Page 4 of Jack Frosting

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The adrenaline of hooking up must’ve worn off because someone was shaking me awake.

“Clayton, you okay?”

Oh fuck…they knew me.

I opened my eyes to find Gareth standing there, a concerned look on his face. “Finally.”

“I think it’s time for me to go home,” I said, taking a wobbly stand.

Gareth nodded, then smiled. “A bit too much fun for one night?”

Looking down at myself, I was a mess. “I don’t want to ruin your car.”

“It’s no problem. I have a towel.”

After cleaning up as best I could, I kept my head down and followed him out of the club. Even with Gareth finding me like that…it was still a good night.

TWO

JACK

Five months later…

“Come on, Jack, where else are you gonna go?”

My best friend Gareth had a point.

The apartment we used to share was in a building set to be demolished in a month and I was not going to be able to afford the new condos being built in its place. Plus, I had nowhere to go while that construction was happening.

“I don’t think living with a single dad and his progeny is a great idea. I doubt he’d approve of my late night visitors.”

“One, just go to their place.”

“Ugh, you know I can’t stand other people’s beds-”

“And two, what do you mean? A single dad and his progeny is exactly where I live now and it’s been amazing. We’ve had you over, it’s not the apocalypse.”

“I just don’t think it’s ideal for a twenty-six-year-old.”

Gareth mimicked my pose – hands-on hips, apparently vapid expression. “Well, we’re packing your boxes up, so what other options are there?”

“I’d say live with you, but that’s probably worse. I don’t think I could watch you romp around in love all day.”

“It’s affordable. You’re not gonna find a better price.” Gareth ignored me.

“Don’t do that drawer!” I half-yelled.

Gareth froze. “Sex toys?”

“Something like that?”

“I don’t want to know.” Gareth stepped back. “I’ll recheck the kitchen.”

“Shouldn’t I meet the guy first? Or is he just comfortable letting a stranger live with him and his kid?!” I yelled at his retreating figure.

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