Michaels navigated through Atlanta’s rush hour traffic, almost glad there was a slight delay to his inevitable forced socialization. He figured while he had the time he’d think of what excuse he’d use to leave early. He stopped by his apartment in Edgewood to wash up and change into something that hadn’t been in contact with the grime of a dirty alley. He splashed on some cologne and couldn’t help laughing to himself. What’s the point? A person had to get close enough to him to smell it. In a comfortable pair of jeans and a blue and white striped Polo shirt, he threw on his brown leather jacket and left. An hour, then I’m out.
It was a quarter to nine and Michaels was sitting at the bar alone with a watered down vodka and cranberry when a heavy arm draped over his shoulders, almost knocking him off his stool. “Damnit God. Your fuckin’ arm weighs thirty pounds.”
“Lightweight.” Day laughed, coming up on his other side.
Michaels shrugged God’s arm off him.
“Why are you being so anti-social tonight?” God’s voice was rough and slightly slurred.
“I’m sorry if I don’t feel like sitting over there and watching you guys molest each other in between pool shots.” Michaels regretted the statement before he finished the last word.
Day rubbed annoying circles on his back while he laid his cheek on Michaels’ shoulder. “Awww. Are you feeling alone? Are you feeling left out?” he crooned, in a mockingly sad voice.
“You’re gonna be feeling a punch to your face if you don’t shut up.” Michaels sneered.
“Whoa. Okay, ease up, man.” Day sat up, looking at him more seriously. “Austin, you been a part of this family for three years, why won’t you date anyone?”
“I’m not having this conversation with you Day.”
“Oh, yes you are.”
“No I’m not.”
“I’ve lost interest,” God said, taking his beer and walking away.
One down. One to go.
“Follow suit, Day.”
“Come on, man. We’re brothers. You can tell me. Are you insecure? Are you lacking in the lovemaking department? Do you need some pointers? First, what are you packing down there, huh? People say size doesn’t matter but that’s bullshit. So, what are you six… seven inches? Don’t be shy.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Michaels groaned, throwing back the last of his drink and looking for the bartender. “Check, please.”
“Oh, don’t be like that, Michaels. Come on,” Day whined. He was clearly drunk and Michaels wasn’t in the mood to entertain him.
The bartender came back with his check. “You sure you’re ready to go, handsome? How about the next one’s on me.”
“Yes. I’m sure, but thank you.” Michaels refrained from rolling his eyes, hating that Day was there to hear that. The bartender had been throwing hints at him for the past three hours, but he’d pretended not to notice. Instead keeping his eyes on the football game playing on the flat screen behind the bar. The cute thing pouring the drinks was too fucking small and too fucking pretty. Michaels would’ve bent his petite ass in two. Besides the tiny stature, he also didn’t do lip-gloss and guy liner.
“Oh, aren’t you a sexy little thing,” Day said, seductively. He kept looking back and forth between Michaels and the bartender, as if seeing if they made a good fit. He titled his head at Michaels as if telling him to go for it.
“I’m outta here.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
“I’m fine.”
“I know. Just thought you’d like some company.”
“I’m good. Really.”
Michaels didn’t bother going back to the tables and saying bye to the guys who were still throwing back drinks and talking shit. They’d only try to convince him to stay. Michaels was moving quickly up the busy sidewalk to the parking lot, not bothering to look at Day. As soon as he got to his Jeep he hopped inside and started the engine. Day propped himself against his driver’s side mirror, preventing him from driving off. Michaels dropped his head with a sigh.
“Look bro. I know what’s it like to be lonely and—”
“I’m not fuckin’ lonely. How can I be when I’m surrounded by you motherfuckers all day and night? I’m cool, alright?”
“I don’t believe you. I’ve noticed some changes in your demeanor when you’re around us now. Like something’s different. It’s almost like you don’t want to be near us unless it’s for work.”
“I’ve just been tired. That’s all.”
“Do you need some time off?”
“No!” Michaels yelled, before calming himself again. “No. Of course not. I can handle this. I just don’t need my nosy Lieutenants thinking they need to step in and manage my personal life.”
“Ouch. That stung.”
Michaels shook his head as if trying to organize his thoughts. He didn’t want to be an ass. But he honestly just wanted to go home. “Sorry. I’m not trying to be a dick.”
“Well you failed.”
Michaels huffed a weary laugh.
“You know we’re all here for you, man. If you need to talk some of this out then my door is—”