good byes his mother suddenly said, "Oh, dear. David called for you."
Oliver froze. "David? Are you sure?"
"Oh, it wasn't me who answered, it was your father who spoke to him. Let me ask." His mother fumbled with the phone, and Oliver could hear the low grumbling that was his father's voice. Oliver was grateful he didn't have to speak to him himself.
His mother returned. "Not David, dear. It was a man named Gavin."
Now Oliver was in full panic mode. Of course, Gavin would try to wheedle information out of his ageing parents. But he could have called using another name. Using his real name was meant as a message to Oliver.
It was him telling him, I'm looking for you.
"Did dad say anything to him?"
"No, dear. Should he have?"
"No, not at all. That's good mom. Thanks for the money. I promise to pay you back as soon as I can."
"That's all right. As long as it helps."
They said their goodbyes, and hung up. Oliver suddenly felt very alone. He looked around, checking the streets, as if Gavin's blue mustang would be right there, waiting for him.
But it wasn't.
Keep your head together. He can't find you here, and he won't.
He picked up the money, which really wasn't much to begin with, and went for a simple breakfast. Coffee and a donut. Breakfast of champions. As he sat in the coffee shop, watching the traffic pass by outside, he thought of what Gavin had done. It was quite a crappy thing to do, involving his parents. But par for the course when it came to Gavin and his manipulative schemes. Gavin wanted him back, and in a big way.
But if Oliver was someone else's, that would be less of a problem. And he knew exactly the kind of man who could deal with Gavin, and even the rest of his crew if needed.
And it just so happened, Oliver was absolutely smitten with this individual.
Logan.
Again, he thought of their hook up. Hot stuff. Deeply passionate, even for a couple of strangers. He tried not to think to much about Logan not showing up again last night. He realized they had not even exchanged numbers. He didn't want to push for it as he left, but had Logan avoided that on purpose?
He shook his head. There was only one real way to find out for certain how serious this guy was, or could be. If Hot Rocks was Logan's second home, then maybe Oliver should just head over there that night and check things out. What could it hurt to see?
Satisfied with his plan, he returned to the dreary motel. He was bound and determined to be the hottest guy in that bar.
Logan will never know what hit him!
At 9:30 that evening he stepped out of the taxi and stood before the blazing neon sign of Hot Rocks. Already, a small line up had started. He got in line, apprehensive of all the looks he was getting.
"Oliver?" came a voice.
Oliver turned and saw Eddie walking toward him, with a couple of other guys. All were dressed up for a serious night on the town.
Eddie then engulfed Oliver in a big hug. "Oliver, baby. I wasn't sure I would see you again."
Oliver smiled, not entirely sure what to make of Eddie's behaviour. His last image of Eddie was of him glaring from the side of the road.
"I'm still here," Oliver said. "Thought I would come down and see what this place was like at night and full of people."
Eddie's friends were watching him intently, maybe sizing him up as potential competition.
"Well, I'm glad you're here. Let's party it up!" Eddie pulled him out of the line and toward the door. "We don't wait in line at this place. Not dressed like this!" They all laughed.
Eddie didn't even have to speak to the bouncer at the door, who simply waved them through with a smile.
Inside was loud and crowded. Just as Oliver had expected. Nearly all the tables were taken, especially the ones closest to the stage. A muscular guy was swinging naked around a pole on the stage, much to the delight of the audience.
Oliver