The Barbecue Party
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Grace decided to host a party at her place to provide me with an excuse to bring George out of Loescher and into a different context, hoping to add some excitement, as she put it. Saturday was chosen for the event since most teachers would be off, and those finishing by 2 p.m. could attend. Grace, being among the latter, assured me that she would have everything prepared the night before, with her family assisting in the final details, ensuring readiness by the time everyone arrived at her house. The remaining task was to ensure George wouldn't come up with a lame excuse to skip the party.

Invitations were extended to most of the Loescher staff by Grace, including Aimee and Gildre. However, the latter two declined due to prior commitments.

I had asked Grace to give me the chance to personally invite Wilma and Charley; this way I could win points with George, and ultimately, if they accepted, they would insist on him coming along, and I had the feeling he wouldn't say no to them.

It was Friday, the day before the party, and I found myself gathering the courage to approach Wilma and Charley about the barbecue. I knew it would be a challenge, especially considering the tension between us. I spotted them near the entrance of Loescher, engaged in conversation.

"Hey, Wilma, Charley, can I talk to you for a moment?" I cautiously approached.

They exchanged glances, a subtle hint of skepticism on their faces. "Sure, what's up?" Wilma responded.

I took a deep breath. "Grace is hosting a barbecue at her place tomorrow, and I wanted to personally invite you both. It would mean a lot to me, and I think it could be a great time for everyone to hang out."

Charley raised an eyebrow. "A barbecue, huh? Interesting. Why the sudden invitation?"

I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words carefully: "Well, you know, I've been trying to mend things and make amends. It's important to me that we can all get along."

They exchanged another glance, this time with a hint of amusement. "Alright, we'll think about it," Wilma said, a sly smile playing on her lips.

"Great, I appreciate it. It's at Grace's place, 3 p.m. Hope to see you there," I said, trying to hide the nervousness in my voice.

As I walked away, I couldn't help but wonder if this was a risky move, but I was determined to make the most of the opportunity.

The day buzzed with anticipation and a touch of nervousness. I couldn't help but ponder how the event would unfold and whether it would set the stage for a meaningful conversation with George.

"It's a shame I can't go, my Dani," Gildre pouted, her expression turning into a playful sulk. She leaned against the wall, her arms folded, as she looked at me with exaggerated sadness.

"Make sure to have fun, okay? And..." she trailed off, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.

"And make sure to tell you everything about it the next day." I finished Gildre's sentence, adopting a mocking tone and a smirk to match her playful demeanor.

"Yes, exactly." Gildre giggled, her laughter light and infectious.

"I really hope everything goes well, but no matter what happens, remember you're a handsome, smart, and caring young man who deserves nothing but the world," Gildre stated earnestly, her tone shifting to one of genuine affection as she reached out to briefly hold my hand.

"Aw, Gilsy, thank you. That's the nicest thing someone has ever said to me," I responded, my voice softening. I widened my eyes in a mock 'puppy eyes' expression. "Wanna marry me?" I joked, a playful grin spreading across my face.

"I would, but I think I'm missing a very important thing you love," Gildre teased back, her eyes sparkling with humor.

"I believe you're right." I laughed heartily, appreciating the lighthearted banter we shared.

On the day of the party, I arrived at Grace's house a bit early to help with any last-minute preparations. Grace's family was bustling around, ensuring everything was in order. The smell of barbecue wafted through the air, adding to the excitement.

As the clock neared 2 p.m., guests started arriving. The atmosphere was lively, with laughter and chatter filling the air. I kept a watchful eye on the door, eagerly awaiting George's arrival. Grace, the perfect hostess, mingled with the guests and ensured everyone felt welcome.

"Planning an escape?" Alan, Grace's best friend, caught me with an amused glance as I anxiously eyed the door.

"What? No! I'm just waiting for someone," I muttered, my cheeks warming slightly as I offered him a polite, albeit strained, smile.

"So you're Dani, right? Grace's colleague?" Alan inquired, his gaze curious but friendly.

"Yes, that's right," I answered, trying to appear relaxed.

"I'm Alan, Grace's gay sidekick. Nice to meet you," Alan introduced himself with a flourish, extending his hand for a shake.

"So, waiting for someone, huh? Girlfriend, boyfriend?" Alan asked, his tone playfully inquisitive.

"Oh no, just another colleague of ours," I replied, my eyes darting to the door again.

"I see you two have met," Grace interrupted, appearing at our side with a relaxed smile. She handed me a cold beer, the bottle slick with condensation.

"Yes, Dani here was telling me about his other work colleague, you know, the one that's not his boyfriend... yet," Alan teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Omg, you told him!" I complained, with a mix of embarrassment and mock outrage in my voice.

"It's okay, Hun. Alan knows how to keep a secret; besides, I tell him everything," Grace reassured me, patting my shoulder in a comforting gesture.

