Yeah, Right...
Chapter 6: Iced Tea
JC picked his pants up off of Lance’s floor, after having changed into a more appropriate pair of dark brown leather pants and tight red shirt. He heard the crunching of a piece of paper in his jeans pocket, and pulled it out to inspect it. He gasped, he had completely forgotten about Hannah. He felt like an asshole. He reached for Lance’s phone and dialed the phone number that was printed in loopy handwriting on the small paper.
“Hello, is Hannah there?” JC asked once the other line was picked up.
“This is her. Who’s this?” Hannah’s voice was even higher on the phone.
“This is JC.” he stated.
“Oh my god, wow! I thought you’d completely forgotten!” she squealed. JC winced.
“Yeah, sorry about that..” he said lowly.
“It’s okay. I heard that you still have a girlfriend in Maryland.”
“Yeah, I do, actually.” He didn't know for how much longer.
“Well, that's cool. I just mainly wanted to invite you to a party that my friends Justin and Britney are throwing a week from today, so next Friday. Its pretty ritual, called the End of Break Bash, and I would really love it of you went with me.”
“Sure..” He decided he might as well make other friends while he was here.
“Great. Oh..” She giggled, “I don't mean to sound like bitch, but Lance isn't invited. Its invitation only...ok?” As if on cue, Lance walked into the room, having showered and dressed in black leather pants and a button down gray shirt for their night out. JC sighed...he had already said yes.
“OK, whatever, I gotta go..” he groaned.
“Um, I’ll pick you up at nine on Friday then?” her voice rang into the phone.
“Sure. Bye.” JC hung up. Lance could tell he felt awkward.
“Who was that?” Lance inquired.
“Hannah, that cheerleader chick who gave me her number on Monday, I completely forgot until now.”
“Ouch.” Lance laughed. “What did she have to say?”
“Oh, she just invited me to some party next Friday night.”
“Ooohhh,” Lance said knowingly, “The Bash? Brit and Justin hold it every year. I bet she told you that I wasn't invited? I don't care; you can go. I wouldn't want to. Not exactly my crowd.”
“Why not?” JC questioned.
“Oh, they’re all bitches and assholes.” Lance smirked, “You’ll fit right in.”
“Very funny.” JC couldn't help but laugh, as he hit Lance’s arm, before growing serious, “You really don't mind though?”
“Not at all. Really.” Lance reassured him. JC’s concern amused him He felt like they had actually become friends over this past week. JC hadn't turned out be quite as bad as Lance thought he would be, he really seemed like he cared about Lance’s feelings.
“Fine. Are you ready to go?” JC asked, excitedly.
“Sure am.” Lance smiled, as he draped his arm over JC’s shoulders and guided him towards the front door. He could get used to their new-found friendship very quickly.
Lance had decided to take him to Spiro’s, which was a popular night club for people their age and the thousands of college students in Austin. It wasn't exactly his type of club, but there was no way in hell JC would want to go to the Pink Flamingo. So he figured Spiro’s would do. They grabbed a booth in the back of the club and both sipped on their Dr. Peppers.
“So, do you come here a lot?” JC asked, Lance admired the way the colorful lights bounced off of JC’s face, making him almost seem like he was glowing.
“Hmmn?” Lance mumbled, he hadn't been listening.
“I said: Do you come here a lot?” JC repeated, speaking loudly over the blaring music.
“Oh..yeah..I guess.” Lance lied, he had called Bethany when JC was in the shower earlier, frantically asking for what the most popular and fun straight club was, she had laughed, and suggested Spiros.
Just then two girls, both blondes, came up to their table.
“Hey, you wanna dance?” One spoke, leaning over the table and winking at JC, the other stared at Lance. Lance gulped hard on the carbonated beverage. Damn, not being 21. Lance thought as JC accepted for the both of them. He took the blonde’s hand and led her towards the floor full of crowded bodies, all moving in rhythm to the music.
He danced with the girl, feigning interest, but managed to keep his eye on JC. After a few songs, the other blonde wasn't the only girl dancing with JC. He was now surrounded with several others, all probably hoping for a place in his bed tonight..just like Lance. Lance couldn't help but stare. JC was a perfect dancer. Of course. Lance’s eyes groped JC’s body as he flowed to the music. It was like watching a ballet, JC moved with a fluidity and grace that Lance didn't understand, and it amazed him. JC threw, his hands above his head and began thrusting his pelvis. Lance’s eyes widened at the possibilities this brought to mind. He felt himself getting hard. The girl began to run her hands over Lance’s ass and was working her way towards the front of his pants, where the tight leather was stretching, and pulling from Lance’s growing erection. She looked up towards his face for approval. Then she noticed he wasn’t even looking at her, she followed his gaze to JC.
“He’s fuckin’ hot, isn’t he?” She whispered in his ear.
“Mmmhmm..” Lance moaned in response.
“I knew it!” She backed away from him.
“Wai-.” Lance barely realized what he had said before she vanished.
He groaned into his hands, rubbing his temples. JC noticed the scene, and left the girls behind, he caught up with Lance as he was making his way back to the booth.
“Hey.” Lance recognized the breathless voice, and friendly hand on his shoulder.
“Hey. You didn't have to stop dancing.” Lance said to him, but happy that he did.
