13. Lennox
13
LENNOX
“Who is it?” Declan whines, taking my glass and filling it with more wine.
“No one. I didn’t mean anything by it. Well, I meant something, but it’s more that I want to be prepared.”
Asking for advice about sex in the group chat was a horrible idea. The second I crossed the threshold into the apartment, Declan attacked. He’s like a dog with a bone. He won’t let it go until he figures out more information about what’s going on. I truly didn’t think he noticed I spent a couple of nights away from home, but apparently, he has. And he called me out in front of everyone. I’d have acted the same way, but it’s difficult when it’s flipped.
I’m still not ready to tell him about Jensen yet. Not until we’ve done whatever it is we’re doing for a little bit longer. I might have been on an orgasm high when I texted about anal sex advice, but honestly, I want to be prepared. I don’t know when or if it will happen, and while I understand the basics, I figured the guys would be more familiar with it.
Which was a mistake.
Because not only is the group chat blowing up with everyone wanting details, but now Declan’s all in my space wanting answers.
“But you’ve never asked to be prepared before. I know you’ve done sexual things with your exes. And if you need advice, I’m here. I’m just a nosy ass and want to know who it is. Sue me. Besides, I’m your best friend. Who else are you supposed to tell if not me?”
“Fine. I’ll tell you, but you have to promise not to say anything.”
“Cross my heart and hope to die. Well, not really, but that’s the saying, right? Oh, whatever, who cares, spill it.” He bounces on his heels, and I chuckle, knowing he’ll keep my secret.
“Jensen.”
“Jensen?” I watch as his mind plays through every person we know. “H-h-ho-ly shit. Jensen? Nick’s Jensen?”
I scoff loudly, rolling my eyes. “He’s not Nick’s Jensen.”
“Well, not romantically, of course. But he’s Nick’s Jensen like I’m Lennox’s Declan.”
“Oh, goodness.” I shove his shoulder, laughing at his antics. “You’re ridiculous.”
“That I am. But tell me, how did it happen?”
“I don’t know. He kissed me one day and then we started hanging out, I guess? We’re seeing where things go. No one knows. No one . So keep it to yourself.” I push my finger into his chest to drive my point home. “Promise me.”
“I promise, but damn. What I wouldn’t give to ride that hunk of a man. God, I can only imagine the things he can do. I definitely see why you’re asking about prep now. I would 100% be the same way if it was me.” Declan fans himself, smiling. “Be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I will. Nick and I are hanging out later today. I’m scared it’s going to be awkward as hell.”
“Do you want me to go with you? Ease whatever tension you’re feeling?”
“Would you?” I ask, hoping he’ll say yes. Things have never been uncomfortable between Nick and me before, but that was before I started secretly seeing his best friend.
“Duh, what time?”
“5.”
“Sounds good.”
Declan orders another beer from the server and I’m beyond thankful he tagged along. He’s filled in every short, awkward gap that might have popped up. I hate keeping secrets from Nick besides working at Peaches. That secret is much needed. The only other last time I did was when I was a teen and I didn’t tell him I was gay right away. Of course, he already knew once I came out to him, but that was the only time until now.
“How’s school going?” Nick asks, taking a bite of his chicken wing.
“Hard as hell. But so damn rewarding. The classes are starting to pick up and the content is getting more strenuous, but it’ll be worth it.”
“Glad to hear it. What about you Declan? Are you still working at the library?”
“Huh? The library?”
I widen my eyes, hoping he’ll get the hint, but at the same time, trying not to draw attention to myself. When Declan and I started working at Peaches, neither of us wanted to tell him we were employed there, so I made up the lie of me at the coffee shop and him at the library.
Declan tilts his head before his eyes find mine. His own widen when he remembers. “Oh! The library. It’s good. Slow but good. I need a new job, that’s for sure.”
“You’ll find something. Maybe even go back to school like Lennox.”
“Yeah, maybe.”
“So, what’s new with you?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation off Declan, me, and where we don’t work.
“Nothing really. I’ve been thinking of getting a motorcycle. Jensen always lets me ride his when I get the itch, but I’m debating whether it’d be worth it to get my own.”
Of course, I’m not trying to talk about where I work, so my other secret pops up. Jensen.
“Ah, those are dangerous. Make sure you’re careful.”
Nick rolls his eyes playfully. “I thought I was the overprotective one.”
“You are,” I mumble, taking a sip of my water. The table gets silent, and when I glance up, there are two sets of eyes on me. “What?”
