As always, Charlie’s was a lively place, with faces new, old, and familiar. Lucas came here occasionally, trying to find a date, but he usually struck out, and didn’t have a wingman. It was depressing, but he tried not to let it get him down. Tonight was different, he felt. Tonight, he wouldn’t be ignored. For the first time in a while, he felt hope that he might get somewhere.
He’d had a few partners with dancing, but none really gave him the time of day, though he’d tried striking up a conversation. At one point, he took a break, heading to the bar to grab a drink. He was two shots in when he happened to see a pretty face enter the bar. His gaze lingered on the other man, who initially looked a little distraught. Lucas expected him to head to the bar for a drink — people with that look normally did. However, to his surprise, the man went onto the dance floor, and after a bit seemed to get lost in the music.
He downed his current shot and headed onto the dance floor. Normally he wouldn’t go for someone he thought was out of his league, but something told him to take his shot. Hence, the liquid courage. Others had begun to dance near and with him, and Lucas worked to make a place for himself near the other guy.
He had model good looks, short, spiky blond hair, and the prettiest deep blue eyes Lucas had ever seen. He stood a little taller than Lucas himself, and wore a pair of faded, relaxed fit jeans, black sneakers, and a plain dark green tee. They struck up a conversation as they danced — as much as they could at least, and he tried his best to flirt with the other guy, although he didn’t seem to be into it. Still, he continued to pay attention to Lucas above everyone else, and that made him feel elated. There was chemistry there; he was sure of it. Something was certainly there, anyway.
After several dances, they took a break. Lucas would have needed to anyway — he was sweating, and needed it. How the other guy seemed so cool and collected after all that movement, he didn’t know. The other man gestured for them to sit at a booth, and he happily followed, and they both ordered drinks before continuing conversation.
“You’re a good dancer.” Lucas began.
“You too.” the other man said with a smile. “By the way, I didn’t catch your name.”
“I didn’t give it.” Lucas grinned. “But I’m Lucas — Lucas Blackwell.”
“Nick Jackson.” he offered.
They continued to talk and drink. Lucas couldn’t believe his luck. Things had never gotten this far with anyone before. The conversation was good, lighthearted, though they didn’t talk overly much about themselves. Eventually, feeling more than a little buzzed, Lucas decided to just got for it, and see what happened. Things had been going good so far — why not try, right?
Lucas, still grinning, struck up more conversation with Nick, who, for his part, was happy to make conversation with someone new, even if they were just mortal. They both had a few drinks — Nick discreetly disposing of his when Lucas wasn’t looking.
“Say…” Lucas began, putting a hand over Nick’s. “What if we had back to my place?”
“I like you, Lucas, I do. But I can’t.” he said, gently removing Lucas’ hand from his own.
“Why not?” Lucas pouted. He couldn’t help it — he was crushed.
“I’m taken.” Nick responded.
“I don’t see a ring.” Lucas protested.
“Not married, not engaged — still taken.” Nick said.
“Damn.” Lucas sighed. “And here I thought I was having some luck.”
“Sorry.” Nick said, his expression an apologetic one.
“Not your fault.” Lucas said. “Well, thanks for a good time anyway.” he said, smiling a little forlornly before disappearing into the crowd and toward the bar to pay for his drinks. He watched as Nick did similar before leaving, noting his expression was a moody one.
Lucas ordered one more drink, and sighed. This one he nursed, feeling depressed. The best luck he’d had in forever, and of course, the man was taken. Taken! Lucas bit his lip to keep from getting emotional.
Ah, well, he thought. At least I tried. And he had a name. Someone he could try to look up, maybe at least extend friendship. It wouldn’t hurt to have a few more of those, after all. He finished his drink and ordered an Uber to take him home.