Chapter two
TWO
Justin and his new friend put on their coats and went to the door. Marcus threw back the last of his drink.
“Oh hell no,” Marcus heard Justin say from the door. Justin popped his head back into the bar.
“It’s bad, y’all,” Justin said. “It’s still raining.”
“Shit,” Marcus cursed. The forecast had predicted snow or ice, or both. Ice would bring down trees and powerlines and snarl up the roads for days. The city was not equipped for winter storms.
“We’re out of here. Have a safe walk back,” Justin called to Marcus. The wind slammed the door closed behind them.
Marcus looked at Aiden, then at the rest of the bar. Two more couples were sipping drinks at tables.
“I’ll keep you company until you close, unless I’m in your way,” Marcus said.
“You’re good company,” Aiden said. “If these guys are still here in an hour, I’m kicking them out.”
“Are you walking too?” Marcus asked.
“I wish. I’m way too far to walk. If it all goes to hell in an hour, I’ll be sleeping in the office. It’s… not the worst thing that’s happened in the office.” Aiden smiled at his own inside joke. Marcus tried to envision what kind of activities might happen in the office of a seedy bar.
An hour later, Marcus and Aiden were still chatting over the bar, and the two couples still hadn’t left.
Marcus was certain Aiden was flirting with him, and he flirted back.
Marcus felt an electricity between them he desperately wanted to explore.
The hour flew, and at the end Marcus wanted to slam Aiden into the wall and put his hands on him.
As much as Marcus had enjoyed his time with Aiden, he was starting to worry that Aiden might actually have to sleep in the office. Aiden approached the loitering couples and apologized but told them he was closing the bar.
Marcus lingered while Aiden closed the bar and counted the register.
He watched Aiden move around the bar with practice, lost in his routine.
Marcus desperately tried to formulate the best way to ask Aiden if he wanted to come home with him.
He guessed men hit on Aiden every night he worked.
Maybe the flirting was Aiden’s default. Maybe he made better tips when he leaned on the bar and looked into the customer’s eyes.
But Aiden hadn’t told Marcus to leave when he told the other customers he was closing.
Aiden grabbed his keys and bundled himself into his coat and knit hat.
Marcus walked him to the door. Marcus struggled to pull open the door against the force of the wind.
Rain, nearly frozen, was coming down in sheets.
It seemed to turn solid when it touched the surface of the road outside.
The bushes outside the building were encased in a light icy shell.
Not a single car was driving on the road.
“The fuck is this,” Aiden cursed.
“How far do you have to go?” Marcus asked. Aiden shrugged.
“My car is in the parking garage down the street. It’s covered, so at least I won’t have to scrape it.”
“Yeah, but… how far do you have to drive?” Marcus asked. Aiden pulled a face.
“About 20 minutes, I guess. On a good day.” They looked outside at the shiny street. Marcus pulled up the radar on his phone, but he already knew what it would look like. It was going to beat down on them for several more hours.
“I live two blocks that way,” Marcus pointed. “Want to come with me?” Aiden raised his eyebrows.
“Yeah, if you’re offering,” Aiden said. He gave Marcus a look Marcus didn’t know how to interpret. Did the guy think Marcus was straight? Or maybe he just didn’t fuck customers.
“No expectations,” Marcus rushed to clarify. “Please don’t think there’s strings attached. I mean, you’re hot. Fuck.” Marcus was so bad at this in real life, this is why he stuck to apps for hookups. The corner of Aiden’s lips pulled up in a small smile as he watched Marcus struggle.
“I’m saying, I’d love to have you over. But don’t think you have to do anything for a place to sleep.”
“Okay,” Aiden said. “I appreciate it. Maybe the roads will be better tomorrow. Hold on, I have a text.” Aiden looked down and typed. They stepped out into the rain and Aiden locked the door behind them.