“Yes I did. Did she leave you? What a bitch.”
“Yeah..she had to go.” Lance lied.
“Oh, you, uh, look kind of awkward here Lance.”
“I do?” Lance tried to sound offended.
“Yeah, you don't normally come here, you liar. Lets go. I want to know where you usually go.”
You mean besides gay bars? Then he had an idea.
“OK, but only since you begged.” This time it was JC who threw his arm carelessly around Lance shoulders. They seemed to be doing that a lot. Lance wondered if people at the club were thinking that they were couple. Wouldn't that be something? Lance laughed.
Lance managed to find a reasonable parking spot on the usually packed Congress Ave, only after one near collision. Lance swore vehemently at the woman who almost backed into them.
“Fucking Bitch! Watch where you’re going!”
JC raised his hands. “Woah.”
“I hate stupid people.” Lance groaned.
“So, wait, what’s this place called? The Paramount? And its an old artsy theatre and they play old artsy movies, right?”
“You got it.” Lance answered, as he looked for a place to park.
“But you don't know what they're playing right now?”
“Right. But they always show something at 11. Doesn't really matter what. Its cool just to go.”
He parked.
“Don't worry. It’ll be fun. I promise.” he said hopping out of the car.
JC walked around to his side of the car, and looked directly into Lance’s green eyes.
“I trust you.” He said confidently.
“Well, then, C’ mon.” Lance motioned for JC to follow. He hoped that JC hadn't seen him shiver from the intensity of his words and stare.
There was a short line outside the box office, where an elderly lady in a maroon vest was helping each movie-goer in what seemed like slow motion. There was a small board with the names of the movies on it and the different times. There was only choice for the eleven o-clock show and it happened to be Singin’ in the Rain. Lance loved any old Gene Kelly flick, but he laughed at the idea of bringing JC. This should be interesting.
“So, have you ever seen Singin’ in the Rain?” Lance inquired.
“Nope.” JC answered simply, “Sounds kinda gay though..”
“Its a classic. Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly, c’mon, you’ll love it.”
“Well, it doesn't look like I have much of a choice.” JC laughed as they purchased their tickets for the show. Lance and JC took their seats on the second level of the theatre. The Paramount was like something out a movie itself. Bright gold molding was chiseled to walls and framed murals, and there were balconies, it was gorgeous.
“This is actually pretty neat” JC admired.
“I know. Now, this is something I love.” Lance grinned.
The theatre darkened. The overture began to play and the theatre hushed.
Lance had been right, JC loved the movie. He caught JC doubled over in laughter on several occasions. Then he’d turn his head and smile at Lance or quickly grab Lance’s knee, Lance would feel his heart flutter, then JC would give him a goofy thumbs up gesture, that made Lance giggle even more.
“I caaan’t staaannd it.” JC imitated the movie,using a high-pitched nasal voice. “Oh, man, that was great.” He said for the tenth time, rubbing the tears away from the corners of his eyes with his thumbs.
“I knew you’d like it.” He lied. He was actually surprised JC had liked it that much.
“So what time is it? I could go for some food.” JC said, patting his washboard stomach.
“Its 12:45. I know some place great we can go.” Lance patted JC’s back.
There was actually a wait at Kerby Lane, but Lance wasn't surprised. This was typical for Kerby Lane and Austin. Once they were seated both the boys ordered pancakes, which Lance had strongly recommended. They were Kerby’s specialty.
“You know what, Lance?” JC said, looking directly into Lance’s green eyes.
“Hmmnn?” Lance hummed through sips of his iced tea.
“I had a really good time tonight. You're not as boring as I though you were going to be.”
“Thanks..I guess?” Lance lifted his eyebrows.
“Definitely not as boring as Bobbie and her dumb friends...” JC mumbled.
“What?” Lance barely understood what JC had said.
“Nothing.” JC brushed it off; Lance decided he didn't want to pry.
Just then a waiter came carrying two plates of steaming, fluffy pancakes.
The two ate quickly, too busy concentrating on their food to have much more of a conversation.
Lance pulled the 4-Runner into his driveway. He turned down the radio and pulled the key out of the ignition. JC sighed and leaned his head back on the seat. They sat in silence in the car for a minute before Lance spoke.
“Hey, JC...” his voice was quiet. Lance looked over at JC, who's figure was illuminated slightly by the moon, making his eyes appear silver.
“Yeah?” he spoke slowly.
“I had a good time, too...” And I jack-off thinking about you. No. And I think you're the most beautiful person I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Nope. And I’m falling for you...hard. Definitely not.
He ended it there.
JC turned his head so he was looking at Lance. He didn't understand why he had such a good time with Lance. For Christ’s sake they only went to a movie. But he really did have a good time. Lance was different than the rest of his friends. He was intelligent. And talented, but not in everything. He had a great sense of humor. And JC just loved being around him.
“I know.” JC smiled. Then Lance opened his car door, he needed to break the uncomfortable moment.
“I’m exhausted.” Lance yawned and stretched.
They walked into the house. JC flung his arm over Lance’s shoulders casually while he unlocked the front door. He yawned and rested his head on Lance’s shoulder.
“Ready to go to bed.” JC admitted.
Lance opened the door. “Me too.” He sighed. Why did JC have to be so goddamn affectionate?