Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 31591 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 158(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31591 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 158(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
"Brandon." I shook his hand and relaxed; Rowdy seemed like a nice guy.
“So what’s with the drawing?” he asked, nodding towards my papers. I didn’t mind his straightforwardness; I knew what I was doing was weird.
“I’ve got an art project due soon of the male form and I needed inspiration. You don’t think that’s too stalker-y do you?”
Rowdy snorted a laugh. “Nah. I know almost everyone here, and they love to be the center of attention. If they knew what you were up to, they’d be fighting each other to give you a private show.”
I was relieved that I wasn’t crossing any boundaries, but I certainly didn’t want to draw too much attention, so I’d stick to the shadows.
“You’ve got plenty of sexy models to choose from,” Rowdy added with an eyebrow flick before looking out into the crowd. “Who are you going to draw?”
I too perused the room. Rowdy was right; I had countless models before me, but why did none of them call to me? It felt like any man I chose would be the wrong decision. “I’m not sure yet.”
“Well, while you’re looking, I’ll get you something to drink. What do you like?”
I grimaced and answered, “I’m not sure of that either. I don’t usually drink and I definitely don’t usually come to clubs like this; I’m always in class or working on my art. I’m probably the lamest college kid in history.”
Rowdy shook his head and threw his arm over my shoulder. “There’s nothing wrong with being motivated and driven, just like there’s nothing wrong with being a party boy. You’ve only got one life; you do you, be proud, and to hell with anyone who has a problem with it.”
I was in awe of Rowdy; he seemed to have things all figured out, yet he looked no older than I was. “And just how did you get so wise?”
“I guess all of the Daddies rubbed off on me when they were...rubbing off on me.” My eyes widened in shock before we both fell into laughter. “I think I know just the thing for you; I’ll be right back.” Rowdy scurried off to the bar and returned a few minutes later with two cocktail glasses filled with pink liquid. “It’s on me,” he offered as he slid one of the glasses in front of me.
“That’s very sweet of you, thanks.”
Rowdy held up his drink and said, “To new friends.”
“To new friends.” I clinked my glass to his and took a sip, smiling when the sweet, fruity flavor washed across my taste buds. “This is delicious.”
Rowdy tossed his drink back in one gulp. “I’m glad you like it. Listen, I’d love to stay and talk longer, but one of my bosses is up at the bar, so I better get back to it. But good luck on your project and come back and see me, okay?”
“I will.” I wanted to spend more time with Rowdy; I’d never had many friends. Maybe he could introduce me to some people or even help me ease into the club scene once my classes were over and I had more free time. Baby steps.
My new friend winked and hurried back to the bar, where a group of handsome gray haired men fawned all over him while he seemed to eat the attention right up.
I sipped on my fruity pink drink as I watched the dancing men around me, and drew a few lines just to erase them again and again. The harder I tried to focus, the more uncomfortable I became. It was weird; I had everything I came for right in front of my face, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was all wrong.
Maybe the music was too loud, or maybe the drink was clouding my mind. Either way, it became apparent that I wasn’t getting any work done here. The night hadn’t been a waste, though, as I’d met Rowdy. I needed to use the restroom, and then I planned on hanging out at the bar for a chance to speak with him some more. Then I’d go back to my dorm, eat all of the ice cream in my freezer, and wallow in my stress and self-doubt. Just a typical Friday night.
I tucked my sketchpad under my arm and dodged swaying bodies as I navigated the dance floor like a minefield. I got a few smiles and even a crooked finger of invitation, but I had no idea what to do with it, so I just stared at the floor and ran faster. I sighed in relief when I escaped the dance floor, found the sign for the restroom, and hurriedly ducked inside.
All relief skittered away when I saw the scene I’d burst in on. A tall blond man had his face pressed against the wall and his pants around his ankles, and was getting his ass pounded by a big, muscular man. A third man was watching the pair as he rubbed himself through his jeans, and a fourth guy seemed oblivious to the whole thing as he washed his hands at the sink.