"Look, I'll be your wingman and your spy tonight if you need to," Alan offered, his tone half-serious, half-joking.

"Oh, no need, thank you," I refused, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the offer.

"Come on, just let him do it. He loves it, and he's good at it too," Grace insisted, nudging me playfully.

"I'll be gentle, I promise," Alan teased, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

"Alright, I guess," I conceded, the tension easing from my shoulders. I took a long sip of my beer, the cool liquid providing a momentary distraction.

George entered, and my heart skipped a beat. He appeared slightly surprised, but smiled upon seeing me. It was the first time I had witnessed him outside of his suit, and intriguingly, it was the first time I had glimpsed his bare forearms since they were typically concealed by his work attire. He seemed more slender, and I could discern the contours of his torso. While a bit aroused, I managed to contain myself as he drew near. Wilma and Charley accompanied him, engaging in lively conversation. It appeared that my strategy of personally inviting them had succeeded.

"Hey, welcome, guys!" Grace greeted them with a warmth that filled the room, her arms open in a welcoming gesture.

"Thank you; nice place, by the way," George remarked, looking around appreciatively.

"Oh, this old thing? It's alright, I guess," Grace teased, her eyes sparkling with humor as she gave a playful shrug.

"Grace, thanks for having us." Wilma expressed her gratitude, and her voice was polite and sincere.

"No sweat; how about a drink, anyone?" Grace suggested, gesturing towards the assortment of beverages arranged on the counter.

"Sure," the three of them agreed in unison.

"Dani, why don't you and George go grab the beer while I give these two a quick house tour?" Grace proposed, a subtle hint of matchmaking evident in her tone.

"Yes, sure," Catching onto her intentions, I responded with a knowing nod. "Come on, George, let's get these people drunk," I joked, beckoning George to follow me with a playful wave of my hand.

George and I strolled through the bustling living room, our steps leading us to the kitchen. Meanwhile, the others chatted animatedly as they headed to the backyard to join the rest of the gathering.

"Dani, I wanted to say it was very nice of you to invite Wilma and Charley," George said, his hand briefly resting on my shoulder in a gesture of gratitude.

"It's the least I could do, especially after my little tantrum," I replied, opening the fridge to grab a couple of beers.

Handing one to him, I said, "I'm glad you're here."

"I'm not much of a drinker," George admitted, eyeing the can I was holding out to him.

"Come on, you're off work, and I think you deserve it. Just one," I encouraged, my tone light and persuasive.

After a moment of hesitation, George accepted the beer from my hand. "Ok, just one," he conceded.

I opened another one for myself and, raising it in a toast, said, "Cheers."

"Cheers."

As the evening unfolded, people enjoyed the food, music, and each other's company. Grace's backyard sparkled with fairy lights, creating a magical ambiance. Engaging in various conversations, the whole lot gathered around. A bit intoxicated at this point, my eyes often found their way back to George.

The night continued with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. As George started getting a bit drunk, I noticed Alan approaching him. Grace had indeed assigned him the role of wingman and spy, and he seemed determined to fulfill it.

When Alan finally found an opportune moment to engage George in a conversation, they both grabbed a couple of beers and leaned against the backyard railing.

"Hey George, can I ask you something?" Alan began casually.

"Sure, what's up?" George replied, taking a sip of his beer.

Alan leaned in, adopting a conspiratorial tone. "So, Dani's a great guy, right? We've heard a lot about your work adventures together."

George chuckled. "Yeah, he's a good friend. A bit too much at times, but I like him."

Alan nodded knowingly. "Friendship is fantastic, but you know, sometimes it can turn into something more. Have you ever felt a deeper connection with someone unexpected?"

George raised an eyebrow, sensing the direction of the conversation. "Uh, I'm not sure what you mean."

Alan winked playfully. "Oh, come on, George. We're all friends here. Ever find yourself attracted to someone you didn't expect?"

George hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Well, I've always been more into women. It's just the way I am."

Alan nodded, accepting the response. "Fair enough, man. Just curious. You never know what surprises life might have in store."

As the night unfolded and the party gradually wound down, the group initiated the process of organizing taxi cabs for everyone. George, who had indulged in a few more drinks and was visibly more relaxed, approached me as we stood near the entrance.

"Dani," he said with a slightly slurred speech, "I don't want this night to end just yet."

I looked at him, somewhat surprised by his request. "What do you mean, George? Everybody is leaving, and I don't think Grace wants us to stay here for longer."

He grinned mischievously. "How about we extend the night? Take me to a club. Just the two of us. What do you say?"

I hesitated for a moment, attempting to gauge his level of intoxication. "Are you sure, George?"

He put his arm around my shoulder and whispered, "Come on, Dani, say yes before I change my mind."

Considering his enthusiasm and the potential for something significant to happen, I agreed. "Alright, let's find a taxi then." My heart was racing, but I was trying to be cautious in case I was misinterpreting his offer.

