Chapter 17
They were back in New York City, and it was all right with Ryder.
He liked the lake house best, but this little apartment—big apartment—was fascinating, and he had a ball exploring neighborhoods, going places with Charles.
There was always something neat to do, somewhere new to eat, some new food to try. A museum here, a park there.
So, yeah, he liked the lake house better because Mister Charlie was less busy, and they spent a lot more time making love or playing cards or reading. Sitting together. He’d even gotten Charles to watch a couple of movies with him.
But he didn’t hate being in the city.
Charles was out at the meeting, visiting some clients, and Ryder had made an appointment to get his hair cut, pick up dry cleaning, grab Mister Charlie some of his favorite pastries, that sort of thing.
They’d arranged to meet at this private club. He guessed it was mostly a bar, because they were going to go to supper afterward. They were going to meet there at six o’clock, have a drink, and then go have Greek food.
He got on his good jeans and a decent shirt, plus a light jacket. It was drizzling, and he thought he’d need it. He hoped Mister Charlie had remembered him an umbrella.
Ryder frowned and grabbed one, just in case. He’d hate for Charles to catch a chill.
He headed downstairs a little early because Mister Charlie had said that the car would just pick him up there at their building.
He felt a little high hat about everything, but he didn’t know about the subway.
There was something about being under the ground that just kind of wigged him right the fuck out.
He didn’t know if he wanted to do that. Especially not by himself.
That was one of his things, one of his deepest-held secrets. He wasn’t so good by himself. He’d never been by himself, so he didn’t know what to do with it. He was great for a few hours, sure, but he was meant to be part of a team. He had been conceived as a part of a team.
So he’d just go down, chat with the security guy and the doorman and wait for his car.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
A text came in with Mister Charlie’s chime, and he pulled out his phone. It was a big fat paragraph with perfect punctuation. He’d have known it was Charles even without the custom chime.
Charles
Hello, Ryder. Unfortunately, my meeting is running overtime, and I am going to be late for our drink. You should go ahead without me and have a beer. River and Kacey will be there. Do you remember them from Victor’s party? Go relax, and I’ll join you as soon as I can.
Ryder
All right. I don’t need a…card or anything?
He’d only been to a few private clubs.
Charles
I’m told we will have a tab already in place. If it’s a problem, I’ll pay when I arrive. I’m sorry about this.
Ryder
No. I’m good. No stress
He’d meant some way to get into a private club. He was just random Joe Number One.
Maybe there was a public place to hang out to wait for Charles, if he couldn’t get in.
The car pulled up just as he was about to say hi to the doorman, and the driver got out and opened a door for him. “Mr. Vales? I’m here to pick you up.”
“Hey there, Alan! How’s it going?” He waved and smiled. “And it’s Ryder, man. I’m not a mister.”
“Mr. Ryder then.” Alan winked at him. “You’re looking good. Not so skinny.”
“Thanks. There’s so much to eat and explore here.” He loved how there was all this stuff to learn.
Alan closed the car door after he got in. “I don’t know what you’re doing, but Mr. Martin has been in a very good mood this visit.”
“Excellent. That’s my whole goal.” He wanted to make Charles happy.
“Well, you’re achieving it. It’s nice to see. He was always so…quiet.”
“Thanks.” He settled in the car, then leaned forward. “Have you ever been to the club I’m heading to?”
“I’ve driven there before. I’ve never been inside. It’s a men’s club. Lots of leather.”
“Ah.” A men’s club. “Cool.”
He texted Roper.
Ryder
going to a ‘mens club’. Charlie not here yet. DO I NEED A SECRET PSWD?
Roper’s reply came back right away.
Roper
YES IT’S PEANUT BUTTER!
Ryder
Don’t b a dick. Should I wait outside???
He didn’t want to be turned away.
Roper
Do whatever he told you to do. If he told you to go in, then they’re expecting you. Call everyone Sir. Be charming.
Ryder
I’m always polite but ok. I’ll go in. This is weird.
Roper
Nah. You’re fine. Breathe.
Ryder
Breathing. On it
It was a short trip, and Alan hopped out to open his door for him again. “Mr. Martin just texted me, and he asked me to walk you to the door.”
“Oh? That’s kind. Are you sure?” He smiled at Alan, feeling better already.
“Of course. Ready?” Alan closed the door after he got out.
“I am. Thank you for this. I appreciate it.”
“No problem.” Alan smiled at him and led the way.
The door opened and a man in leather pants, big boots, and a dark vest held it for them.
“Hello. We’re looking for Master River?” Alan seemed completely relaxed. “I’m Alan. This is Ryder, he’s expecting us.”
