Page 106 of Wrecked

We already had a bachelor party the week before with our work friends and Shane’s brothers.

“Well, say hi to Tyler and Ian for me, will you?”

“Will do,” I say as I open the door to the garage and nudge Sam through.

Beth’s older brother, Tyler Jamison, will be joining us at Sapphires tonight, along with his much younger husband, Ian. At least we’re not the only age gap couple in our friend group. Two of Ian’s friends—Chris and Trey—will be coming as well.

Shane tosses me the keys to his vintage silver Jaguar. “Take the Jag,” he says. “It’ll be easier to park.”

Chapter 35 – Sam

Sapphires is pretty crowded for a Tuesday night. There’s actually a line forming outside, and we have to wait a bit to get in. Tyler and Ian arrive shortly after we do, and when we spot them, we move to the back of the line so we can wait together.

Cooper and Tyler shake hands like two old fuddy-duddies. They’re both late bloomers—both late to come out of the closet.

Ian, who is my age, throws his arms around me and squeezes. “Congratulations! Only four more days until the big event. Are you excited?”

“Very,” I admit. “I am literally counting the hours.”

Ian’s friend Trey—a stunning mixed race man our age—joins us in line. Chris is already inside. He works here as a server.

Finally, we reach the front of the line. The bouncer lets all five of us in together.

The club’s throbbing energy complements the blue strobe lights and the pounding dance music. The dance floor is crowded as an Ariana Grande song plays.

I grab Cooper’s hand and try to lead him into the crowd. “Dance with me! You promised you would.”

“I will,” he says, laughing as he pulls me toward a booth big enough for the six of us. “Let’s get a table and order drinks first. Then the dancing.”

We slide into the booth. Cooper and I are on one side. Tyler and Ian are across from us. Trey sits next to Ian.

Chris waltzes right up to our table with a huge grin on his face. “Hey, you guys! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you both.”

As usual, Chris stands out. It’s not just his wild blond surfer hair and blue eyes drawing a lot of interested gazes, but alsothe gauzy, see-through white skirt he’s wearing, paired with a barely-there, silver-sequined crop top. Beneath the skirt, he’s wearing a pair of the tiniest bright blue briefs I’ve ever seen. “What can I get you all to drink?”

Tyler and Cooper both order beer—boring! Trey, Ian, and I all order Rim Jobs—scotch and Bailey’s Irish Cream—for our first round. At least Ian and I don’t have to worry about how much we drink tonight because we both have our own designated drivers. Tyler and Ian offer to give both Trey and Chris rides home tonight.

After Chris delivers our first round of drinks, he’s officially off for the night and joins us at our table. Tony, a stocky, heavily muscled guy, takes over as our server for the rest of the night.

The four of us order Blow Jobs for a second round of shots while Cooper and Tyler are still working on their beers.

“We have all night, you know,” Cooper murmurs in my ear. “Maybe you should pace yourself on the alcohol.”

“I don’t have to pace myself,” I say as I lean in and kiss Cooper on the cheek. “I have you.”

He gives me a stern look. “Behave yourself.”

I glance across the table at Tyler, who’s whispering something to Ian. I imagine Ian is getting the same lecture I just got.

We down our Blow Jobs, and then the four of us—Ian, Trey, Chris, and I—hit the dance floor. We’re the ones who love to dance. Tyler and Cooper, not so much. In fact, getting them onto the dance floor is like pulling teeth—no fun.

The four of us dance as a group, in a tight configuration, making it clear we’retogetherand not just four single guys looking for action. As much as we love teasing Cooper and Tyler, we don’t want any trouble. The old guys can be very protective when the occasion calls for it.

One song blends into another and then another. I’m hot and sweaty by the end of the third song. “I’m getting something cold to drink,” I tell the others. I nod to our table. “Be right back.”

As I’m heading back, I notice our server, Tony, standing by our booth. Good, because I need to order a Coke.

“That sounds really exciting,” Tony says to Cooper.