Chapter 61
* * * *
“Sorry we’re so late,” Sammy said just before pulling Barry into a hug.
Barry smiled, both at seeing his new friend again and at how the man had slipped past his personal security detail seemingly unnoticed. Sammy had come with his own muscled entourage, who looked stunning in tight black leather.
“It’s your fault we’re late,” Zach told Barry, moving in for his own hug. The man had some serious muscles under those leathers.
“How so?” Barry asked.
Eric moved in for a hug, and Jimmy and Jake were starting to get uncomfortable, although hugs and handshakes from Sammy and Zach distracted them.
“We each downloaded Ranch-O-Rama when we got home and soon were totally hooked,” Eric told Barry, although he said it loud enough that Jimmy and Jake also heard.
“Glad you like it,” Jake said. “We’re real proud of Barry for developing it.”
“It’s a joint effort,” Barry told their friends. “I couldn’t have done any of it without my cowboys. All six of them. Though two were especially helpful.” He looked lovingly at his Jake and his Jimmy.
“How many of those have you had?” Jake asked, pointing to Barry’s empty glass.
“Two.” Barry smiled and ran a hand up Jake’s arm. “The best things come in twos. Like sexy cowboys.”
The three New Yorkers then spent a few minutes telling Jimmy, Jake, and Barry which level of the game they’d each reached and what they planned on doing next on their virtual ranches. Barry explained that he wanted to do more to make the game playable with friends, each on their own devices but all working the same ranch. “After all, Jimmy and Jake work the Double J together. Along with Liam as their foreman of course.”
“That’d be cool if we could do that,” Sammy said.
Zach went to the bar for more drinks, and Jimmy asked Eric who his favorite cowboy character was.
“Zane,” Eric said.
Jimmy’s face fell, but he did his best to hide it.
“Just funning’ with ya,” Eric said, putting an arm around Jimmy’s shoulders and pulling the cowboy into a macho-jock hug that wouldn’t have been out of place in any straight sports bar. “We liked you and Jake the best, probably because we’ve actually met you guys in the flesh.”
Zach returned, tray in hand.
“This for me?” Barry asked.
Zach nodded.
“You shouldn’t have. Two’s normally my limit, but, heck, I’m out, literally, with friends and I’m on vacation. So thank you.” Barry took a big gulp. It tasted stronger than his last one, but he liked it so took another big sip.
“Careful, bud,” Zach told him. “That’s a double.”
* * * *
Eventually a pool table became free and Eric and Zach challenged Jimmy and Jake to a game of doubles. This allowed Barry to talk with Sammy. It seemed that Zach and Eric didn’t have to be at work until later the next day and Sammy said he’d managed to wrangle a half-day off from Calvin.
Barry wondered aloud what it’d be like to work for such a cool boss. “But I wouldn’t swap my life on the Double J for anything.” He watched Jake bend over the pool table to take a shot. “God, he’s got a fine ass.”
Sammy giggled and Barry realized he’d spoken aloud.
Jake missed his shot so it was Eric’s turn. Sammy admitted his cop had a fine ass also.
“We’re both real lucky to each have two fine asses,” Barry said, draining his glass. “Want another one?”
“I shouldn’t,” Sammy admitted.
“Neither should I,” Barry giggled.
“Oh, what the hell.”
The two headed for the bar.
* * * *
Barry congratulated his men for winning the pool game by showering them with kisses.
“I think you’ve had enough,” Jake told Barry when the latter suggested getting another drink to toast their success.
“You cutting me off, cowboy?” Barry asked, blinking at his red-shirted partner. “‘Cause two can play that game.” Barry ran a hand down Jake’s chest and paused at his belt buckle before going lower. “I can see why all the men tonight have been touching you and Jimmy. You’re the hunkiest, hottest and handsomest cowboys here. Hey, that rhymes. No, it’s all, alliter…or something.” Barry hiccupped.
“We’re the only cowboys here,” Jake said, removing Barry’s hand from his crotch. “You’re drunk, baby. I hope you won’t regret it in the morning.”
Barry found that really funny and remembered a quote from Sir Winston Churchill. “Yes, I’m drunk and you’re studly. But I’ll be sober in the morning.”
Jake looked at him oddly.