a bottle of the Monogram Pinot Noir.”

I laugh as I skeptically look at Colin.

“I’ll have the Canadian Lobster Tail?”

Watching him order like a boss is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. He’s controlled and confident, as if he’s been ordering on my behalf for years. He glares at me as he taps his temple with his finger, letting me know he’s smarter than I think.

“Fuck, yes, you will. I’m not some dumb shit. I’m on to you, Gabett. You can’t fucking outsmart me. You were going to order the chicken or tuna because I’m buying and you feel obligated to order the cheapest thing on the menu.”

I bat my eyes at him.

“Aw, it’s so romantic when you use profanity in a nice restaurant.”

“You’re such an asshole—“

The waiter comes back with the wine, he shoots us a lopsided grin, having overheard us. Colin smiles at me, while looking at the waiter, and sarcastically says.

“...but I love you.”

I playfully wink at the waiter, knowing the wine he’s pouring for us costs over three hundred dollars for the bottle.

“And yet, you bring me here…to this dump.”

Colin wraps his arm around me and squeezes.

“Only the most mediocre for you, baby!”

The waiter laughs at our banter as he leaves to serve other tables.

As Colin swirls his wine, letting it breathe, he says.

“I definitely get a gay vibe from the waiter.”

Colin sheepishly smiles into his wine glass, not making eye contact with me.

“I bet he’d do a threesome, if we’d ask.”

Before sampling my wine, I casually ask.

“Don’t you need to have a twosome, first?”

His face flushes a little.

“Fuck you. We already did, thank you very much.”

Awesome.

They had sex and now we get to talk about it. It’s as if I’d won the lottery. I dream of talking to Colin about the sex he’s having with--not me! I lift my wine glass and he taps his against mine.

“Cheers.”

He laughs, “To twosomes and threesomes!”

I tease, “Now, get the waiters number and you two can have some real fun.”

Colin laughs and shakes his head as he watches the waiter walk around the restaurant.

“Nah, that’s not my thing, but I think he could be your thing, he seems nice and…feisty.”

“Possibly.”

I let the conversation die.

“So, Colin, tell me about your parents. I know you have dinner with them every Sunday, but you never talk about them.”

He glances at me, but I can’t read his expression.

“Sure. Yeah. Um, obviously they live here in Portland. We’re very close and I talk to both of them almost every day. My mom is super sweet, works with lots of charities, and coordinates a lot of fundraising events. My dad owns a business and he works hard at it. They’re your regular parents, only they’re very supportive of everything I do and, I guess, generally awesome!”

“Where, in Portland, do they live? Near you?”

“Close enough, they live in the West Hills. Ten minutes, or so, with no traffic.”

He takes a drink of his wine. Surprised his parents would live in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Portland, I ask.

“West Hills, huh? That’s an expensive area. What does your dad do?”

“Well, my parents bought the property in the early 1980s and built their house. The prices were different then, they didn’t have to drop millions as you do in the current market.”

“That’s true, one heck of a good investment. Did you know Mr. Clarke lives in that area?”

“You don’t say? Huh, well a lot of people live in that area.”

He pauses.

“What about you? I haven’t heard you talk much about your parents or life while growing up.”

“I thought you knew all about me? You told me my whole life story during our first lunch together.”

Colin’s hazel eyes light up.

“I have a pretty good outline, but I want details.”

He puts his elbow on the table, rests his head on his fist, and watches me.

I joke.

“Okay, first, get your elbow off of the table. My dad would stab you with a fork if he were here. I can’t take you anywhere nice.”

I knock his elbow down, causing his body to jerk as he catches himself.

“I’m from Chicago. I have one older sister, Sarah. She’s twenty-nine, a lawyer, married, one daughter, and is living in Chicago. My parents are Mike and Donna.”

I shrug.

“There’s not much to say. I get along with my family fine.”

“Are your parents living here?”

“No, they live in Chicago.”

“Oh, I thought you said they have dinner with the Clarkes a lot.”

“They do. They come for a visit four times a year, usually. Sometimes more, for business. They’re actually here, now, and they’re part of the reason I forced you to take me out. I need to be busy.”

He pouts his lips.

“I see how it is, use me and abuse me!”

I’ll give Colin anything he wants when he pouts. That’s part of the reason we’re here now. Those giant eyes and thick lashes, his pink lips puckered out. I can’t possibly say no to him. Plus, he mentioned that if I didn’t go to Bend with him, he’d cancel and spend five days in Washington with Jesse. Nope! Not if I can help it.

“Oh, yes. Please tell me how mean I am to you. Actually, tell the three hundred people I uninvited to my Fourth of July party.”

He gushes, trying to regain my favor.

“Have I told you how handsome you look tonight in that maroon sweater? It really makes your eyes stand out and you’re dimple is on point this evening. You’re quite breathtaking.”

Outwardly, I wave off his brown-nosing efforts.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

Inwardly, I’m a giant puddle of goo. The waiter and his assistant arrive to serve our food and it all looks amazing. The lobster is covered with a garlic cream sauce that smells heavenly. He tops off our wine glasses before parting.

