Chapter Fifteen
Apollo loved the downtown district in Denver. The mix of old and new buildings was fascinating from an architectural perspective - not that Apollo usually noticed such things - but he loved the eclectic mix of styles that seemed to lend the place its own identity.
The hotel Titus had picked for them was in the lower downtown area, according to the friendly receptionist who didn’t seem concerned with two men booking a suite with “the largest bed possible.” She just smirked at Apollo and winked. Yes, Titus was a big man worth winking over.
After a brief wash-up, and an intense make-out session, Titus was the one who pulled away. “I promised you people time,” he murmured in Apollo’s ear. “Let’s get moving before I ditch the whole idea and we order room service and stay in.”
Out on the streets, it seemed they were walking.
Titus kept a firm hold on his hand as he sniffed out suitable food options.
Apollo was more taken with the people. There were groups and couples - very few people walking alone - and they all seemed to share the same buzz of excitement that came from looking for a fun night out.
Buffalo was an energetic city too, but Denver had the elevation and mountains that added to a holiday vibe, even if it was just a regular Saturday night.
Apollo drank it all in. Titus had told him they were headed for Larimer Square. “Sometimes they have street performers,” he’d added, and he was right. There were two. Apollo stood at the back of the small crowd who’d gathered, confident Titus was watching his back.
Closing his eyes, Apollo leaned on Titus’s shoulder, shutting out the chatter and focusing on the notes.
Oh, you can play , he thought fondly. Apollo couldn’t interfere in mortal affairs, but he sent a silent waft of his muse to cover the couple.
He could feel their dreams and hopes of being discovered, of having people appreciate their musical passion.
May all your dreams come true , he thought as he heard Titus’s stomach rumbling.
“Let’s find you a steak, my mate,” he said quietly.
As Apollo straightened, the woman singer caught his eye and smiled.
Her eyes were bright and clear, and her love for singing shone like a halo around her.
Apollo felt the warmth of it seep into his soul.
“Thank you,” he mouthed as he took Titus’s hand and let himself be tugged away.
“Were you doing godly stuff?” Titus asked in a low tone as he directed Apollo to a place that smelled of grilled meat. “I could feel a weird vibe in the air, much like when you take us to your place.”
“Our place,” Apollo corrected gently. Titus was still coming to terms with Apollo’s house.
Even if he did love the mattress, he struggled with floating shelves – that actually floated – and the grand reception area.
“Technically, people like me are not allowed to interfere...so let’s say I gave them more of a nudge.
They already have incredible talent and such a strong passion for what they do. ”
Apollo shrugged as he glanced up at his mate. “It never hurts to nudge things along, does it?”
“It depends on whether that couple were on the verge of getting a permanent music gig or standing on the edge of a cliff,” Titus said with a smirk. “Results may vary.”
Chuckling, Apollo pointed at an empty table outside of a small restaurant that was giving off a friendly vibe. “Can we sit there to eat? We can people watch.”
“It might be reserved for someone else,” Titus warned. The rest of the outside tables were full, so Apollo could see where he might think that.
Scratching behind his neck, Apollo let his top teeth graze his bottom lip. “I’m sure if you ask, you’ll find it’s reserved for Titus Haverland,” he said.
This time it was Titus who chuckled. “No queuing for you, is there? Let’s go and ask. They’d better have steak on the menu.”
“Four kinds.” Apollo had checked. “And they have a lovely mushroom pasta for me.”
“Have you picked out our drink orders, too?” Titus held the door open for him.
“House red for me, and they have a wide range of locally made brews for you to try. What?” he added as Titus looked at him. “Don’t you like beer? I wanted to be sure you’d have a good time.”
“You’re absolutely amazing, did you know that?”
Leaning closer as they made their way to the hostess station, Apollo whispered, “You haven’t seen me scratch my balls yet or leave crumbs in the bed.”
“Next time those balls need scratching, let me know and I’ll do it for you.” Titus put a hand on the hostess station. “Good evening, I understand you have a booking for Titus Haverland, party of two, for an outside table?”
Checking her booking sheet, the woman looked up and smiled. “Of course, Mr. Haverland. You were lucky to get an outside table. Most of those are booked up weeks in advance.”
She picked up two menus and what was probably a drinks menu - just the one - tucking them under her arm. “If you and your dinner companion could follow me.”
“Did you kick two people out of a reservation they’d been looking forward to for maybe a week or more, just so you could sit outside to eat?” Titus hissed as they followed the hostess outside.
“Of course not. Oh, ye of little faith.” Apollo bumped his mate’s shoulder with his own.
“That lovely couple had just found out they’ve won a week’s cruise in the Mediterranean, all expenses paid, complete with a flight that leaves in less than an hour.
They don’t have time to go out for dinner.
We’re doing them a favor by taking their spot. ”
“Not allowed to interfere in mortal affairs, my ass.” Titus snorted.
Apollo just smiled at the hostess as she showed him to his seat.
Right on the corner of the small fenced-off area, it had a lovely view of what people were doing in the festively lit square.
This is so much fun, and exactly what I needed.