Chapter one
ONE
The winter storm of the year was brewing, and Marcus was in a weird dive bar two blocks from his house.
The bar was nearly empty as the roads rapidly deteriorated. Marcus had walked to the bar with a friend in a light spray of sleet and wind. Justin hadn’t wanted to go alone in case the stranger he was meeting didn’t show.
“Come on, it’s not like you’re going anywhere. It’s probably your last chance to get out until next week,” Justin had said. So, Marcus had been a good friend and stomped the two blocks down the road, face freezing in the wind.
Justin’s stranger had shown up, and they were hitting it off. He was a large man with a nice beard and leather coat. He was Justin’s type. Marcus chatted with them at a table for a few minutes before he excused himself to sit at the bar. He recognized when he was no longer needed.
Marcus looked down the bar and caught the eye of the one man working behind the counter.
Marcus guessed the man was close to his age, maybe late 20s.
He looked a little out of place in the dive bar that smelled like ashes and spilt beer.
He was wearing a tight t-shirt that showed off his arms and a pair of fitted jeans.
“What can I get you?” The bartender asked.
“Whiskey soda, please,” Marcus said. He reached for his wallet.
“What’s it like out there?” The bartender asked, finding a short glass behind the bar.
“Looked awful when I got here. Why are you not closed?”
“Boss said to close up when it’s empty.” The bartender slid the drink across the bar. Marcus felt a stab of guilt.
“Sorry. My buddy really wanted to meet someone here. He didn’t want to get snowed in with a weirdo. You know.” Marcus took a deep swallow from the glass and handed over his card.
“Those guys?” The bartender pointed his eyes in the direction of Justin and his new friend.
“Yep,” Marcus said.
“I saw you leave the table. Must be working out.”
“Yeah, seems like a good match. So I’m gonna have a drink and walk back to my warm apartment while the power’s still on.”
“You’re a good friend,” the bartender said. Marcus shrugged, but it was nice to hear. Marcus looked down the bar. He was the only person at the counter, and the bartender was cute. It couldn’t hurt to chat, if he was willing.
“I’m Marcus. What’s your name?” Marcus asked.
“Aiden,” Aiden said.
“Think it’s going to be ice or snow tonight, Aiden?” Marcus asked, leaning forward on the counter. He took a drink from his glass.
“Fingers crossed for snow,” Aiden said. “People have been telling me all night that ice is worse.”