Page 7

Interference

AXEL

I’m not happy when Jordy turns up, and I’m even less happy when I see the look he gives Justin. I don't miss the sly dig that masquerades as a regular comment. I put my arm around Justin to make sure it’s clear he’s taken and proceed to ignore the uncomfortable presence of my ex for the rest of the set.

When the band stops for a break, I whisper into Justin’s ear, “Let’s ditch these guys.” Justin nods. We say goodbye and disappear into the crowd.

When we step outside, the cool night air hits our faces like an arctic blast. Inside the hall, the crush of bodies in the confined space made for a stifling hot environment, and the contrast is a welcome relief.

“Who was that guy?”

It’s a reasonable question, but it makes me flinch.

“An ex,” I explain. “Not that nice a guy as it turns out and he’s also not happy to be an ex.” I look around half expecting Jordy to have followed us out.

“The guys should have told me he was coming.” Then I add, “though to be fair, I didn’t tell them I was bringing anyone. Didn’t think I needed to though. They know I can’t stand being around him.”

"Were you... were you together long?"

Axel runs a hand through his hair. "Um, a bit over a year, I guess."

“And what… it finished badly?”

“Well, yes. But he wants to get back together, so he's been doing his best to make sure I can’t be with anyone else. If we hadn’t left, he probably would have made a move on you. Either to piss me off or scare you away, he wouldn’t care which.”

Justin shudders. “Wouldn’t have had any luck,” he says. “There’s something kinda sleazy about him. Sorry if that offends.”

I laugh. “Why would that offend me?”

“Well, you must have liked him once, right? I'm kind of insulting your taste in men.”

"My taste in men isn't all bad," I murmur, stepping close enough to feel the heat radiating off his body. "And it all seems like a very long time ago, and maybe I was just young and stupid. Anyway, can we drop this? I don’t want tonight to be about my ex.”

Justin moves in close.

“What do you want it to be about?” he asks coyly, looking up at me through his long lashes.

“You know damn well.” My voice has gone gravelly. I take a quick look around, and there’s no-one out here because the band has started up again. I put my hands on his hips and pull him to me and press my mouth to his. His lips part and my tongue enters his mouth and I taste the combination of Lemon, Lime & Bitters and Justin. And it tastes wonderful. Too wonderful. And this is not the place for two guys to be making out in public.

“Do you want to go back in or should we leave?” I ask, as I reluctantly pull away from those beautiful sensual lips, already rosy and plump from our kiss.

“Ah. I need to take a piss first, but… let’s go?”

We go back inside and Justin heads to the restrooms, while I lean against the back wall, listening to the band. Deano materializes beside me, a concerned expression on his face. He looks around to make sure I’m by myself, then speaks his mind.

“Axel, what are you doing?” he asks. “Don’t you think he’s a bit young, you know, for that sort of thing?”

“What sort of…? What ?” I’m horrified. He thinks Justin is a booty call. Is that what they all think? “No, man, it’s not like that. ”

Now Deano looks even more horrified.

“You’re not serious about him, are you? Axel, he’s a kid .”

“He’s eighteen. He's older than he looks.”

“And you’re what – twenty-two? I’m serious. Be careful. Someone's gonna get hurt here.”

“No-one’s getting hurt, okay? Oh, Fuck! ” I leave Deano without finishing the conversation and head towards the restrooms. I just saw Jordy heading that way and Justin is still in there.