Tempting Him by Isabel Lucero

36

“Happy birthday!”Linda shouts from her desk when I walk past.

“Thank you,” I reply with a grin. “You comin’ to the festival?”

“Are you kidding? Of course, I am!”

“Dope. I’ll see you there.”

“Got any plans for your birthday?”

“Me and some friends are going to a couple clubs.”

“Well, have fun.”

“I will. Thanks.”

I leave the office building, done for the day. Luther, or Mr. Pemberton as I now refer to him, has been a good boss. I’ve worked here almost a month now, and I’ll move into my apartment in two weeks. As much as I love Trev and Dom, you can only live with a couple for so long before shit gets a little awkward. There’s not much space between the rooms, and I’m sure they’ll enjoy their privacy again once I’m gone.

Tomorrow is the music festival I spent so much time working on, and it’ll be nice to be there, but it reminds me of Alek. I still haven’t texted him, though I’ve been tempted many times.

When I get home, I shower, eat, change, and wait for everybody else to be ready to leave. By ten o’clock, we’re at Toast, drinking to my newest year of life, falling off mechanical bulls, and dancing the night away. I talk to a girl there and she gives me her number. When midnight hits, we’re heading to Lily Pad via several Ubers, and while there, I dance with a couple cute guys.

I don’t feel any sort of excitement or searing attraction, but they’re nice enough. One lingers around, offering to buy me a shot, and is more flirtatious than anybody has been in a while. I consider jumping head first and hoping that if I just give someone a chance, I’ll wash Alek out of my system. Who’s to say who or what he’s been doing back in Chicago. Maybe he called that woman back and took her out. Maybe he found another closeted gay man to hook up with. The thought of either of those things makes my stomach roll.

At one-ten, I spot Ronan standing between Renzo’s legs as Zo sits on a barstool, their arms wrapped around each other, lost in their own little lovers bubble. Trevor and Dominic are further down the bar, taking a shot together before collapsing into laughter and falling into each other. Dex left to go be with Violet around twelve-thirty, and Bryant and Ivy are on the dance floor together, making new friends.

“Hey, I think I’m gonna call it a night,” I tell Zo and Ronan.

“You sure?” Renzo asks. “You okay?”

“I’m good. Feeling a headache coming on,” I lie. “I think I’m just gonna go home and lay down, but I had a good time. Thanks for coming out.”

“Yeah, man. Happy birthday. We’ll see you tomorrow at the festival.”

“Definitely.”

I say bye to Bryant and Ivy before heading toward Trevor and Dom. “Hey guys. I’m gonna head back.”

“Why? You okay?” Trevor asks.

“Yeah, just a headache.”

“Okay, well, we’ll be home later,” Dom says.

“I’ll probably be asleep. Don’t worry, I have my earplugs.”

“Fuck off,” Dom says with a laugh.

“Thanks for tonight,” I tell them before leaving, waiting outside the club until my Uber arrives.

As soon as I’m in the backseat of the black sedan, I drop my head back and close my eyes. Two minutes later my phone buzzes in my hand and I open my eyes to read the screen.

Alek: Happy Birthday. Sorry I’m a little late.

I jolt up,my heart attempting to leave my body through my throat. I read the message three more times to make sure I’m not just drunk. Alek’s texting me. After a month and a half.

Me: Thank you. I’ll let it slide this once.

I deletedfour variations of that text, unsure what to say. Should I have left it at thank you? Should I have asked him how he was, how he’s been, and if he misses me like I miss him? Okay, that last one is a definite no.

Alek: It won’t happen again.

Me: Good. So, how are you?

Alek: I’m okay. You?

Me: Same. Okay.

A few minutesgo by before he replies, and I stare at my screen the entire time.

Alek: No birthday plans?

Me: I’m leaving a club now. Going home.

Alek: Well, I didn’t mean to take up a lot of your time. I wanted to wish you a happy birthday and say congratulations on graduating. Luther tells me you’re doing great at work.

Me: You’re asking Luther about me?

Alek: Of course. Keeping tabs on my employees.

Me: All of them?

Alek: Just my favorites.

I smile at my phone,feeling an insane amount of happiness at just a few words.

Me: How many favorites do you have?

Alek: One

A laugh escapesthrough my lips as my euphoria builds.

Me: Nice to know.

Alek: Goodnight, Jay.

My smile dropsat his abrupt goodbye and I don’t reply until I’m inside the house.

Me:Goodnight.

* * *

The music festivalis pretty long, so I show up around three-thirty, shortly after it starts, and talk to a few people I know as well as make new friends with other festival goers. It’s the extrovert in me.

Around five, I stand under the shade of a tree, talking to the other people who worked on marketing this festival before heading to a food stand and chatting with the girl working it.

Bryant finds me a little later, and we sit on the grass watching the bands for about an hour before I get up to find a bathroom. On the way there, I run into Linda and end up talking to her and her friend for half an hour as we browse the tables of local small businesses.

Once I’m done with the bathroom, I check my phone and read messages from Trevor and Renzo, telling me they’re on their way. I go back to Alek’s message thread and debate whether I should text him. I chew on my lip, my fingers hovering over the keys.

Alek: What are you doing?

On instinct,my head snaps up and my eyes roam the surrounding area, wondering if he’s here. Was it just a coincidence?

Me: I’m at the festival. You?

Alek: Ah. The festival. You enjoying yourself?

Me: I guess.

He doesn’t reply,so I slip the phone back in my pocket and find Trevor, Renzo, and Ronan shortly after. Trev tells me Dom had to work, and Dex and Violet are supposed to be heading over in a little bit.

The four of us grab some beers and squeeze into a spot near the main stage, staying there until we need more beers. At ten-thirty, Joel shows up with a friend of his, and I end up talking to him near some henna station where two teen girls are getting their hands done.

He’s flirting with me, sticking close to my side and making sure to touch my arm or shoulder every so often. Renzo watches from several feet away as they scarf down some wings and raises his brows at me.

I shake my head and grin, focusing on Joel. He’s a good guy. Attractive, and somebody I’d definitely give a chance to.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I expect some smart ass text from Zo when I pull it out and look at it.

Alek: I have a question.

My pulse spikesfor an unknown reason. Maybe it’s because this means he’s still thinking about me. He wants to talk and that has to mean something.

Me: What’s that?

Alek: Is it still mine?

A surgeof excitement shoots through me and desire thrums in my veins when I read and reread his text. I hold my phone in both hands, fighting a smile as I stare at the screen, deciding how to respond.

Me:Do you want it to be?

Alek: Just answer the question.

I laugh at the screen,glancing up to see Joel standing in front of me, talking to his friend. His eyes flicker to me, curiosity burning in his eyes.

“Sorry,” I tell him. “Old friend.”

He grins, giving me a slight nod.

Me: Yes.

Alek: Then why are you talking to the man who wants to get into your pants?