Chapter 41
FORTY-ONE
Ethan
“I’m sorry, Ethan. They’re long gone,” Virgil said. “The thought of keeping them never crossed my mind.”
Ethan paced in front of the bar, his phone on speaker so Blake could hear the conversation. “I was afraid of that but thought I’d check anyway.”
After the hearing with the Historical Preservation Committee, Ethan was concerned their petition would be denied. There was nothing they could do about the loss of the hose-drying tower, but he’d been holding out hope that the original apparatus bay doors might be in storage somewhere.
“They were in really bad shape,” Virgil said. “The wood was split, and the bases of the doors were rotting.”
“It was a worth a shot. Thanks, Virgil.” Heaving a sigh, Ethan hung up and sat on a barstool.
On their way back to the bar after the hearing, they’d stopped to buy a frame for the photo Margaret had given them.
Blake was touched by the story of William and George and wanted to display their picture in the bar.
He took down a mirror that hung between the two shelves of liquor and replaced it with the framed photograph.
After adjusting it to make sure it was level, he stepped back with his hands on his hips.
“Looks nice,” Ethan said.
“I like the idea of having them close, watching over us.”
“Me too.” Ethan slid his phone from hand to hand.
Blake set two rocks glasses on the bar and filled them with ice. “Too bad about the doors.”
“Yeah. I thought if we at least had the original doors in our possession, it might sway some of the committee members.”
After pouring vodka, Blake cut two lemons and juiced them. “What do you think our chances are?” He added a splash of lemon juice to each of the glasses. “Give it to me straight.”
“I honestly don’t know. Between the renovations and the external changes, I think Drew has a strong argument that the building isn’t a good candidate for preservation. We’ll just have to hope that the cultural and historical significance can outweigh the committee’s concerns about site integrity.”
“Well, damn.” Blake poured a shot into each glass from a bottle Ethan didn’t recognize.
“If we can’t secure landmark status and make the deal with Orison a nonstarter, we’ll just have to make the club so damn profitable that even Drew will admit it’s a worthwhile use of the space.”
“No pressure,” Blake joked.
“If our grand opening is successful, the holiday parties should do well, and we’ll start the year strong. Then we just have to keep the momentum going.”
Blake added a splash of red liqueur to each glass, which diffused though the cocktail like blood in water. “I have something I want to run by you, but I want you to have a drink first.”
“That sounds ominous,” Ethan said as Blake slid one of the drinks toward him.
Blake chuckled. “Taste it. Tell me what you think.”
Ethan sipped the cocktail and was delighted by its delicate cherry flavor. The drink was strong, but had a pleasant, balanced sweetness. “Wow, that’s nice. What is it?”
“Vodka, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and Luxardo cherry liqueur.”
“It’s delicious. What’s it called?”
“I don’t know. I just made it up.”
“While we were talking, you threw together a new cocktail recipe?”
Blake shrugged. “It’s what I do.” He tasted his concoction and smacked his lips. “It tastes like a cherry Lifesaver.”
“That’s what we should call it. The Life Saver. In memory of William and George.”
Blake turned back to the photograph with a fond expression and raised his glass in a toast. “Here’s to you, guys.”
Ethan took another sip. “So you had an idea?”
“Yeah.” Blake leaned forward, resting his forearms on the bar.
“So, um… burlesque is meant to be fun, even silly sometimes. But sexuality is a big part of it. I was thinking we could add a number to the show that was really sexy, that pushed the envelope a little. Give the audience something they might not be expecting to see.”
“How sexy are we talking?”
“Softcore porn with pants on?”
Ethan swirled his drink, watching the red liqueur suffuse the vodka. “Okay, I see where you’re going with this. Unexpected is good. Who were you thinking would do it?”
“Me.”
Ethan’s mouth fell open. “Oh.” He took a gulp of his drink.
That was fine, right? He and Blake weren’t boyfriends anymore. Ethan had made sure of that. Think like a businessman. Would you pay to watch Blake having simulated sex?
“Yep,” Ethan said, nodding rapidly. “Let’s do it. Go for it. Who would you dance with?” He drained his cocktail, filling his mouth with the sweet, boozy goodness…
“Tenny.”
Ethan swallowed wrong and choked. “Tenny?” he squeaked. Your ex?
Blake reached over and gripped his shoulder. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” Ethan’s head swam from the alcohol he’d unwisely chugged on an empty stomach. Be cool. We’re not boyfriends anymore. “You’re right. We shouldn’t hold back. Let’s put it all on the line.”
“Okay,” Blake said, his brow furrowed. “If you’re sure.”
Ethan gave an enthusiastic thumbs up. “Totally sure.”
Blake’s eyes lit up. “I have so many ideas.”
Blake described the number he had in mind, and as he listened, Ethan couldn’t help imagining himself in the scene. Blake behind him, his erection pressed against Ethan’s ass, the scent of Blake’s sweat and body spray strong in the air…
Ethan squirmed on the barstool while his dick stirred in his pants.
Well, damn.