I bite my lip and look out the window. It’s getting harder and harder holding myself back. Hell, I don’t even know if he feels the same way.

We’re almost at the bar, riding in the backseat of our Uber.

I glance back at Nathaniel, who’s running his hands up and down his thighs, staring out his own window.

“Nathaniel, are you nervous?” I tease.

“I’ve never been to a club before. Let alone a gay one. I feel like I’m skipping all the steps and going straight to the top,” he says, breathing out.

“Nah, the top would be going to a sex club, if you ask me.” I shrug.

His eyes widen at that, and I swear I hear our driver snort.

“You’ve—you’ve been to a sex club?”

“No, but the look on your face is priceless. You’re such a dork,” I say, pushing my hand in his face. He slaps it away as we both laugh.

Shortly after, the car comes to a stop. The bar is busy, with people constantly filing in and out.

We say our thank yous before we jump out of the car. Thankfully, I don’t spot a line, so we make a run for it.

18

nathan

Caleb pinches my side, causing me to almost topple over. I hook my arm around his neck, driving him into my chest, pinching his stomach while he struggles to pull away. Unlike back in high school, I have more muscle than him now and can handle my own.

We’re both laughing, stumbling into the club as the bright lights stop us in our tracks.

“ID and cover is $10,” the bouncer prompts.

We both fish in our pockets, pull out our wallets, and hand them over to the big bald man wearing an earpiece. He hands them back, wraps a red plastic band around our wrists and lets us through.

“This place is—” I begin.

“I know,” Caleb breathes.

Bright neon lights flashing every color of the rainbow beams across the wall, while numerous disco balls twirl from the ceiling, scattering reflections across the walls and floor.

We slowly walk onto the dancefloor full of people of all shapes, colors, and wearing different attire. Some dancing while others talk in clusters along the sides of the room.

I watch as girls, guys, and theys walk past us wearing everything from combat boots to pink cowgirl hats. Sparkles and feather boas, to leather jackets and mustaches.

It’s hard to look away. There’s just so much to take in. Where do you even begin?

The energy in here feels…freeing.

It’s only then that I remember what we’re doing here.

“How the hell are we supposed to find Sarah in this?” I ask, turning to Caleb.

He looks just as taken aback as I am. His lips parted slightly as he takes in the sight.

I smile. It’s hard not to find his shocked face adorable.

“Come on, you,” I laugh, slinging my arm around his shoulder and pulling him with me. I see a bar off to the right where we can grab some drinks.