Re: Dietre A./Hugh C.: On the patio
It had gotten chillier as the night wore on, but Dietre had warmth borrowed from his earlier drinks, and he had always been one to prefer cool weather. The chill did not bother him so much as contemplating the lake. He thought he saw a person or two wander down to the docks and it made him uneasy. They would think he was crazy if he went and warned them that people drowned in those waters, that the lake was haunted. So he stayed put.
As the patio slowly was deserted, Dietre was able to stake a claim on a double wooden seat, one of the few with cushions. It’d be a nice, comfortable spot where he and Hugh could sit together. Close, if they wanted. Well, he wanted, at least. Hopefully Hugh would too. Of course, a part of him worried that Hugh forgot about this whole plan. Or worse, remembered but changed his mind. He frequently glanced at the glass door, more so nervous than impatient.
He heard Hugh’s voice first, finally, and he turned to the man with a smile of relief. “I did.” How could he have not? Dietre was too weak willed to resist spending time with Hugh. It made him feel special that Hugh wanted him to stay longer than his other friends. And he so rarely got to feel special.
“And I do want. Thank you,” he said as he reached for one of the glasses. It was only a greeting, Dietre knew, when Hugh leaned in for that little kiss, but he was reminded of their flirting and he felt himself go red. He hoped his face was in shadow so Hugh couldn’t see.
“Um… It's been fine. I’ve hid out here just about the whole time.” He looked a little sheepish. One did not become desensitized to parties by hiding during them. “You don’t need to apologize. I’m glad I came too.”