We eat, laugh and drink wine. I’m having a great evening and, somehow, Jesse isn’t brought up, which contributes to the overall greatness of the night.

Finally, the waiter brings our check. I don’t expect Colin to pay as I know the meal will be six hundred dollars. I reach for it, but Colin flicks my hand.

“Ouch!”

I look at him in surprise. Taking the bill, he says.

“Tonight is my treat.”

“Oh, come on. I don’t expect you to buy. I know it’s going to be stupid expensive.”

I reach out, trying to retrieve it back.

“Charles Gabett, get your fucking fingers away from me!”

He pinches my thigh under the table, out of the public’s view.

“Ouch!”

I jump and sooth the sore spot on my leg with my hand.

“You need to learn, there are consequences for stupid actions.”

Colin puts his credit card into the binder and pats my knee while smiling at me with his perfect teeth and sparkling hazel eyes. He’s rewarding me for my obedience. I’ll do anything he wants if he’s going to touch my leg.

“Jeez, okay. Talk about abusing.”

I pout back, knowing it doesn’t have nearly the same effect on him. The waiter returns to grab the binder and leans in.

“Thank you, guys, for coming in and, seriously, you guys are adorable together. Cutest couple ever.”

I can tell Colin’s about to laugh as I reply.

“Awe, thank you, that’s so sweet. He’s kind of an ass, but how can you not love this face?”

I pinch his cheeks into fish lips and rub our noses together. As the waiter walks away, he whispers.

“So cute!”

Before Colin can respond, I ask if he’s ready to go.

I always worry I’m pushing the envelope, but he never seems to mind. I’ll continue to do things that might cast me in the boyfriend light until he falls in love with me.

Even if it’s only in my dreams.

* * COLIN * *

While taking a bite of his quinoa salad and dropping bits of it onto his lap, Charlie asks me.

“Question. I have to take my car to the dealer to get it serviced next week. Would it be possible to borrow your car for two days? Thursday and Friday?”

I have no problem loaning my car to Charlie, but I can’t help wondering why he would choose to drive my car.

“Sure. I rarely drive anyway, but don’t Jaguar dealers have loaner cars? I can’t imagine you’d rather drive Julie.”

He wrinkles his nose in disgust.

“I don’t want to drive a car that’s plastered with advertisements! Gross! That’s the worst, worse than your car.”

He grins.

“Really? You’d rather drive my old grocery getter?”

I mock the nickname he gave my wonderful car.

“You seem to like younger models of cars, and other things, regardless of how cheap they are.”

Charlie takes a deep breath and slaps his hand against his chest.

“Ouch. I need a medic for that burn. Don’t worry, I’ll wear a paper bag over my head when I’m driving so no one will recognize me.”

“Fine, just be gentle.”

He yells, “That’s what she said!”

I can’t believe I set myself up for that and I mumble.

“Fuck me.”

He laughs and yells, again.

“That’s what she said!”

“Oh, my god, shut your mouth.”

“That’s what she said!”

He’s such a dork, but I can’t stop laughing. I quip.

“Are you finished, yet?”

“That’s what she--”

I hold my hand up, still laughing.

“Stop!”

I look at him and can tell he’s going to say it, again.

“You can borrow Julie!”

“That’s what HE said!”

He has tears running down his face. I throw my hands up and walk away.

“I can’t handle you like this.”

He yells louder.

“That’s what she said!”

* * *

Jesse’s in his kitchen, cubing a variety of veggies for a roasted dish he’s been raving about, when he asks.

“What do you want to do for your birthday this weekend?”

“Nothing, it’s only another day. Charlie’s borrowing my car for a few days, though. He’s going to drop it off Saturday morning and I’ll need to run him home. Then we can do whatever after that.”

He smiles.

“Great, I have a few ideas.”

I stand behind him and wrap my arms around his waist.

“We could stay in you know. Birthday suits on my birthday!”

I gently nip his shoulder.

“Don’t worry, that’s definitely part of the plan.”

He turns around, abandoning the veggies, so he can kiss me, but I playfully push him away.

“Hey, don’t burn dinner. I’m hungry.”

He winks and returns to what he was doing.

“Fine. I see where your priorities lie.”

I can’t believe how good things are going. I sit and admire Jesse. He’s not only kind and gentle, but he’s smoking hot.

I wouldn’t say this to him, or Charlie, but they look a lot alike. Jesse’s bigger (both taller and wider), but they have similar builds and features. They could easily be brothers. Jesse is a gentle giant. He might tease me, but he’s a lot more sensitive than Charlie. Everything Jesse does is loving and nurturing, his touch, his words, and the way he looks at me.

Charlie is blunt and brutal. He speaks his mind and isn’t afraid to say anything. He’s still sweet and kind, but not the same way Jesse is. Jesse starts blushing when he notices me staring at him and asks.

“What?”

I shake my head, clearing it of all of the comparisons, and smile.

“Nothing, only admiring you.”

He laughs.

“Well, stop.”

He pours olive oil over the veggies and grinds some salt and pepper over the top.

“Never. It’s my right to admire you when I want and where I want. You agreed to it weeks ago when you told me you loved me and let me fuck you.”

