Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 00:53:08 -0800 (PST) From: Robyn Subject: Lives Intertwined (Chapter 14) Lives Intertwined (Chapter 14) By The WhiteWolf The night was still. It was almost as if the entire city had gone to sleep as one. Almost. Alex sighed heavily. Was it possible to get enough people at a party with such a late notice? If Nick were the only one to show up it would certainly look out of place. After a moments thought he knew he needed to use all of his contacts. It was short list. The first call he decided to make was to Rhonda. He dialed the number eagerly but he was treated to 6 rings before someone answered. "Yes," an impatient and out-of breath response came. Alex asked, "Rhonda?" The person on the end grumbled about something as she handed the phone off. "What," Rhonda was in no mood for phone calls. Alex had just realized what he had possibly interrupted. As apologetically as he could be, Alex spoke carefully, "I'm so sorry, Rhonda. I- I didn't know-" "Damn it, Alex!" "Look I'll call back later." Rhonda grunted, "No, I'll end up thinking about all night! What do you want?" "Can you help me organize another party^Å please," Alex held his breath as he listened for a response. "When?" "It's tomorrow." Rhonda was silent for a moment, "You're an asshole." The line went dead. Alex knew that was her way of saying yes, but not that she would be happy about it. Alex sighed knowing that was the hardest call he had to make. Jim lay awake staring at the ceiling. He hadn't noticed Greg had opened his eyes. Greg was a bit surprised to see Jim was still here but wasn't disappointed. He turned on to his side so she could face Jim. "So you're awake," Jim smiled as he looked down. Greg looked up into Jim's eyes, "So you're still here." They both took a pause. "That's not to say I don't approve." Jim was bit hesitant with his next sentence. "Mmm, Greg, I'm sorry to say I have work tomorrow and I have to get up early." Greg kept his gaze on Jim. "But if you don't want to me to go, I'm more than happy to stay." At this point, Greg closed his eyes and curled his legs under himself so he could sit up. He leaned over to kiss Jim on the cheek. "No, hon, you go. I'll be fine. You'll see me again. That's a promise." Jim knew Greg was right. Adam reached into his pocket as he got out of his car. He pulled out a piece of paper. He hadn't imagined the whole thing. After closing the door to his house and fell onto the couch. The day felt a bit draining to him but somewhat productive. Not only did he connect with Jim but he also had another interest. This sudden realization caused Adam to sit up. He had never had to relationships at a time and he didn't like the idea either. He knew he had a make a choice. But he couldn't at this point. On one hand he has spent a generous amount of time on trying to further his relationship with Jim, and had finally broken ground. On the other hand there was a very attractive and energetic stranger who seemed to have much interest in him. He'd have to make the choice tomorrow. Brad smiled to himself. Although his efforts earlier in the day had offended one person a lesser aggressive action had attracted another. Having already accomplished one task in the day he felt alive and a lot happier than he had a mere hour ago. He knew that there would be no point in going back to the club since he had danced earlier in the day. No reason to do it twice when he had already gotten plenty of tips. Brad felt as if something was missing. It could have been the fact that he had just come out of relationship and back to the style of always being on the prowl, but something was definitely missing. "It might no be bad to have an alternate plan to fall back on," Brad thought as he deliberated about hanging out at the bar. He had plenty of confidence. Nick wasn't looking for anybody in particular. Although he had been in the club earlier it seemed to catch his interest enough to warrant another visit. He looked around as he drank his sex on the beach just to see what the rest of the club had to offer. Aside from the stage, which seemed to jut out one-third of the way across the room, there were 2 pool tables and a few dark corners, which would easily be able to conceal 2 horny people. Brad opened the door to the club but not many people seemed to notice him enter. As he looked around he noticed that there wasn't much activity. It seemed odd since there were usually more people in the bar at this time of night, but he soon ignored the thought as he glanced around for a seat. There weren't many people at the bar so it seemed like the best place to sit. "Hey, Brad," the