of all ages, all sizes and all shapes, and the realization was doing wonders for Joel’s nerves. Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance’ filled the air, and Joel was relieved to hear something he knew.
“I don’t listen to a lot of music,” he admitted when Finn finished ordering. “And I wasn’t sure what we’d be dancing to.” He grinned. “Of course, if they play Salt-N-Pepa, you’re okay.”
Finn laughed. “They play a good mix here.” The bartender placed the glasses on the bar and Finn handed one to Joel. He raised his own. “To your first time.”
Joel chuckled. “I’ll drink to that.” He stared at the crowded floor. “Is it always this busy?”
“You should be here on nights when it’s Dueling Drag Divas,” Finn told him. “That’s a lot of fun. This place has two dance floors and three bars, so there’s plenty of room, but it still gets full. Wanna take a look around?”
“Sure.”
As they moved away from the bar, a loud voice called out Finn’s name. “Oh my God. You haven’t been here in forever.”
Finn’s face lit up. “I might have known you’d be here.” He turned to Joel. “This is my friend Seb. I think I’ve mentioned him.”
Joel smiled. “Yes, you did.”
Seb grinned. “All good, I hope?” He was tall, with a shock of wavy hair that came down over his eyes and stopped just below his ears. He had pale blue eyes that twinkled, and the same scruffy beard and mustache that reminded Joel of Finn’s.
He’s the teacher? Seb came across as someone who belonged on a board, riding the waves.
Joel grinned. “Let’s just say, I got the impression you’re quite a character.”
Seb regarded Finn with raised eyebrows. “And just what have you been saying?”
“Nothing but the truth,” Finn assured him.
Seb looked Joel up and down. “Whereas you are exactly as he described you. Good to meet you, Joel.” Lady Gaga faded, and in its place was a dance track that Joel didn’t recognize. Seb’s eyes lit up. “We gotta dance to this one.”
“Hey, we’ve got drinks,” Finn remonstrated.
Seb rolled his eyes. “Jesus.” He hollered to the bartender. “Pete? Take care of these drinks, will ya? They’ll be back for them.”
Pete grinned. “Sure, Seb.”
Finn snorted. “What is this, Cheers, where everybody knows your name?”
“Hush. We gotta dance.” Before Joel could refuse, Seb grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the dance floor, Finn following them.
The rhythm was relentless, and the lyrics blew Joel’s mind. Seb was apparently in his element, swaying sinuously, and giving flirtatious glances at the guys dancing around them. Finn danced in front of Joel, never breaking eye contact, and Joel breathed easier. He allowed himself to relax, and let himself be lost in the music.
“I guess dancing is like riding a bike too,” Finn said with a smile. “Because it looks like it’s all coming back to you.”
Joel had to admit, he was loving it: the bass pulsing through his feet; the movement all around him; the lights that flickered, and the guys who sang along to the song. Then he caught a snatch of the lyrics and stopped dead.
“Did she just say G-spot? I swear I heard that. And I thought I heard blindfold and hardcore in there somewhere. What is this song?”
Seb laughed. “It’s ‘Dirty Talk’ by Wynter Gordon. Filthiest lyrics ever.” He grinned. “It’s the kind of song that will bring every gay out of the restroom and onto the dance floor.”
“Speaking of restroom…” Finn gave Joel an apologetic glance. “I’ll be right back, okay?”
Before Joel could respond, Seb patted Finn’s arm. “I’ll take real good care of him.”
Finn merely raised his eyebrows before hurrying to the restroom.
Seb carried on dancing, and Joel relaxed once more. That cryptic remark had worried him a little. What exactly does taking care of me involve? But Seb seemed happy to dance, and that was fine by Joel. The song changed again, and Kylie’s voice filled the air.
“I like this one,” Joel said loudly with a smile.
“And I like that one.” Seb was staring at a guy a few feet away. “Yum.”
Joel followed his gaze. The object of Seb’s attention was a guy maybe in his mid-to-late forties, with graying hair and dark eyes, who was dancing with a younger man. He returned his attention to Seb. “Okay.”
Seb’s eyes glittered. “Just my type.”
Joel took a guess. “Older guys do it for you?”
“E-ve-ry time,” Seb enunciated.
“Well, not every time,” Joel corrected. “Because I’m obviously not your type, but I’m probably a bit younger than that guy.”
Seb bit