“You didn’t drive, did you?” she scolds. Ellie is like a pit bull when it comes to drinking and driving.
I laugh. “Heck no! I have my babysitter with me.” I use the glass to point towards Marcus, who is sitting on a nearby barstool, scanning the patio for potential dangers.
“Oh, I forgot about all that.” Ellie winces. “I’m so sorry, Gav.”
I shrug it off. “I know you did, El. It’s okay.”
“It’s bloody well not okay!” She straightens up, leaning over the table. “It’s not okay to threaten you and frighten you and make you afraid to live your life!”
Other patrons are tilting their heads in our direction as Ellie rants. I catch my name being whispered. Now I’ve been spotted and after ‘coming out’ last night, what a joke, I’m sure I’ve been the talk of the town. Especially here in Huntington Beach, which has a thriving gay community.
“Shhhhh, El. People are staring.”
“Oh for fuck’s sake,” she scowls. “I bloody hate this part. The whole lack of privacy.” She waves her hands around in frustration.
“Me too,” I agree, although I’ve lived in the spotlight for nearly a decade with the band. Ellie and Adam only reunited a year ago so this is all fairly new to her.
Our food arrives and we manage to move on to lighter topics, the new album, Ellie and Adam’s daughter, Sadie, who at nearly one is the love of Adam’s life, and Hawke’s latest adventures.
We finish up and pay the bill. As the server leaves, I notice Marcus getting up and stalking over, his face a mask of determination.
“El,” I caution, grabbing her wrist to keep her in her seat. “Wait.”
She follows my line of sight. Marcus is hustling to intercept a young man who is headed for our table. Marcus reaches out to stop him right as he arrives in front of me.
“Sir, I need you to step back,” he commands in a low, menacing voice.
“I just want to thank Gavin,” the kid says, his voice filled with nerves.
“Not today.” Marcus wedges himself between the kid and our table.
The boy’s eyes find mine and I get it. I see something familiar in his expression. I see me ten years ago.
I stand up. “Let him through, Marcus.”
“I strongly caution you—”
“I know. It’s okay. I want to talk to him.”
“Gav,” Ellie hisses, worried for me, as usual.
“It’s fine, El.” I turn to meet the boy’s stare. “What’s your name?”
Grumbling, Marcus steps aside but doesn’t leave. He plants himself next to the table, crossing his beefy arms over his enormous chest.
“I’m Cory.” The boy ducks his head. Crimson streaks run up his neck and cheeks. He’s adorable.
“Hi Cory. I’m Gavin.” I hold out my hand. Cory’s dark eyes widen, then his lips part, revealing a brilliant white smile and matching dimples on his cheeks.
I shake his hand, grinning back.
“I just wanted to say thanks, for…” Cory shrugs, shoving his hands in the pockets of his tiny, denim cut-off shorts. “You know, for last night. For being brave.”
“I’m not brave, Cory. I just don’t want to live a lie anymore.”
“Well, I think you’re brave. My boyfriend and I talked about you all night.” His eyes widen and his cheeks color again.
“You have a boyfriend?” I smile at the way the kid’s expression gets all dreamy when he nods. “He’s a lucky guy, Cory.”