Page 58 of Antagonist

The night is young, and there’s something in the mild air. I don’t know what it is, but I like it. Maybe it’s knowing tonight is an open road full of possibilities. A blank canvas just waiting for that first pencil line or brush stroke.

There are more people than I expect at The Academy. Then again, it’s Friday night. We follow the signs to the event room on the second floor, walking past the bar.

I don’t see Levi in his usual place, so I hope he’s upstairs. Having another familiar face in the room would be a definite bonus.

“Shall we get a drink?” Harrison asks.

“Sure, why not?”

We head over to the bar, where I’m glad to see Levi putting on a show for the guests. He throws a bottle in the air and catches it perfectly, pouring the brightly colored drink into a cocktail glass. He finishes with some garnish and a bow for the round of applause.

“Hey, I didn’t know you’d be at this party,” he says when we approach the bar. “Let me prepare you something good.” He leans over. “Like,reallygood.”

“Looks like you’re enjoying yourself,” Harrison says.

Levi smiles. “I won’t be as energetic in a few hours. I have an engagement photo shoot tomorrow, and the couple wants to catch the sunrise. And it’s a couple of hours away, so with traveling and setting up, I’ll be heading out straight after my shift.”

“Sounds like a tough gig,” Harrison says.

Levi pushes the drinks over to us. “It’s not bad. Long hours, but I love both jobs. I’m still kinda new-in-town-slash-returnee, so you do what you gotta do, right?”

We raise our glasses and take a sip. I stare at Levi, who’s got a smug grin.

“Told you I’d give you the good stuff.” He winks and moves on to serve someone else.

“I hope this isn’t too alcoholic because I could drink these all night long,” Harrison says, taking another sip.

“Then I better help you mingle because I want you to be sober and able to make your own decisions later.”

His gaze pins me down, making my pants a little tight. We better do some boring shit before I sport wood in a room full of attorneys.

“Ah, there you are, Harrison.”

An older man comes up to us and shakes Harrison’s hand.

“Mr. Jones. This is my…um, friend, Fletcher.”

I take the man’s hand.

“Fletcher, Mr. Jones is one of the managing partners and the man responsible for me being here.”

It’s hard to tell if Harrison means being at the party tonight or here in Stillwater. Maybe a bit of both. And for that, I want to give the old man a hug because my life has definitely become a lot more interesting since meeting Harrison.

“You are too modest, Harrison.” The man turns to me. “Stick with him. This one’s going far. Talented attorneys are hard to come by, but talented attorneys with a heart are a rare species.”

“I intend to,” I say, leaning closer to Harrison.

I don’t know how comfortable he is with public displays of affection, so I don’t want to overdo it.

“Well, enjoy your evening, gentlemen.”

When Mr. Jones leaves, I turn to face Harrison and lean close so I can whisper in his ear. “Just so you know…friend…I don’t usually want to suck my friend’s giant dicks.”

Harrison almost chokes on his drink. “I need some water.”

“And I need the little boy’s room. Grab me another drink?” I ask.

“Sure.”