Love on the Rocks (Bar Tenders) Read online

  The water had stopped running. That was a quick shower.

  “How do you take your coffee?” Justin called through the door.

  “Black, please!” came the reply.

  Justin pulled a face. “Black? Ew. Okay, you’re the boss.” He shuffled back to the kitchen. How anyone could drink black coffee was beyond him. Almost as gross as those dark beers they served at the pub. Justin added lots of milk and sugar to his, then made the coffees.

  Taking them through to his bedroom, Justin’s nose twitched at the scents—coffee and the smell of sex. Omigod. His mind drifted off on happy trails, and his cock stirred. Justin couldn’t ever remember being this horny.

  He set down the coffees on his dresser and went to open a window. Looked like a nice day outside. The weather reflected his mood, all bright sunshine.

  When Yena came back from the bathroom, he was dressed in his clothes. Justin was disappointed. He also noted his dry hair. “You not washing your hair?”

  “God, no.” Yena smiled. “I’ll be there for hours. I only washed it yesterday, anyway.”

  “How’d you keep it dry, then?” Justin asked, moving closer. “You borrow Tara’s sequined shower cap?”

  “No.” Yena laughed and shoved him. Though the shove was playful, it put distance between them as Yena stepped away. “I found a hairband, so I borrowed that.”

  “Ah. But I’d bet you look cute in a shower cap.”

  “Thank you, Justin.”

  Aware he was hovering, Justin became nervous again. “Um… your coffee’s here.” He pointed at the dresser, like Yena couldn’t have spotted the mugs himself. “I’ll go shower. You can change the channel if you want.” He indicated the TV.

  A smirk was on Yena’s face, but all he said was “Thank you.”

  “No worries. If, um… if you hear me sing in the shower, I only practice in there ’cause the acoustics are good.” Justin darted away before he made any more crap jokes. He needed more coffee.

  In the shower, he soaped himself clean and shampooed his hair, taking his time. Part of him was worried Yena would be gone by the time he got out. He’d done that before when he didn’t want to talk to the guy afterward.

  Yena wouldn’t do that to him, would he?

  Justin’s heart beat in long, heavy thumps. This anxiety thing wasn’t much fun. It certainly wasn’t conducive to a singing mood. He toweled off, combed his hair back, applied his moisturizer, and dressed in the clothes he’d brought in with him. Clean briefs, the same jeans as last night, and a clean, mint green t-shirt. This time he was wearing his slippers; fuck it, all the truths came out the morning after.

  When he walked back to his room, the sight of Yena curled up on his bed watching TV with his mug of coffee made Justin’s chest tighten. Yena looked up at him and then down to Justin’s leopard print slippers. He smiled. “I noticed those in the bathroom. I thought they were Tara’s.”

  “Er…. It’s usually safe to assume that anything animal print is mine.”

  “Got it.”

  “So.” Justin picked up his mug and drank some lukewarm coffee. “What do you want to eat? We’ve probably got curry leftovers, or I can make toast? A sandwich?”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yena, stop asking me that. Of course I’m sure.” Justin’s cheeks heated.

  “Okay. Um, toast would be good.”

  “Toast it is. Marmite?”

  Yena threw him a horrified glance.

  “No marmite,” Justin amended. “Jam? Marmalade?”

  “Buttered is fine. Thanks.”

  “No jam?” Justin shook his head. And he hates Marmite. Blimey.

  BREAKFAST EATEN, they curled up with cups of tea to watch daytime TV. Justin only finished half his tea before he snuggled down in the bed to close his eyes. His arm rested over Yena’s waist, who sat next to him, texting on his phone.

  Before Justin dozed off, he asked, “Who’re you talking to?”

  “My mum.”

  “Mm.” Justin almost added “tell her I said hello,” but held his tongue. He fell asleep, secure in the knowledge that Yena’s warm body was next to him, and he couldn’t sneak off without Justin knowing about it. He dreamt about sex; his cock hard, pushing into Yena’s willing body under him. It was amazing.

  His shoulder shook gently, and Justin realized he was being roused. He came awake with a start, and felt saliva escaping his mouth. His pillow was wet too.