“I’m overprotective because I care. If I didn’t worry about you, then I would let you do whatever you want. I just hate seeing you get hurt.”
“I doubt I’ll get hurt this time.”
I realize my slip up a moment too late. “This time? You’re seeing someone?”
“You don’t have to lecture me, Nick. I’m a big boy. I can make my own mistakes.” Not that I think Jensen is a mistake, but I need him to understand that I am capable of making my own decisions.
“Who is it?” he asks gruffly.
“It’s new.”
“That doesn’t answer my question, Lennox.”
“There’s no need for you to know, Nick.”
“All right, how about another round?” Declan tries to cut in. My eyes stay trained on Nick, who’s staring back at me.
“Why won’t you tell me?” His voice sounds hurt, and I hate myself a little more for keeping this secret.
“I promise I’ll let you know if it ends up being something. I don’t want to jinx it.”
“Whatever you say, Lennox.”
The rest of the night passes by, stilted conversation between Nick and I. Declan tries his hardest to help the communication flowing, but even he gives up after a while. After paying the bill, we say our goodbyes, Declan and I staying back as Nick climbs into his pickup truck.
“So, uh, that probably could have gone better,” Declan jokes, bumping his shoulder into mine.
“Yeah, I didn’t think it would be that hard. Plus, I know my string of exes is pretty shitty, but I meant what I told him. I don’t want to tell anyone until I’m certain it’s something. I don’t want to jinx it, or risk saying anything right before it crashes and burns.”
“You don’t have to explain it to me. I’ve always got your back. You ready to head to Peaches?”
“Let’s go.”
Declan and I get into his car, and he drives us downtown toward the club. My mind is reeling; a million thoughts going a mile a minute. Parking the car, he turns off the engine and looks at me.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I need to dance it out.”
“Too bad you can’t fuck it out.” I roll my eyes and Declan busts out laughing. “I’m kidding. Kind of.”
I open the door to the car, and Declan follows behind me as we walk through the employee entrance at the back of the club. Yelling from down the hall grabs my attention, and I make my way over, seeing Jonas standing outside the door.
“Is everything okay?” I ask, my eyes widening when the shouting gets louder. What the fuck is going on in there? The door to Caleb’s office is shut, but that doesn’t stop the gruff shouting that’s happening on the other side of the door.
“It’s fine,” Jonas replies. He stands motionless at the door, arms crossed over his chest.
“Are you sure?” I peek around him, but of course, there’s nothing to see.
Declan grabs onto my shoulder and steers me away. “Come on, it’s nothing.”
I walk forward but keep looking back over my shoulder. “That doesn’t sound like nothing.”
“It doesn’t concern us. Come on, let’s go practice.”
I walk ahead of Declan, making my way to the empty stage. Bash and Tristan are already waiting for us, sitting on a couple of stools under the spotlights.
“I thought our cowboy act was doing good. Why change it up?” I ask, jumping onto the platform and doing a small twirl.
“It is. But Caleb hired a new guy and wants to add him to our set. He should be here any minute.”
“Damn, it’s about time.” We’ve been short a guy for our routine for the past few months. The last guy who danced with us fell in love and his girlfriend didn’t approve, so he ended up randomly quitting one day.
“Does that mean we’re just planning to do the same routine, just adding the fifth guy?” Tristan asks, taking a swig of his water.
“I figure that would make the most sense,” Bash cuts in, looking at all of us. “Unless you all want to start something new?”
“Oh, god, no,” I plead. “I don’t have the time to learn a whole new dance. Besides, we’ve only been doing this one for a couple of weeks. Didn’t you say most routines last a few months, if not longer?” I question, turning in a circle to look at all of them. They’ve had more experience here than I have, so I usually end up following their advice on most things dancing.
“Yeah, I think we’re good for a while with what we have.”
“Uh, hi,” a timid voice comes from behind, and I turn around to see who it belongs to. Standing in front of us is a man who looks about my age. He has longer brown hair and he’s wearing a pair of ripped blue jeans and a white tank top with black Converse on his feet.
He’s adorable and I can tell the second Declan notices him because he whistles under his breath before stepping forward. “Hi, I’m Declan, but at the club I go by Deco.”
“Nuh, uh. Nope. Back off,” I tell him, close-lining his chest so he can’t get closer. “Hands off, Declan.”
“What? I wasn’t putting my hands on him.” He looks at the new guy, then glances back at me and wiggles his eyebrows. “Yet.”
