GLITTER GULCH

Chapter 24: Blue Balls

Rowan was pacing again. He didn't want to, but every time he tried to cross the street and go into Lady Kayura's saloon, he'd wind up walking back and forth in front of Smitty's instead. All morning, he'd been trying to get up enough nerve to go talk to Anubis. He had to find out if Sage had been telling the truth. And although he didn't want to admit it, deep down he knew Sage would never tell him a lie. As much as he wanted to hate Sage right now, he just couldn't. They'd been friends for too long for him to throw it away now.

Especially over a guy.

A guy he'd only met a couple of days ago. A certain long-legged, black jean-wearing bartender who was the most amazing fuck he'd ever had.

Rowan ran a hand through his hair and gave a whine of disgust. Did it really matter that Anubis was a whore? No. It didn't. Did it really matter that Anubis hadn't told him he was a whore? Yes it did.

Rowan threw up his hands. "Ugh! Why? Why does it matter?"

But if he was planning on charging for it, why hadn't he done so already? Certainly the repeat performance yesterday wasn't merely for the money. They'd cuddled for Pete's sake! What whore cuddled after sex?

Rowan realized Smitty was staring at him again. He managed a tight-lipped smile and a weak nod before turning to face the street again. The guy thinks I'm crazy as a loon. Okay so maybe I am. Who else in broad daylight would argue with himself about whether or not he should confront someone about being a whore? I'm pathetic.

Rowan took a deep breath. All right. I'm gonna do it. Come on, Strata. You can do this.

Careful to avoid looking anyone in the eye lest he lose his nerve again, he briskly walked across the street and accidentally bumped into a fellow pedestrian.

"Rowan?"

The Yankee blinked. "Cye? The schoolteacher was staring at him. And there was a tall, gaunt blonde guy standing next to him. "Who the hell is this?"

From the shocked look on Cye's face, Rowan realized he had spoken that last bit aloud. He resisted the urge to slap his own forehead.

"Well, this is-"

"Philip Masters. Cye's boyfriend from London."

Cye blushed and whispered, "Philip, I told you…"

"But you're so adorable when you blush."

Cye eeped and jumped. Rowan assumed he'd just been goosed by a certain British blondie. The Yankee tried really hard not to frown or gape at the man standing next to Cye. "What is he doin' here? I thought…" He realized he was thinking out loud again. He rubbed his hands together quickly, hoping to detract from his last statement. "So, you guys wanna get a drink?"

"That would be grand. Come along, Cye. It would be incredibly refreshing after that long dreary carriage ride here."

Rowan cringed at the sound of Philip's nasal voice. How could Cye stand this guy?

They walked into the saloon and Rowan tried to look nonchalant. Tried. He kept glancing up at the bar to see if Anubis was there. He slouched a little when he didn't see the redheaded bartender.

"What can I get for you?"

Rowan jumped when he heard the voice of the object of his affection right next to his ear.

"I shall have some… whiskey, I believe. And would it be too much trouble to bring the bottle to the table as well? That way we won't be a bother."

"Sure."

"Umm…" Rowan grabbed Anubis' wrist, his skin tingling from the contact. "I'll have one of those cock thingamajigs."

Anubis grinned. "A Coca-Cola?"

Rowan's face turned beet red. "Yeah. One of those."

"Okay. I'll be right back." Anubis walked away, intentionally brushing Rowan's arm.

Rowan bit his lip. So what if Anubis was a whore? He was sexy and attractive and sexy and…

"Well, he's quite charming," Philip said with a sneer.

Rowan bristled.

"So," Philip began as he placed his hand on top of Cye's, "how do you know my Cyril?"

Cye made a face. "Philip, love, I've told you that isn't my real…"

"Oh, darling, your mum told me it was."

"My mum refused to talk to you. Ever."

Philip lightly patted Cye's hand. "So how do you know my Cyril?" He shot a glance at Cye daring him to say anything this time. The schoolteacher just let out a short sigh and bowed his head.

"We met on the stagecoach comin' here. He's actually quite a guy, ya know?"

"Yes, he is, isn't he? I just love my little Cyril."

Rowan wanted to puke. So much so that ya sent him a note breakin' up with him? What a prick!

"So what brings ya to our fair country, Philip? I thought ya dumped Cye."

Anubis came back with their drinks and set them down. He raised an eyebrow at Rowan who motioned for him to stay for a minute.

Philip's eyes narrowed, and he shot a vicious look at Cye. "Actually, that was a mistake on my part. After he left, I realized how much of a fool I'd been and decided to bring my Cyril home." He stared at Anubis. "You can go now. Thank you."

"No. He's stayin'. This is Anubis…" Rowan realized he didn't know the redhead's last name. "He's my boyfriend. So he can stay."

Philip sat up straighter in his seat, and Anubis smiled. Cye kept his head down and tried not to blush too much - images of the bartender and Yankee invading his mind.

Rowan began to get even bolder as he sipped his Coke. "What if Cye doesn't want to go back?"

Philip snorted. "Of course he'll want to go back. Won't you, darling?"

Cye put one hand on his forehead to try to hide his face from Rowan and Anubis. "Can we talk about this later? Please?'

Philip scowled. "What do you mean talk about this?"

"I just don't think it's appropriate to discuss this now."

Rowan sipped his Coke. Anubis leaned closer so that he was touching Rowan.

"Please, Philip, I don't want to talk about this now." Cye grabbed the glasses and whiskey bottle, trying to distract himself. He poured a glass and set it in front of Philip who ignored it.

"Maybe I ought to go freshen up a little. Which room are you bedding in, darling?" Philip made to stand up.

"I'm… I'm not staying here."

"So, you did acquire your house?"

Cye squirmed. "No, I… I've been staying with friends."

"I didn't realize that you had friends living out here."

"Well…"

"He's been stayin' with me and my friends. He's a great cook, did ya know that?"

Philip looked stunned and furious all at once. Rowan was now beginning to really enjoy himself and started fidgeting.

"Matter of fact, he was plannin' on makin' a nice dinner tonight. Do you guys wanna come?"

Cye practically panicked.

"I'd be delighted to," Philip said.

Anubis frowned. "Rowan, I have to work tonight."

Rowan flinched. Exactly what kind of work? "Well, come after ya get off. Matter of fact," Rowan popped up out of his chair and snapped open his pocket watch, "we'd better be gettin' back, Cye. The rest of the gang will be wondering where dinner is by now."