  Wonderful. Justin rubbed his mouth with the back of his hand, avoiding Yena’s eye. He didn’t miss the smile.

  “Didn’t think you were gonna wake up, Justin.”

  “Er, sorry.”

  “It’s okay. But I’m gonna need to get up now.”

  Justin grunted and stretched to sitting. Yena got out of the bed and picked up the mugs. “I’ll get my stuff from the kitchen.”

  “Huh?” Justin realized Yena intended to leave. He glanced at the clock. It was way after three. Shit. He’d planned on charming Yena, not falling asleep and drooling. Justin got up and staggered into the kitchen after him. He made a halfhearted attempt to help clear up, but was distracted by the sight of the kettle. He needed another coffee after that nap.

  “Um, do I turn left when I get out of the building?” Yena asked. He’d bagged up his shakers, but left the remainder of alcohol for Justin. “Camden tube isn’t far, is it?”

  “Chalk Farm is closer.” Justin thought quickly and made a decision. “I’ll come with you. I need to get some food anyway.” He didn’t, but it was a valid excuse to go into town.

  They put on their shoes. Justin deliberated over a jacket. Yena held his in his hand. “I don’t think you’ll need a jacket, Justin. Seems warm.”

  “The minute I step outside, it’ll rain,” Justin said. “That’s what usually happens.”

  Yena glanced at the stack of colorful parasols in the hallway. “Which one is yours? Let me guess. Leopard print one.”

  “Hah. They’re all mine. Most of them are stage props, though.”

  “Stage props?”

  “Yeah, to dance around with.”

  “Oh, right.” Yena looked at him thoughtfully as they exited the flat and Justin locked up. “I’d like to see you dancing.”

  “Yeah?” Justin beamed. “You can come any time you want.”

  “Mmm.” The knowing smile on Yena’s face heated Justin’s cheeks.

  “I mean, come to a show.”

  “I knew what you meant.”

  Justin nudged him. “Did you, now?”

  “Yep.”

  They shoved and chuckled on the way to the lift.

  “Don’t you take the stairs down?” Yena asked.

  “Pfft. I’m too knackered,” Justin admitted. “You wore me out, baby.”

  This time, Yena blushed. Justin wanted to pin him to the wall and kiss him. Instead, he cleared his throat and selected the button for ground. He fished around in his head for something else to say, but nerves tightened his throat.

  Wow, get a grip.

  Outside, it was indeed a sunny day. Justin was pleased he hadn’t brought his jacket. He almost offered to carry Yena’s for him, seeing as he also had a bag of cocktail implements, but he worried that would be too much. It wasn’t like they were at the holding hands stage yet.

  Were they?

  Justin hadn’t been in this situation before. Not with someone he liked, someone who was free to hold hands with him in public.

  He led them onto the main high street, Haverstock Hill, and they walked toward Camden. There were people about, even a few market stalls selling fresh food, so there was plenty of bustle to distract from having to make conversation.

  They said a few words between them. Justin was relieved it didn’t feel too awkward, but more… relaxed. Truthfully, he was still half asleep. Being outside in a busy street made him realize how tired he was, despite his napping.

  All too soon, they approached Camden Road, where the bigger markets were. Yena obviously recognized where
he was. “Are you coming all the way to the Tube?” he asked. “I know where it is from here.”

  “Um….” Justin considered, but he wasn’t keen on navigating the even busier bustle of Camden and all its loud tourists. He’d rather say good-bye here, on the quieter street. The lock bridge loomed ahead of them, and the stables market entrance was on their right. “Guess I’ll head back,” he said. “Gonna get some food and try wake up a bit.”

  “You working tonight too?”

  “Yeah, unfortunately. But not until seven.”

  “Lucky you.” Yena smiled.

  Justin almost asked if Eric would be working tonight, but he decided against it. “So… I’ll talk to you soon?”

  “Sure. Um… thanks for dinner, by the way. It was really nice.”

  “Any time, gorgeous.” The words were out before Justin could overthink them. He reached for Yena’s hand, twining their fingers together. Yena smiled, but he gave a quick glance around.

