“The guy from the gym?”
“That’s the one.”
“And then what?”
“And then nothing. It was not worth it. Too much energy. I have to put it into work.”
“It’s never worth it for you.”
I shrug. I’m not in the mood to talk about it tonight. Not if I’m already busy keeping at bay these inappropriate emotions that surprise me when Seth is around.
“What about him?” Paul points right at Seth at the bar. “Is he worth it?”
I don’t know, and I don’t need to know. He’s our client—pro bono, sure, but still a client. Besides, he’s a mess. And he’s got kids. And I have never wanted to deal with such things and never will.
“As you well know…”
“Yes, yes, I understand. Integrity, professionalism… Usual bullshit I know perfectly well. That’s not what I want to hear, and you know it.”
“You won’t get anything else from me.”
Paul snorts. “You’re no fun to hang out with.”
“Next time you go out alone.”
“I think I will take your advice.”
“There’s a first time for everything.”
Paul laughs. “You are an arsehole.”
“Your fault. We spend too much time together, and I’m starting to look like you. Maybe we should take a break.”
“Like you’re capable of staying away from me. Admit it. I’m the only person you like and the only person who likes you.”
I laugh, too. Paul is not just the only person I like. He is my best friend; he is like a brother, one of the family—the only family I have.
“What are we doing here, Paul?” I ask him.
“I thought you knew.”
I turn towards the room just as Seth walks through the crowd with a tray in his hand, pointing straight at us. I hold my breath just long enough to absorb this new excitement that runs through my body as I observe his again without shame. Then I’m forced to part my lips and gasp for air before one of them notices my distress.
“Here I am. I didn’t spill a single drop. Yay!” He places the glass on the table, laughing.
“Will you sit with us for a while?” Paul asks him.
I really want to kick him in the shins.
“Just two minutes.” Seth takes a seat between Paul and me. “If I’m not disturbing.”
“Not at all,” Paul immediately replies. “Right, Rowan?” He then asks, turning to me.
My words hung in the air, his sensual eyes locking with mine. “Stay for as long as you want.”
SETH STAYS WITH US, thankfully, for only a few minutes. Just enough time for a brief, innocent chat as I watch his mouth moving sensually and his hands gesturing to emphasise his words amid the noise of the venue. Time to think about my current situation and realise I must immediately put a safe distance between myself and this case before Seth takes the stage to announce the first show for tonight.
On stage, he looks like someone else: he appears confident, proud, and at ease. He seems to be where he belongs, and I must say he fits right in. He has worn a jacket, also glittered, over his shorts, matching the tie he wears. His shiny hair full of glitter catches the light with every movement he makes. His make-up brings out his eyes, which look even more intense, as if they could dig into you.
