Page 29 of Allured (Love and Burlesque #1)
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
EZEKIEL
Those pants should be illegal.
T he coffee machine in the staff lounge has always poured much too slowly for my liking. My fingers tap an unsteady beat against the counter as I wait. My head is hung low as I face the languid appliance, trying to not fall asleep.
A week has never dragged so slowly.
After dinner at Alek’s house last weekend, I stepped into the hell that was midterm week at the school. Well, it may not have been hell, really, but until I’ve had my coffee, I reserve the right to be as dramatic as I would like. Also, I am personally not a fan of standardized exams when people are anything but standard. Through my childhood experiences and more recent revelations, I have come to appreciate how unique we are as humans and how we do not all perceive things the same way. A certain burlesque dancer with a vivid personality might be, at least a little, responsible for my new perspective.
All in all, it’s taken a lifetime to get to Friday.
Other than the proctoring of what seemed to be endless test sessions, I have also had a lot on my mind. Namely, the gnawing and all—encompassing feeling growing in my chest for the very object of my yearning.
Alek.
His name lingers on my mind as I finally raise the mug of much—needed caffeine to my lips. The mug reads ‘the past, the present, and the future walk into a bar…’ on one side while the other reads ‘it was tense’ and I roll my eyes at the gifted mug from my Anna.
Thinking of her only reminds me of the other reason this week has gone by so slowly.
I had been going for so long, just living life in the way that was expected of me and what I had believed to be proper. I’ve never been one to want for much, always comfortable in my routine, but eventually, the constant pacing tends to erode the foundation the routine is based on. When the foundation was never strong to begin with, it all implodes.
And I am unwilling to have Alek come into an unresolved implosion.
My mug could already use a refill by the time I make it back to my desk. I settle myself into my leather chair, a neat stack of seemingly unimportant papers stares back at me since I had forgotten to pack them away. I don’t suspect anyone would come in here while I was on my coffee run, with it being the last day of midterms and all. The university campus might as well be deserted.
Still, by propriety and not much other motivation, I tidy up my desk and take a deep, centering breath while I wait for students who are most likely on their way to vacation and not their professors' office hours.
Thankfully, Alek seems to have a talent for texting right when I need him.
Aleksander
you still coming to the show tonight?
Me
I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
I’d hope not bc I’m wearing this
Attached image.
When Alek let me know that their opening week of October act was going to be inspired by the Rocky Horror Picture Show, I didn’t expect to see this.
I am very much tempted to print, frame, and display the picture on my desk so I wouldn’t forget the sight before me.
Alek is in a black sequined corset that exaggerates his already trim waist. His body is an upside—down isosceles triangle in all its glory. Straps hang at the bottom of the corset, only showing a peek of the black silk panties beneath before they are hidden underneath low—slung black leather pants.
His face is what leaves me breathless, though. Alek has very simple makeup on for this performance, but his hair is slicked back with stylish waves edged around his face. A sense of endearment rushes my heart when I see the stubborn tresses of his tawny hair still curled around the base of his neck.
I think to myself how I’ve never had the honor of claiming such beauty as mine. Until now. He is mine.
Me
There isn’t a bouncer that could keep me away from your performance if that is how I will be seeing you.
Aleksander
Idk man, Bri is pretty tough
Was she the one that called me a virgin at the bachelorette party?
yeah that sounds about right
I’ll tell her to be nice to you though
since you’re bringing me flowers
Is that your way of asking for flowers?
I roll my eyes, partly in annoyance, but my smirk betrays me. I’m a tad disappointed Alek guessed I was going to bring him flowers after the show. I had read that it was a customary gift for performers.
Aleksander
It’s my way of telling you my favorite color is purple
Noted. I’ll get him purple flowers.
Aleksander
you spending the night after?
not to beg but that would be an even better gift than flowers
Me
I love it when you beg, though.
But yes, I would like to spend the night. It’s been a long week without you, Alek.
I know, angel. I’m all yours after the show.
“Virgin!”
The head bouncer, who is a Viking of a woman, yells out to me as I approach the beginning of the line to get into the Garden of Eden Burlesque Club. Bri, as I recall.
“Well, technically, I’m no longer a virgin since this is my second time at the show.”
I present my digital ticket to her and she quickly scans the code with a friendly smile on her face. The fallen strands of short—cropped platinum blonde hair reflect the neon lights from the signs at the entry as she hunches over to move the velvet rope.
“Oh, I’m sure Alek took care of that.” Bri laughs as she winks. “It’s nice to meet you, Ezekiel.” She motions me and a few other patrons inside.
“Nice to meet you too, Bri.” I offer a smile and a polite wave as I walk into the building.
Something tugs at my chest knowing that people are aware of my and Alek’s relationship. There’s excitement, pride, and a slight sense of trepidation. I want to be the man that Alek deserves, my sunshine incarnate deserves nothing less.
Only a few steps into the building, I glance at the bar and see another familiar face. Alek’s best friend, Emma, is busy taking orders. But as soon as she gets a moment she jogs over to greet me with a beaming smile.
“Emma, hello.” I lean into the bar at the corner that’s currently unoccupied by customers ordering their pre—show drinks.
“Hey, Ez!” Leaning over the polished wood, Emma plants a kiss on my cheek, and then quickly digs around the undercounter refrigerator beneath the bar.
“It’s gonna be a busy one tonight. It’s the first week of our Halloween—themed shows and people are freaking loving it,” she explains as she hands me a bottle of pineapple cider.
“I remembered that you’re not a beer guy and prefer the sweeter stuff— does this sound good to you?”
I examine the bottle curiously and I nod in reply. The fact that she remembered such a small detail about me and kindly offered this drink leaves me a little shocked.
“It’s perfect, thank you so much, Emma. I’m sure it’s a much more simple drink order than the last one I had to place with you.”
It was just last month that I was here for a bachelorette party with Anna’s group of rowdy women, but it certainly has felt like a lifetime since then.
Emma offers a soft laugh. Her eyes shine in the light as she takes a moment to look me over. “You’re good for him, you know? I’ve known Alek for a while now and he’s never been crazy about someone like he is with you. Y’all are goals.”
Emma’s bright smile turns into a slight frown and her eyes become misty. I don’t think it would be the time or place to pry into her business, but I will make a note of it. Emma is quickly becoming a friend and she is my partner’s best friend. Of course, I want her happiness as well.
“Emma, you don’t know how much it means to hear that from you.”
Taking my hand off the bottle, I lay it over hers, which is resting on the bar. Flipping her hand, she presses her palm to mine and offers me a reassuring squeeze.
“And I am beyond honored to say that I feel the same for your best friend. Alek has been a revelation I didn’t even know I needed and he’s unveiling truths I didn't know were hidden,” I confess.
“Don’t start spouting poetry here, Ez.” Emma rolls her lips inwards, suppressing a smile as she shakes her head at me
“Save it for Alek, and go find yourself a nice seat, honey. I’ve gotta get back to work.” Emma says her goodbyes, but not without giving a knowing look over my shoulder.
“Ezekiel,” a very familiar voice calls out behind me.
Turning with my cider in hand, the smiling mustache of my cousin fills my vision for a moment before I lift my chin to peer up at him.
“Good evening, Knight.” While I haven’t seen my cousin since the gala during Labor Day weekend, I can see he looks a little worse for the wear. I am immediately concerned that he is working himself too hard, just as he always is.
“I’ll walk you to your seat if you don’t mind. There is something I’d like to discuss with you.” With that statement, Knight wraps an arm around my shoulder and leads me to a private booth near the front of the stage.