“Hey, you guys know where all the hot chicks are?” Juan’s brows were already creased as he turned to Mr. Bright eyed and bushy tailed. “Oh, I don’t—“ Before he could finish his thought, the enthusiastic guy had already turned on his heel and started walking away. Frustration bubbled up inside Juan as he pivoted back to Theo— “Theo?” Was nowhere to be seen.
With a heavy sigh, Juan placed his hands on his hips and took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the railing, and felt a wave of resignation wash over him. Oh well on that relaxing evening.
Juan was having a hard time keeping his frustration under wraps. Who would have thought that thirty-four dead ends really tested a man’s patience? Well. Juan knew all too well—and the fact that he’d actually counted them only added to his irritation. By the time he emerged into the clearing, he looked a bit disheveled, his hair tousled and sleeves rolled up, a light sheen of sweat glistening on his forehead.
Juan was slightly taken aback by the sight of tables scattered throughout the garden, each one capable of seating three or four people. Among the light chatter, his eyes landed on a familiar face—Veronica. The sight momentarily froze him in place, he hadn’t anticipated running into someone he recognized. Unfortunately, her table was already packed, leaving him with little choice but to settle into one of the few remaining seats. He smiled at his new table mates—until he looked up. The sharp red contrasted of Theos hair contrasted with the green surrounding them.
Regardless, Juan tore his eyes away focusing on the task at hand. He introduced himself to the table, within minutes engaging the whole table into conversation. Juan wouldn’t have noticed Thomas if not for him speaking up. He turned to face the man of the hour—or really, many many of Juan’s hours, great his guests. He wondered when would be a good time to approach him…
Juan smiled and thanked the maids as they moved on from his table, he found himself studying that kid again. He took a sip of his red wine, and as he was setting it down he locked eyes with Theo. How was he not to stare, they directly in each other’s line of sight? Juan winced, as water spilled over Theo. Even from here, he could feel embarrassment raiding off Theo. “I’m fine, thank you.” Juan hadn’t even realized why, but he was also standing, napkin in hand. He couldn’t merely let him slip away—again, the people person in him kicked into high gear. It was a blend of worry and curiosity that propelled him forward. Way he felt like this kid needed someone in his corner. Juan maneuvered through the tables as he tried to stay on Theo’s heels.
The buzzing chatter of the party faded into background noise as they entered the house, and all he could focus on was the trail Theo had left behind. He spotted the familiar flicker of Theo’s shirt as he rounded a corner and vanished through the doorway.
Juan picked up his pace, quickening his steps until he reached the entrance the door. For a brief moment, he hesitated, gauging whether he should truly disrupt whatever sanctuary Theo had sought. He swallowed, stepping inside and calling out, “Theo? It’s me—Juan?”
@Kbail Theo
@CrazyCaliope Veronica mentioned