Tangled
2174 Words
SHAUN
Arriving together in ISLE, Plug had eyed me knowingly as August walked directly towards the stage to make preparations. Shrugging in my usual uncaring manner. For a Monday, there’s still a bit of a crowd. I was content enough to nurse a bottle of beer as I watched and listened to August. It was a little pass halfway through August’s set when Nash arrived. He beelined directly to me and gave me his usual affectionate hug.
“Sansan, where were you last night huh?” He queried still standing close to me, his eyes sparkling with that knowing expression. He greeted Plug briefly before turning his full attention to me.
“Out, I went home though but you were already gone,” I told him as I pushed him down to the chair beside me, aware the situation might look suspicious to August. Everyone who was not aware of Nash and I’s relationship often mistakes us for a couple because Nash is naturally clingy.
“Out? Or inside somebody?” Smiling broadly he thanked Plug for handing him his usual vodka martini.
“Spill Bestie!” He clicked his glass with my beer bottle.
“None of your business, Nash. What are you doing here on a Monday?” I queried good-naturedly.
“Brod wanted to meet here tonight, and it's been too long since I visited you here on a weekday,” he replied casually looking around.
His eyes landed on August singing a love song, eyes closed, the stage light forming a halo around him making him look ethereal.
“Maybe I should have. What a lovely addition,” Nash comments, still staring at August’s handsome face.
“Who’s he?” He asked.
I gritted my teeth, feeling a possessiveness towards August, enough to not want to answer Nash. Plug readily took over for me, regaling Nash with River’s story.
“Can you introduce us please, Shaun?” He begged.
“Nash, should I tell Brody you’re lusting after the bar’s new singer?” I told him almost irritated.
“Brod would find him attractive too. Besides, I’m not thinking of doing anything. He just looks good Shaun and I have eyes to admire,” smiling into his vodka.
August had opened his eyes and they landed on me, it was sharp and measuring. Realizing belatedly that Nash’s hand was on my thigh, I discreetly moved it away but August had turned, smiling towards the other side of the stage.
“River! Are you single?” A petite girl was openly flirting with August as he contemplated his answer.
“Somehow, I think this is a trick question. Is it?” He charmingly replied.
“If you are, can you go out with me, please!” She declared with confidence.
My eyes were blazing with jealousy, Nash and Plug were laughing, praising the girl's confidence.
“As much as I want, I have to respectfully decline. Let’s just say, you and I have the same type,” he laughed sheepishly. “Can I sing a song for you to make up for it?” He asked.
“Dude, did he just admit he’s gay?” Nash was speechless, gaze full of admiration.
“Sounds like it,” Plug commented.
“It’s pretty rare for people whose source of income is the crowd not to want to hide. He might lose his fanbase,” Nash remarked.
“Looks like it doesn’t deter them as much as you assumed,” Plug laughed, gesturing to the girl who had said it’s okay, she will change River’s mind someday.
Gus is on his last song when Kyle walks in, straight to the bar where I am, smiling as he asks Plug for his Negroni. He said hi as he trained his eyes on August afterward, ignoring Nash’s shocked face.
Nash did a double take and said, “Brod?” Looking over Kyle’s polo shirt folded to his elbow, his formal slacks, and his leather shoes. I'm guessing he must have just gotten off his hospital duty.
Spitting the beer in my mouth, realizing just now that Nash was right. No wonder, Kyle had looked familiar. He looked like a healthier version of Brody. Probably because being a doctor, he is health conscious. If Brod would gain a few pounds and dress like this, they could pass as twins.
Kyle put down his Negroni on the counter and looked at Nash inquiringly. As Nash was about to say something, Tanner had slipped his hand into Kyle’s apologizing for the hold-up in the toilet. Smiling down with complete adoration, saying it’s alright, and ordering Tanner a drink, obviously familiar with his boyfriend’s preference.
“Shaun!” Tanner waved and I smiled, he glanced at Nash’s ashen face and looked back at me confused.
Kyle had put his chin on Tanner’s head, effectively ignoring Nash and looking at August.
Pulling Nash back, I whispered, “That’s not Brody.” Making Nash finally breathe.
“Were you planning to kill yourself by holding your breath if that was Brody cuddling somebody else?” I smirked at Nash, whose healthy color had returned. Shaking my head in disbelief, just how madly in love Nash is with Brody.
“Tanner, Kyle this is my best friend Nash, Nash this is Tanner and Kyle. They’re River’s friends,” I told Nash as Tanner shook his hand and Kyle only smiled briefly before his eyes returned to August. I guess Kyle is admirable like that. Brody should take lessons from his doppelgänger on being faithful and mindful of his partner’s feelings.
August made his way back to his friends, as my bandmates who were in the dressing room walked onto the stage. Smiling brightly at Tanner and Kyle who complimented his set.
Nash had nudged my foot, so I stood up and said, “River this is my best friend and roommate, Nash who had badgered me since he arrived for an introduction. Nash, this is River, ISLE’s new main attraction.”
With a short laugh, he offered his hand to Nash, predictably still in his River persona he said, “Just River is fine although being called main attraction doesn’t sound so bad too.”
“It’s nice to meet you, River. You sound great there and you’re pretty,” Nash complimented openly.
