“Thank you. I’m sure it would be lovely to see yours but you’re squeezing me too tight.” Charles was smiling as River let him go.
“You look spectacular. I hope you got my note.”
“Yes, thank you. I appreciate the kind things you said about Tad.”
“He has been and will be missed, but I’m happy to see you out and about again.”
“Thank you. River, this is Ryder.”
River’s eyebrow went up. “Ryder. Good to meet you. You look familiar for some reason.”
A guy popped up next to River’s arm like a jack-in-the-box. “Probably the hat. We all look the same in them, you know. I’m Kacey.”
River snorted, eyes rolling fondly.
Oh, this man was something else, he could tell. He held out one hand. “Pleased.”
River shook his hand and smiled at him. “Welcome to New York. It’s not for everyone, but you’re in good hands.”
“Thank you, sir.” He had no idea what River meant, but smiling and nodding was the rule of the night.
“What are you drinking, Ryder? Vic literally has everything.” Kacey elbowed him.
He glanced at Mister Charlie. He didn’t know if that was cool or not, to have a beer. He was technically on the clock…
Charles gave him a nod. “Kacey isn’t exaggerating. Have whatever you can dream up. I’ll have a gin and tonic, please.”
He let Kacey lead him to the bar, but he knew River and Charles were talking about him as soon as they stepped away. River glanced at him more than once, and with interest.
He wasn’t going to gossip, but he didn’t want to seem mean, either, so he let Kacey lead the conversation. He could nurse a beer all evening long.
“It’s nice to see Charles out with someone. He’s a good man. Did you meet in the city or out at the lake?”
“At the lake.”I’m the hired pretty. Like a personal assistant slash companion.
“Well, I hope it works out. He took very good care of Tad, from what I hear. I didn’t know the guy though. You want a beer?”
“Please.” Mister Charlie rarely spoke about his husband, but what he’d gathered, the man had been ill for a long time.
Kacey asked for two beers, the gin and tonic for Charlie and a rum and Coke, he had to assume was for River. “I think I remember that Charles likes extra lime,” Kacey suggested with a wink. “In case you want brownie points.”
“I don’t think that’s an option, but if it makes him happy, then I’ll bring more limes.”
“Brownie points aren’t an option?” Kacey chuckled. “Bummer.”
He winked, chuckling softly. That wasn’t in the job description. “I’msoabused.”
Kacey grinned and handed over Charles’s drink and his beer. “Yeah. I can see you have it rough. There’s a secret back elevator if you need to escape. I’ll cover you.”
“I think I’ll risk it, but thanks.” He liked this guy. He had a sense of humor. “And thank you for the drinks.”
“Hey, the arm candy has to stick together.” Kacey led the way back to Charles and River.
“Ah, look who’s back. Oh, and extra lime. Thank you, Ryder.” Charles took his drink and sipped it right away.
“Yes, sir. You’re welcome.” He took a tiny sip of his beer. “You holler if you want another.”
“I will do that.” Charles smiled at him.