Seth wasn’t worried, though. He knew she would be an excellent mother and that the new business venture she and Chris were starting would be a success. No matter what he thought of Chris as a person, Seth wouldn’t deny that he was an amazing chef. He was also very social—possibly too social, now that he thought about it—so he would make an excellent teacher. It would all work out.
And given enough time, Seth was sure he could work around Chris again. He just needed to heal his heart and move on.
Hmm, moving on…that was the key. And tonight there was a new band playing at the only gay bar in town—Bellflower Knights. Maybe that’s what he needed, a night out. He’d text Damon and see if he wanted to go.
The day got busy, but he was able to check in with Damon, who agreed to meet him there at 9:30. That gave Seth just enough time to run home and change.
The phone rang and he grabbed it. “Thank you for calling Karlee’s Kitchen Essentials. This is Seth. How can I help you today?”
“It’s Karlee.”
He checked his cell for the time and was surprised to see it was after six. She was supposed to be back a while ago. “What’s wrong?”
She sighed. “I’m on bed rest for the next couple of days. My blood pressure was up.”
He inhaled sharply. “Oh, Karlee! Do you want me to come over? Is there anything I can do?”
“No. My friend Debra is on her way. We’re going to watch sad movies all night.”
“What did the doctor say? Is the blood pressure causing the pain?”
“No. She said it was most likely stretching pains. I gained a lot of weight last month apparently. I have to watch my diet because my sugars are up, too.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come over? I was planning on meeting Damon at Bellflower Knights, but I can change plans easily.”
“No, I just wanted you to know that I won’t be in for a few days. I go back to the doctor in four days. We’ll see what she says then. Can you hold down the fort?”
“Of course! No problem at all,” he assured her as a woman with an armful of items arrived at the counter. “Karlee, I’ve got to go, okay? But call or text me anytime if you need me—even the middle of the night.”
“I will. Thanks, Seth. Love you.”
“Love you, too. It’s going to work out. You’re going to be fine.” He mentally crossed his fingers ashe hoped he was right.
* * * *
By the time he closed the store, he barely had time to run to his apartment and change, but he was ready for dancing when he arrived at the club. Seth had put on his purple shirt, the one he’d worn on his first date with Chris, because he knew it fit well and he’d been able to squeeze into his tight pair of black skinny jeans. He smoothed his hair one more time before he flashed his ID to the bouncer and entered.
Damon was easy to find. “Subtle” was not in his friend’s vocabulary. Seth smiled at Damon’s hot pink tank, paired with black leather pants and hot pink shoes. Shiny. He’d topped it off with a silver skull pendant on a black rope chain.
As soon as Damon saw him, he jumped off the table on which he was sitting and ran over to throw his arms around Seth. “Oh, I am so glad you called. I needed this tonight! Work is killing me!”
Seth laughed. “You work in day care. How could that be killing you?” Close up, Seth saw that Damon wore eyeliner and sparkly lip gloss. He always did like to make a splash.
Damon stood back, placed a hand on his hip, and narrowed his eyes. “You try controlling eight four-year-olds! I am telling you, Seth, they are little monsters!”
“But I thought you loved working with kids.”
Damon laughed. “I do…I do! Kids are great. They’re so creative and honest. They have no judgment or ill will toward anyone. They’re awesome. But some days, they also flush large items down the toilet. Or paint the walls. Or, God forbid, cut each other’s hair,” he said in mock horror. “Which has only happened once under my watch.”
God, Seth had missed his friend. They hadn’t had time to hang out in months.
They grabbed some drinks and found a table, eager to hear the new band. A few people were dancing on the small floor, but Seth knew that soon enough there would be a swarm of hot, sweaty men out there, with a few women thrown into the mix. Maybe that would help him get over Chris.