“Thanks Nash. You’re pretty cute yourself,” he replied in a light tone and Nash blushed. Do I have to punch my own best friend tonight?
“River, are you going to stay? I could take you home after my set,” I asked.
August looked at Tanner whose eyes were wide and Kyle whose interest was finally in the conversation happening near him.
“Maybe next time, Shaun. We’re grabbing a late dinner with Walter and Nile,” he responded. Kyle had left his payment and a tip on the counter as August told me to see him later and waved at Nash and Plug.
“Wait…” Nash appeared to be processing something. “You… River...” His fingers pointed to the retreating figure and then to me.
Plug patted Nash’s head, “Took you long enough, Bro.”
Smiling tightly, still upset that August had just left without me. “Flirting's forbidden next time Nash,” I warned, as I went to the stage to prepare for our set.
AUGUST
“So are you ever going to say anything about the date you went yesterday?” Walter raised an eyebrow at me. I almost choked on the food I was chewing.
“Ohhh… this is interesting. I’m glad I came today,” Nile teased.
“Well, Gus?” Kyle prodded.
“It was good, we had fun,” I tried for nonchalance, but the blush on my face betrayed me.
“That’s the most boring story ever August! I'm a director, I need to be able to picture it out. Come on, help me here,” Walter begged.
“We went to the beach. We drove to Paler. The food was great, the atmosphere was perfect for a date and there was no one around to take pictures of us,” I told them, picking on my food.
“Isn’t this the first date you went to in years, August? Did you like it? Did you like him?” Tanner asked.
“Shaun is fun and spontaneous. He’s an artist, so he’s a romantic. It was great, but before you all jump to conclusions, I don’t know if there’ll be a next time and I don’t want to make a big deal about this. He’s going to be famous soon, he’ll move on from this infatuation,” I told them.
What I didn’t tell them was, I’m still not sure I want to do this. Maybe that’s why I just left him in the bar tonight despite the flash of disappointment I saw in his eyes. I couldn’t tell them how scary it feels to know that someone’s life could change in a moment because of you. A moment of pleasure, for a lifetime of pain. I don’t think I’m ready for a second round.
“You also went on a date, didn’t you, Walter? So? How was it?” I returned his question to him.
Interestingly, a familiar look crossed his face. “I think I like her,” he smiled almost sheepishly.
“Wooooohhhhh!!! f*****g finally! Walter, I could kiss this girl for my gratitude. You’ve been pining over Teacher Sarah for too long!” Kyle rejoiced at this information, as Tanner, Nile and I nodded vigorously.
The evening ended on a better note as we were all laughing and teasing, mostly Walter who had never shown interest in anyone since Teacher Sarah. When Kyle and Tanner dropped me off, I glanced at the huge dark house, and thought of Shaun briefly crossed my mind when he said he’ll come running if I ever feel lonely. Waving the pair goodbye as I turned on the lights and closed the front door. Slowly walking up the stairs, dismissing the thought that maybe I should text Shaun to come over. My weakness will ruin Shaun and I don’t want to do that to him.
Taking a quick shower and changing into my pajamas, I picked up my iPad to go through some work emails when the doorbell rang. “Who's here at midnight?” I wondered as I made my way down. Seeing Shaun through the peephole, I opened the door. “Shaun?”
“Why are you so afraid of me August? Why are you so afraid to let me in?” He whispered with a slur, a little unsteady on his feet.
“Are you drunk?” I asked, surprised that Shaun was intoxicated but he still found his way here. “Did you drive here?” I asked in horror.
“No… I took a cab,” he gestured to the road.
“Come in,” I led him to the kitchen and got him warm water adding a teaspoon of honey before handing it to him, gesturing for him to drink.
His voice is slightly slurred but he’s still insistent, “Are you not going to answer my question?”
“Shaun, you’re drunk. Let’s talk about this tomorrow,” I tried to get his leather jacket off him but he kept on attempting to hug me, so it was a long struggle.
“Gus, I’m not going to go anywhere. I want to be with you. Can’t you let me in? Why are you pushing me away?” Shaun, whose arms are now locked on my neck, is insistent on meeting eye to eye.
Trying to pry him off me, “Shaun… come on let’s go to the room and sleep it off. Let’s discuss this tomorrow. It’s late. I have to work early.”
Assisting him on the stairs and almost pushing him into the bed as my breath labored with the effort it took to drag a resistant, drunk Shaun who wanted to keep talking.
Looking at his face on my silk sheets only enhances Shaun’s handsome features. Despite being drunk, he looked peaceful. Sighing, I removed his shoes and jeans, knowing how uncomfortable the fitted jeans could be when sleeping. He suddenly sat up, and I almost fell off the bed in surprise, but he only threw off his shirt and threw it away before lying back down. Laughing softly as I picked up the discarded shirt, thinking Shaun was a hilarious, clingy drunk. Why was he drinking anyway?
Lying back on my side of the bed, I tried to go back to sleep. A warm arm snaked around my waist and Shaun’s breath was giving me goosebumps as he softly kissed my nape and buried his face there. I stiffened at the contact until I heard Shaun’s even breathing and slight snoring. Wanting to untangle myself but worried it would only wake him, I let him cuddle me as I tried to let sleep claim me.
- Writer