"George! You're coming?" Wilma called out from inside the taxi cab, leaning out of the window with an expectant look. "There's one spot left if you want to share."

"Come on, George!" Charley shouted, poking his head out from the other side, his voice echoing with enthusiasm.

"I think your friends want you to go with them," I said, nudging George slightly with a teasing smile on my face.

"It's okay, you guys! I'm sharing one with Dani! I'll see you guys tomorrow!" George called back, his voice raised to be heard over the din of the departing crowd. He turned to me, his expression firm yet playful. "Get in that taxi!" He instructed, gesturing towards an empty cab nearby.

We both made our way to the vacant taxi, the sounds of our friends' laughter and chatter fading behind us. As we settled into the backseat, a mix of excitement and nervousness washed over me.

"Where should I take you?" The taxi driver asked, looking at us through the rearview mirror. I turned to George, silently urging him to take the lead.

"You call the shots tonight, party guy. Where should we go?" George shrugged, a relaxed grin on his face, indicating he was up for anything.

"Uh, 1060 Rosebush Rd," I instructed the taxi driver, finally making a decision. George nodded in agreement, and the taxi pulled away, taking us towards our chosen destination.

Was I really taking him to a gay club? What was I doing? It was going to be so obvious. What if he got upset and decided to leave? It was too late to turn back; I had to roll with it. The taxi driver pulled over, George offered to pay, and we got out. We had made it to the Indulge Club, a popular city spot I had visited several times with Dave. I immediately turned to George, trying to find signals of disapproval, but there were none, so we got in line.

"Can I get an ID, please?" The doorman requested it as soon as we made it to the door.

"Here you go." I handed mine over. He looked at it briefly and gave it back.

"Here," George handed his. The doorman inspected it thoroughly this time.

"I'm sorry, but this club is only for people over 21," the doorman informed.

"Oh, come on! Can't you make an exception?" I pleaded.

"I'm sorry, those are the rules."

I turned to George and started to panic a little. I was not going to miss this opportunity just like that, over something so absurd. In a lightbulb moment, I had an idea. Robert, the manager of the place, had hooked up with Dave in the past; maybe he could help me.

"Robert!" I shouted, waving my hand to catch his attention in the crowded space.

"Dani, darling, good to see you again," Robert greeted warmly, leaning in to give me two affectionate kisses on the cheek. His gaze then shifted past me, clearly expecting someone else. "Is Dave with you tonight?" he inquired, his eyes searching the area behind me.

"No, he's not with me." I shook my head, a bit flustered. "But this is George, a good friend of mine," I added, introducing George, who stood beside me.

"Nice to meet you, George." Robert extended the same greeting to George, offering two kisses. George stood back, slightly taken aback by the gesture, but didn't resist.

"So the bouncer here is not letting George in because he said he's under 21," I explained, my voice laced with frustration.

"Well, that's because those are the rules, darling," Robert replied, his tone matter-of-fact yet sympathetic.

"Look, he's not from the city, and I promised him I would take him to the hottest club in town," I fibbed, a hint of desperation in my voice. "Are you really going to ask me to take him to Starbutts?" I scoffed, my expression one of mock horror.

"Oh gosh, no! That hideous place!" Robert exclaimed, his face twisting in distaste. "Honey, let them in, please," he ordered the bouncer with a dismissive wave of his hand, and just like that, we were allowed inside.

Relief washed over me, my soul returning with a shot of adrenaline that pulsed in time with the thumping music as we made our way to the bar.

"What are you drinking?" I asked George, turning to him as we reached the bar.

"I don't know; I'll have whatever you have," George replied, giving me the freedom to choose.

"Two black Russians, please," I ordered the bartender, feeling a bit more relaxed now.

Once the bartender handed us the drinks, George looked at me with a mix of awe and curiosity. "This is my first time in a gay club; can you believe it?" he stated, raising his glass to his lips and downing the drink in one go. I was impressed by his boldness and quickly followed suit.

"Let's go dance! Come on!" I exclaimed, grabbing his hand and leading him towards the dance floor.

"I don't know how to dance," George admitted, his movements awkward yet endearing as he tried to match the rhythm of the music.

"Let me teach you," I offered, moving closer to him. Our eyes locked, and I could sense his nervousness, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he seemed open to the experience, his gaze fixed on mine as we began to move to the beat of the music.

We swayed to the rhythm of the music playing softly in the background. My gaze remained locked on his, and my heart raced with excitement. Each breath felt like a challenge, but I summoned the courage to place my hand on his hip. In a spontaneous move, I pulled him closer, and in that instant, his warm breath brushed against my face. My hands trembled with anticipation, and then he finally broke the silence with his voice.

"Just do it."

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Why don't we give Dani a vote to push him closer to George?