“Of course. Welcome, Ryder. Have a seat at the bar.”
Alan smiled at him. “All good?”
“Yes. Thank you. You were very kind.” Going up to the bar was something he completely understood.
“It’s nice in here, huh? Fancy.” Alan pulled out a barstool for him.
“Yeah. It’s gorgeous. I can see why Charles likes it. He’s the finest man I’ve ever known.”
Alan gave him a sidelong glance and a knowing grin. “I feel like maybe the terms of your employment have changed recently.”
“Yes. I’m not employed by Charles. I’m with Charles.” And he wasn’t going to hide that, not for a second.
Alan turned all the way this time to face him, smiling wide. “Oh my God. He is so lucky. That is amazing news.”
“It is. I’m so happy, man. Seriously. He’s amazing, and I love him.” In fact, he was a little stupid in love.
“I’ve worked for him since a few years before his husband’s accident, and he—he kind of disappeared. But he’s coming back. I noticed how chatty he was with you, and he’d be taking you out. It’s good. You’re good for him.”
He loved hearing that. He wanted to be a good thing in his lover’s life. He wanted to be the best thing.
“Ryder! It’s good to see you again. Welcome home.
” River, the big guy he’d met at that first party headed toward him, with Kacey behind him.
At least he thought that was Kacey. River was in full leather and seemed even bigger than before.
“Master Charles let me know you were going to be late. We thought you and Kacey could hang out for a while until he gets here.”
“Thank you.” Right, call everyone Sir. “Thank you, Sir. I was a little unsure if there was a membership card or something.”
River chuckled. “Master Charles isn’t a member; he’s my guest tonight. And s—you don’t need a membership.”
Kacey slid out from behind River. He was in jeans and a gauzy, near see-through shirt and looked great.
Alan slid off his stool and offered it to Kacey. “I think you’re in good hands, Ryder. Good talking to you. I’ll pick you and Mr. Martin up later.”
“Thank you, Alan.” River gave Alan a nod, and Alan turned and left.
Kacey bumped shoulders with him. “Hey, man. What do you want to drink?”
“I think I’d like a beer—whatever’s on draught. I like your shirt. How have you been?”
“I’m good. Master River loves this shirt.” Kacey waved the bartender over. “Loves it.”
“What can I get you?” The bartender was bare-chested but had a thick, studded collar around his neck.
Kacey ordered their beers. “Rumor has it you’ve been fired. Or did you quit?” Kacey grinned at him. “Whichever one, I’m happy for you guys.”
“It was six of one, a half dozen of the other.” He grinned at Kacey, rolling his eyes at himself. “I’m very happy. Seriously.” He was over the moon.
“You look it. You look great.” Kacey looked around. “Are you…have you been to a club like this before?”
“I haven’t. I’ve been in a lot of bars, but not one that’s all guys.” Not a gay bar.
“All guys is nice, you know? It’s…well, it was weird for me too at first, I guess, but it’s good. Once you relax—when Charles gets here—you’ll like it. It’s a good place.”
“I’m glad y’all are here.” He sipped his beer, glancing around. The bar was gorgeous—glass and lights and wood. The stools were comfortable, the music was there, but not loud.
Alan had been right—there was a lot of leather. Not on the couches like he’d thought, though. Alan had meant the men.
“If you have any questions—about anything—you can ask me. I had a lot. Sometimes I still have them.” Kacey picked up his beer.
“Oh, cool. I—everyone here is queer? I mean, it’s safe to be out?” It seemed fair to ask.
Kacey nodded. “Everyone here is queer. The labels vary, but they’re all under the rainbow. They’re also kinky, so this is the safest place you can be.”
“Excellent.” He had a lot of thoughts about that, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to dwell on any of it.
“Are you still doing all the stuff you were doing when you were working for Charles? Or did he hire someone else?”
“I’m doing it. It’s my pleasure, you know? And I want to make sure that things are done right.” He was the only one who could do that.
Kacey nodded. “That’s your thing, huh? That’s what you give him? Your service?”
He tilted his head. He’d never thought about it that way, but it made sense, maybe. “I want to make his life good. That makes my soul at peace.”
“That’s cool. That you figured that out. Peace was a lot more work for me. A lot.” Kacey shook his head and sipped his beer.
“I understand that.” Roper was kinky. Roper had a hard time finding anything…long-term. He thought part of that was intensity, maybe? He wasn’t intense. He had a bit of a temper, sure, but he wasn’t all intense.
“I ended up with River because I got in a fist fight with the wrong guy.” Kacey winked at him. “Or maybe it was the right guy, you know. Since it turned out good.”
“He looks at you like he really cares.” He meant it too. River watched Kacey like a hawk.