bartender spoke, "I'm surprised to see you here again." Brad smiled to himself, "Yeah, young and single guys got to have a place to call home away from home." He paused for a minute before adding, "Lemon drop martini." As the bartender left to make the drink Brad arched his back a little as it felt stiff. As he turned his head to the side he noticed a man wearing a leather jacket who was facing the other way just staring off into oblivion. "Must be strong stuff," Brad spoke as he indicated Nick's drink. Although he was in deep thought, Nick still heard every word and responded, "If I drank it straight, yes." Nick turned to see the man he was talking to. "Nick," he introduced himself. Once again Brad knew he had seen this person here before, "Brad." "Pleasure." "Hey, pleasure always beats business, "Brad returned. Nick decided that his conversation should be pretty tame seeing as he is currently interested in someone else. Brad on the other hand, was eager for as much action as he could get. After all, he wasn't even sure if Adam would ever contact him. "So what brings you to the bar?" "I'm new to the town, and I mused that this might be able to find a bar that makes a decent sex on the beach." Nick held up his glass. Brad picked up his own glass and held it up. "What shall we toast to," Brad asked with a sly tone. Nick though for a moment before responding, "Good times in seeking our aspirations." Although Brad was caught off-guard by Nick's wording he smiled, "Sure." They clanked glass together. He knew that there was more to this stranger than appeared. Definitely worth pursuing. The phone rang. It rang a second time before Jim realized it was his phone. Quickly, he rushed down the hallway to his room to try and desperately to unlock his door as fast as possible. After four rings Jim knocked over the table rushing in the room while grabbing the phone. "Hello, "Jim spoke quickly while recovering. Alex leaned back in his chair, "Hey, it's Alex. You remember, from the party?" "Oh, hey, Alex, "Jim glanced at the clock realizing it was actually late for a call. "I didn't wake you up, did I?" Jim picked up the small table that fell, "No, I, uh, just got in. It's been a busy day." "Tell me about it," Alex thought about his own troubles, "Listen, I'm organizing another party and I know it's last minute and all but I'd like it if you can come." Alex paused before he noticed he hadn't said when it was, "It's tomorrow. I'd say around 6." Jim thought quickly of what to say. He had to make seem as if he wasn't sure that he could make it. This would serve as a purpose to indicate that he's no longer as keen on Alex as he had been before. "I'll have to check my schedule but I'll try and make it." To reinforce what Jim was trying to say he added, "If I can attend, am I able to bring someone along?" Alex took the hint but wasn't too concerned seeing as there is someone else that has captured his attention, "Yeah, sure. The more the merrier I say." This response had caught Jim by surprise. He thought that either Alex hadn't understood or was completely nonchalant about the whole idea. "I'll see you then," Jim spoke cautiously still trying to process Alex's motive, if any. Nick continued to talk to Brad but kept his conversation relatively cool. Brad knew that he had to become more forward if he wanted to hook up with Nick. "You doing anything tonight," Brad began his attempt to lure Nick. Nick sighed, "Not especially. I am quite tired it's been a long day." He knew it wasn't the best line to use and it seemed unfair that Brad had spent quite a while talking to Nick. There was only one way to recover without seeming too eager, "I mean, I have a party to go to and if I'm going to make it, I should get some sleep." "Right," Brad wasn't convinced that Nick wasn't trying to blow him off, "I kind of have plans tomorrow too." It was painfully obvious the Brad was mildly hurt, and the only way to soften it was to pretend as if you had other intentions with the last remark, "Oh, I was going to ask you to come if you wanted, but if you're busy, I'll understand." "Well, actually, I might be able to squeeze it in. What time is it," Brad asked. "Around 6. You know were Crescendo Apartments are?" "Yeah, don't worry I'll find it," Brad smiled. Either his lure had enticed Nick just enough or he was extremely lucky. He was anxious to find out. I must regret that this will be my final chapter for the story. I apoligize my abrupt departure, but I assure it was neccessary for me to discountinue. If at all possible I will try to continue this at a later date, but do not expect any results. Once again, I apoligize. wolfhowlin2001@yahoo.com