  Not one for PDAs, Justin noted. He was disappointed, but he wouldn’t press the issue. Holding hands, if only for a moment, was enough for now. Then Yena surprised him by leaning in, tilting his face up. Justin met him, their lips brushing together briefly, and then Yena pulled back. A nervous smile flickered on. “Bye,” he said quietly.

  Justin squeezed his hand, then let go. “Bye. Have a good shift.”

  “You too.”

  He watched Yena walk away, eyes drifting to his butt, before Justin forced himself to turn and walk in the other direction. All in all, that hadn’t gone too badly. Not badly at all. His heart was jumping, and he smiled to himself.

  Chapter Eleven

  OVER TWO weeks later, Justin wasn’t feeling nearly so confident. What had started out as promising quickly dwindled to unsure with a niggling worry of too good to be true.

  Justin sipped his mineral water as he took a seat to wait for Tam in their practice room. He took his mobile phone out. No messages from Yena. He’d said he would let Justin know when he was free. That was nearly four days ago.

  For the hundredth time in as many days, Justin looked through their old message thread, rereading their conversation. The first message from Yena had been barely an hour after Justin had left him in Camden that day.

  Justin. My colleagues are laughing at the huge love bites on my neck. It looks like I’ve been punched. This followed by a wide-eyed face.

  Oops. Sorry, gorgeous. I thought you already knew? Xxx.

  Why would I know?!

  Because you would’ve looked in the mirror?

  Well, I didn’t. An angry face followed this, but also some kisses.

  You should look in the mirror more, Yena. You’re hot.

  An angry face was sent in reply.

  Justin had sent a kissing face, some hearts, and a flower symbol.

  Don’t think you can suck up with stickers!

  Can I suck up elsewhere? Winking face.

  Omigod. I’ve got to work. You’re impossible. Xx.

  I’ll let you get revenge on me next time. Xxx.

  Great. I’ll use the vacuum cleaner. That’ll show you. Xx.

  Ooh, kinky. Justin had sent more symbols, mostly with excited faces and love hearts. It was just a bit of fun, after all.

  Later that same night, he’d given in and texted Yena again, asking when he was next off. When Yena replied, he’d told Justin his days off in the week coming, but their schedules clashed. Yena couldn’t commit further than that, as he’d said he needed to see family. Justin tried not to sulk.

  He scrolled through a couple more messages, where he’d sent Yena a picture of a vacuum cleaner with an extendable hose. Yena had replied with a picture of fluffy leopard print slippers.

  Ooh, they’re nice. I’ll buy those. Xxx.

  Thought you would, Justin. Xx.

  When am I seeing you? Xxx.

  Justin winced as he reread that message, but impatience had been clawing at his insides.

  Still was.

  I have to see my parents next week, was Yena’s reply. Gotta swap shifts to get the days off, so not sure when I’m free yet. Xx.

  Justin had tried to sound casual. Nonchalant, even. Hey, what did it matter if he had to wait another week? They could meet up the week after.

  Except as each day passed without a word from Yena, Justin’s panic grew. Was he being ditched? Or was he being paranoid? Yena’s parents couldn’t live far away. South London wasn’t that big. What did he need so much time off for?

  Maybe it was someone’s birthday, Justin reasoned, as he put his phone away. Birthdays happened. Maybe it was a big one, and Yena couldn’t get out of it.

  Still. He could’ve bloody texted. Justin was very good at texting back. He knew not everyone shared the same skill. He knew most other guys sucked at it, possibly with the exception of Tam. But there was surely time in the day to send one little message. Was that so hard to do?

  Footsteps pounded up the stairs, and Tam burst into the room, cursing London transport. “We’ve only got the room for two more hours,” he said, throwing off his street wear. “Let’s nail this and go home.”

  Justin couldn’t agree more. He wasn’t really in the mood for dancing, but they had to get this Ooh La La number right or Tam would clobber him.

  Boots on, space cleared, Tam put on the music, and they got into position. “We’ll have a run through as is, then we’ll do a full dress rehearsal.”

  Justin was barely listening. He let muscle memory carry him through the routine, as his mind drifted back to Yena. Despite saying he wanted to see Justin perform, his schedule still clashed with Justin’s. It seemed Yena worked even more than he did.