I bite my lip, remembering that beautiful night. He grabs the baking dish and puts it into the oven before walking over to me.

“Fine, then I get to admire you when I want and where I want.”

He kisses me.

“Because you agreed to it when you told me you loved me and you let me fuck you.”

He drops kisses between each word and I pull him closer.

“I’ll never stop you.”

He lifts me up and I instinctively wrap my legs around his waist to secure myself to his body as he carries me off to his bedroom.

* * *

Buzz

[Charles] I’m on my way, do you want to meet me on the street? Like a hooker

[Colin] What’s your ETA? I’m just waking up.

[Charles] Twenty minutes.

[Colin] Okay, let me put on my fishnet stockings and I’ll meet you on the street.

I look at my clock. It’s eight thirty a.m. I overslept, except not really because it’s fucking Saturday. I quickly shower and get dressed. Jesse will be here around eleven, this morning, for whatever he has planned. That’s plenty of time to drop Charlie off and get back.

[Charles] Forty-five seconds.

I go down stairs as he’s pulling up. Seeing Charlie driving my car is funny, he looks totally out of place in a wagon. I’m used to him driving his expensive sports car which fits his personality so much better. I slide onto the passenger side seat so we don’t hold up traffic and, smiling widely, Charlie says.

“Morning, sunshine!”

I glare at him.

“You know it’s too fucking early for a Saturday.”

I don’t tell him it’s too early because it’s my birthday.

“You’ll survive.”

He easily shifts gears as he drives toward the freeway. We drive in silence for a few minutes, and I do mean silence! It’s extra quiet this morning. I look at Charlie.

“It’s freaky quiet. Do you want to listen to music?”

I return my gaze to the window, something's not right.

“Why? Your stereo sucks ass. Silence is bet--”

I cut him off.

He takes the exit heading north.

“Wait! Where are we going? We’re not going south...”

He smiles.

“We’re going to breakfast.”

I sit straight in my seat, disorientated from the lack of information.

“Why? I’m confused.”

He declares each word.

“It. Is. Your. Birthday!”

He grins at me as I shake my finger at him, another office reference.

“I see what you did.”

Charlie looks at his phone and, suddenly, In da Club is blaring, loudly. My stereo has always sucked, I can’t turn it up very loud or it sounds like the doors will fall off. He has the volume so loud, I’m afraid we’re going to bounce off of the road.

Go, Go, Go, Go Shawty, it’s your birthday

We gonna party like it’s your birthday

We gon’ sip Bacardi like it’s your birthday

And you know we don’t give a fuck, it’s not your birthday!

I yell over the noise.

“Oh, my god! You’re going to blow my fucking speakers you fucking bastard!”

The music is instantly silenced.

“No, I’m not.”

He slowly turns the volume back up to a normal level and I realize the stereo is new and the sound is beyond amazing. I run my fingers over the stereo, then look at the dash, and find my stock speakers have been replaced. I look at Charlie with wide eyes.

“What the fuck?! What did you do?”

“Forgive me, but I couldn’t stand it any longer. One of my good friends owns a small shop, so I had him replace your speakers and upgrade your stereo. It’s still basically a stock stereo, but now you have Bluetooth and an Aux plug so you can car Karaoke like a real person.”

He’s wearing a hesitant smile, worried I might reject his gift.

“Charlie, this is awesome!”

I’m listening to 50 Cent and my speakers are not being ruined, nor are they ruining the quality of the song.

“I have to reimburse you. I can’t let you do this, it’s way too mu--”

21 Questions comes on and Charlie cuts me off by turning up the volume, then he looks at me and starts singing.

You drive me crazy, shorty, I

Need to see you and feel you next to me

I’ll provide everything you need

And I like your smile, I don’t wanna see you cry.

He turns the volume back down.

“Just accept my gift, you know you want to. Plus, it’s as much for me as it is for you.”

His eyes are sparkling and his dimple peeks through as he smiles.

My best friend is hotter than yours.

“I also had your car doors and floor sound proofed. Nothing crazy, but the road noise in here was terrible, so it should help.”

He shrugs innocently, as if this isn’t a big deal. As if he didn’t go above and beyond. The thoughtfulness of this gift is overwhelming. I’m glad I’m not driving because I’m starting to feel light headed. I’ve never had anyone do something like this for me, but this is Charlie, he’s always doing things like this. Well, not like this, but things that let me know he values our friendship. I’m reminded of my comparisons the other night and realize, that maybe, I didn’t give Charlie enough credit, he’s awful sweet sometimes.

How is he still single?

“Charlie, this is too much. I can’t possibly return this favor.”

I feel terrible. He’s being so genuinely generous and acts of service are not my specialty.

“Sucks to be you then. Friendship is a real bitch sometimes.”

He continues driving the narrow streets until he finds a parking spot. I look out of the window and realize where we are.

“Fuck, yeah! Mother’s! Happy fucking birthday to me!”

I do a little dance on the front seat. Mother’s is my favorite breakfast place ever. I lean over, grab his head with my hands and plant a giant kiss on his cheek.

“Seriously, Charlie, you’re the fucking best!”