“Oh, jeez.” I roll my eyes, stepping around him. “Don’t listen to him. He’s always horny and in heat. I’m Lennox, but I go by Onyx at the club. That’s Tristan and Bash, or Angel and Romeo.” I hike my thumb over my shoulder in their direction and they both let out a “Hi,” and “Hey.” Turning back to him, I ask, “What’s your name?”
“Cole. I don’t have a stage name yet. While I know I’ll need one soon, nothing has caught my eye yet. I’ll figure it out, though.”
“There’s no rush to come up with one.” Tristan hops off his stool, joining us off the stage.
“Yeah, we can always help if you need. Have you danced before?” Bash interrogates Cole, asking him question after question. Apparently, Cole has danced for years, but this is his first time working at a strip club.
“Why Peaches?” I ask, knowing it’s the best club to work at, but also really hard to get a job at.
“My friend used to work here, told me it’s the place to make a lot of money. Which I desperately need. Just moved into my own apartment and it’s so damn expensive. I’m honestly tired of living paycheck to paycheck. Hoping this will help cushion it some.”
“Alright, let’s see some moves. We’re going to show you the routine that has just the four of us, and then we’ll start teaching you the steps and adding you in.”
“Sounds good.”
We spend the next two hours going over the dance, time and time again. We take brief breaks to drink water and get to know Cole better before getting back on the stage and starting all over. By the time we’re done, we’re all a sweaty mess, but we’ve got the routine down. Cole gets along well with our little group, and I’m thankful Caleb chose someone who could easily fit in with the rest of us.
We’re all sitting on the edge of the stage when Preston enters the room waving at us. “Hey guys.”
We all say “Hi,” in unison as he approaches us. “I caught your last take as I walked in, and it looks great.”
“Thanks. It was all me,” Declan gloats, smiling at all of us.
Preston flicks his hand toward the platform while he looks at me. “Is this what the plaid skirt outfit was for? A new routine?”
Three sets of eyes turn and look at me until Declan laughs loudly, crossing one leg over the other. “Oh, a new outfit, huh? Do share more, please.”
“Uh, is that not what it was for?” Preston mouths ‘ sorry ’ to me, but I laugh it off.
“No. It was more personal. But if you guys ever want to switch things up, I’m in!”
“Nope. Don’t try to change the subject. Who’s the school-uniform outfit for?” Bash asks, staring at me wide-eyed. “And why don’t we know about this person? You always tell us when you’re seeing someone new.”
“I don’t want to jinx it.” I use the same excuse I’ve been saying over and over.
Bash rolls his eyes, and I know he doesn’t buy my lie. “Bullshit. There’s something else going on. But don’t worry, we won’t pry.”
“Like hell. We’ll definitely pry, but not yet. I’m too tired to get into all the shenanigans.” Tristan stands up from his spot, grabbing his backpack and tossing it over his shoulder. “Thank god, we’re off tonight. My legs are Jell-O . I don’t think I could even stand, let alone shake my ass.”
A bright light hits our face, followed by the slamming of the door. A tall, muscular guy with a ripped up white t-shirt walks into the club, his eyes taking in the scene around him. “Cole?”
Cole hops off the stage, rushing to the guy. “Hey, Oak. Thanks for picking me up.” The guy—Oak—kisses Cole on the forehead and taps the tip of his nose with his finger, then wraps his arm around his shoulder before turning and looking at us. “Everyone, this is Oak.”
“Is this the boyfriend?” Bash asks.
I can sense Declan’s dick shriveling up and dying at the mention of the new guy having a boyfriend. Declan might be open to casual relationships with men, but he has a strict rule against cheating. That’s a line he’ll never cross.
Cole and Oak glance at one another, then laugh loudly. “Uh, no,” Cole says, grabbing hold of his stomach as he bends over. “I’m straight. So is Oak. He’s my best friend.”
He shrugs and Declan whips his head in my direction with Tristan and Bash, having similar confused expressions on their faces.
“Oh, my bad,” Bash says, turning to face me, eyes wide.
“It’s fine. We’re frequently mistaken for boyfriends. I don’t know why they’d think that, though.” He shrugs, nuzzling in closer to his friend. I know some best friends are close, but I’ve never seen friends like that. They haven’t stopped touching one another since Oak walked in.
“All right, well, it was great to meet you, Oak. And we’re damn lucky to have you join us, Cole. I’m gonna head home. I’ve got some studying to do.”
I gather up all of my stuff and then go home for the night.