  Unless he was lying.

  Justin turned the wrong way and bumped into Tam, who grunted in annoyance.

  “Sorry,” Justin said sheepishly.

  They kept going, but Justin’s heart wasn’t in it. When the song ended, Tam didn’t replay the music. He sat in a chair and took a drink of water. “Come on, then. Out with it.”

  “Huh?”

  “Justin, you’re lurching around like a zombie with two left feet, and you’ve had a face like a wet weekend for days now. Spill.”

  “No, I have—”

  “Spill.”

  Justin sank into a chair, gazing forlornly at his own platform boots. “I think I’m being dumped.”

  “What? Who by?” Tam sounded incredulous.

  “Yena.”

  “Oh.” Tam rolled his eyes, taking another swig of water. “Justin, you only saw him five minutes ago.”

  “No, I didn’t,” Justin moaned. “It’s been like, two weeks.”

  “Has it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Hm. Well, maybe he’s busy.”

  “That’s what he keeps saying. I think he’s giving me the brush off.”

  “What was he like last time you were together?” Tam asked.

  “He was… fine, I guess. A little shy, but he seemed fine. We get on really well.”

  “And what sort of busy did he say he was?”

  “Um… working at the bar, of course. And seeing his parents this week. But he said he’d let me know when he was next free, and so far he hasn’t.”

  “Justin, stop whining and go to his bar.”

  “What?” Justin goggled at him. “I couldn’t do that. What if he doesn’t want to see me?”

  “Oh, pull yourself together!” Tam waved a hand at him. “Let’s do this rehearsal, then you go to Soho. Go see your man.”

  “I….” Justin panicked. Go to Foxy’s? “But what if he’s not there?”

  Tam looked like he was ready to smack Justin with the water bottle. “Why don’t you ask? Say, I’m swinging by your way later, wondered if you’re working. That sort of mundane thing.”

  “Er….” Could he do that? Justin’s fingers already twitched for his phone.

  Yes. He’d go to Foxy’s.

  NEVER IN his life could Justin remember feeling so nervous. Rehearsal was over, and now he sat o
n a half-empty tube carrying the last of the commuting stragglers and him, to south London. Over two hours ago he’d sent a text to Yena, asking if he was working this evening. Now it was half-ten, and Justin still hadn’t gotten a reply.

  Well, not that he could on the tube, anyway.

  If Yena wasn’t working, Justin supposed he’d go home. It’d be a bit of a wasted journey, though. To combat nerves, he’d stuck his earbuds in and fortified himself with ABBA. The tube thundered through the Underground, and Justin gazed out of the windows whenever it pulled into a station. He didn’t see anyone he knew. He was almost hoping he would, so he could persuade—force—them into coming for a drink.

  Tam had bowed out. Another date with the mysterious booty caller. Justin felt a little jealous.

  He glanced up at the Tube map above passengers’ heads. Only two more stops to go. When Super Trouper came on, Justin turned it up a little. He needed to thoroughly drown his butterflies. As it was his favorite song, and he and Tam performed it onstage, he couldn’t help wiggling in his seat, fluttering his hands to discreetly join in.

  It was a shame he couldn’t sing. He only sang on the tube if he was drunk, though, or with friends. He hummed along, staring into nothing as he imagined himself onstage, dancing it out.

  He almost missed his stop. Justin leaped out of his seat, catching the eye of the two girls seated opposite, who were grinning. One of them said something, but Justin was in too much of a hurry. He waved a good-bye, and then jumped off the tube.

  All he had to do was walk out, and Foxy’s was down a side street. Barely a couple of minutes’ walk away from this tube stop.

  Justin walked slowly. His heart had slowed down, thumping loud and heavy in his chest. What the hell? This was ridiculous. He walked up the escalator, too nervous to stand still. He swiped out through the barriers, took a right turn, and exited for Tottenham Court Road.

  The night air was crisp and chilly now. The high street was busy, as always, but now with people heading to bars and restaurants rather than shopping. It was only a Thursday night. What if Foxy’s was really busy? What if Yena wasn’t even there? Justin would’ve worked himself into a tizz for nothing.