Alex stood near the bar, nursing a drink and pretending not to watch the dance floor where Nico and Cassie moved with ease.
For a moment, he wondered if the two of them had ever had sex or were more than friends but he quickly removed the thought. It shouldn't matter to him if they did. It was none of his business.
It should have been a fun reunion. A night to smile, shake hands, recall names from dusty yearbooks and most importantly, show off.
But Cassie's sharp words and arrogance earlier still echoed in his mind. He was ashamed to admit he wasn't really the best guy in High school.
Alex had shed the smugness in college though, where nobody cared who his father was or that he'd been the best athlete and prom king in a town too small to even matter.
Law school had humbled him, adulthood even more. But shame wasn't the only reason heat prickled across his skin now.
He had noticed Nico back then. Quiet, dark-eyed Nico with messy hair he was always tempted to touch. A quiet defiance clung to him even in high school, the kind that had fascinated Alex in ways he'd refused to explore.
Even now, watching Nico laugh under the lights made Alex's chest tighten. That same fascination stirred, raw and undeniable.
"Another beer?" the bartender asked.
Alex hesitated. "No—make it a scotch this time."
He needed stronger courage tonight. The kind that burned going down and dulled old instincts.
"Alex Reed!"
He flinched. He could recognize that annoying voice in his sleep. Lily. She's been pained ever since he dumped her in high school. She thought they were going to be together for good but Alex didn't do commitment.
He didn't turn immediately. Instead, he held up a finger to the bartender. "Make it a double." He was going to need it.
He turned slowly to face her and smiled. "Hi, Lily. Long time no see, how are you?"
"Long time no see indeed," she scoffed. "Anyway, I'm fine."
"Well, that's good to know I guess." He tossed some cash on the bar and grabbed his drink.
Lily smiled tightly. The kind of smile that promised passive-aggression in the form of a compliment or a public scene.
"Was that Nico you were talking to earlier?"
Alex stiffened. "Yes. Why do you ask?"
She leaned in slightly, eyes glittering. "I was just a bit curious. You see, there were rumours back then in high school about him. They said he sucks dick."
Alex's jaw clenched. "You know I don't listen to made up stories and so what if he does that anyway?"
Lily laughed, low and dismissive. "Just surprised you'd talk to someone like him. You were always picky."
"I didn't realize being civil required a background check and by the way, a guy who likes guys isn't diseased." He took a long drink, ignoring the heat that surged, not from embarrassment this time, but something more dangerous.
Lily's smirk deepened. "You're defending him now or what? You really want to be civil with him even if he's probably imagining you in the shower with your dick inside him."
He turned sharply. "For fucks sake, that's enough, Lily."
"Touchy," she said. "Maybe a little too touchy."
He stalked away without another word. But it wasn't her words that unsettled him. It was how close to the truth they were.
*
*
In the men's room, Nico leaned over the sink, splashing cool water on his face. The dance had been fun, lighthearted and everything he hadn't expected from a high school reunion. At least no one had bothered them so far.
But Alex had been watching him. He could feel it. That stare, guarded but lingering, had followed him all night.
He chuckled to himself. "Get a grip,Nico. Don't be so delusional" he muttered.
Just then, the door opened. And as if summoned by thought, Alex stepped in.
Nico froze, watching him approach the urinal. That same tight grip clenched around his gut.
Alex glanced over his shoulder, visibly startled when their eyes met. Nico offered a casual nod and moved to the next urinal, trying to will away the blood rushing south.
"So, uh…how's it going?" Nico asked lightly.
"It's been cool, I guess," Alex said, tucking himself quickly and stepping to the sink.
Nico forced his body to behave before he followed, grateful for the barrier of the counter between them. "I think the same too. I mean I came because my mom convinced me to but it's actually been pretty cool here."
"That's good to know," Alex said, voice quieter. "I mean… I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
Silence stretched between them as the sink ran. It was like they were waiting for who would take the first step for what they both wanted.
Nico grabbed paper towels, his fingers brushing Alex's as he reached for his own too. The touch was accidental, but electric. He caught Alex watching him in the mirror a beat too long.
"You feeling okay? You look a bit pale." Nico asked.
Alex hesitated, then nodded. "I'm okay. I just drank a bit."
"How will you get home then? You can't drive in this condition."
"I'm fine. I don't live far from here anyway," Alex started to leave but his steps wobbled slightly as he turned toward the door.
Nico instinctively reached out, steadying him with a hand on his arm. Alex flinched but not from the touch. It was from how it made him linger and want more.
"I'll give you a ride," Nico said.
Alex's eyes flashed with something unreadable. "Are you sure? I mean…"
"You think I'm going to leave you to drunk drive and get arrested? Your dad is like super important in town and he hates when you do bad stuff, remember?"
That drew a reluctant smile. "Yeah. I forgot about that."
"Wait for me here, okay? I'll just go say goodbye to Cassie."
******
Cassie handed Nico a bottle of water and smirked knowingly. "Calling it a night?"
He nodded. "Someone needs a designated driver."
She arched a brow. "By that look in your eyes, is this someone Alex Reed?"
Nico didn't answer.
She sighed dramatically. "You're still having sex dreams about that guy after all these years. That's crazy."
"Yes, yes, whatever. I admit that I'm crazy so please let me enjoy my fantasies. I have to go now, thanks for the dance therapy."
Cassie kissed his cheek. "No need to thank me, hon. I'm just so glad I got to see my misfit best friend again."
Nico smiled in reply. Then he turned, weaving through the thinning crowd, the cool bottle sweating in his hand.
Alex was outside near the flagpole, sitting on the low brick wall, looking up at the stars like they held answers.
"Here. You need to drink this." Nico handed him the water.
He took it without a word and downed half while Nico looked up to the stars for a moment wishing he would get lucky and have all his fantasies come true.