6:30 PM: Zach and Luc
Luc recognized the tall, slim-waisted figure and tousled hair of Nina’s secretary, Zach, from across The Bar. Luc liked Zach; the kid was a bright ray of sunshine in the mayor’s office, always looking out for Nina in ways Luc couldn’t. Whether it be with a kind word, an anecdote about his kids or a tray of cookies, the younger man had a way of cheering everyone up, even on days when there wasn’t a whole helluva lot to be cheery about. Even though they haven’t had a lot of interaction outside the office, Luc had always sort of felt a protective older brother-like affection for Zach. Now that he had spotted him out and about, however, Luc felt like it was the perfect time to work on being real friends and not just work friends. Figuring he shouldn’t go over empty-handed, Luc traded in his empty Irish Buck glass for two green jello shots. His hands full, he finally made his way over to where his coworker stood and dropped the drinks down on a table next to him. The sudden appearance of the shots made Zach look up, and his expression brightened immediately at the sight of Luc.
“Hey, my man,” Luc drawled languidly, reaching up to clap Zach on the shoulder. “How’s it hanging?” He grinned at Zach and then turned his attention to the sea of revelers. “You drinking tonight or am I going to have to polish all this off by myself?” He glanced down at the deceptively harmless-looking jello shots and directed a pointed (though clearly amused) glance back at Zach.
“What, you think I would say no to green things on St. Patrick’s Day?” Zach asked, feigning an incredulous look before his more normal smile took over his features again. “Besides, you were nice enough to bring me one, it would be rude to say no.” He bounced slightly on the balls of his feet, taking a hand back through his hair. “Thank you, by the way. How are you? Are you having fun?”
“I always have fun,” Luc confirmed, grinning. “And tonight’s no exception. Forgot to wear green though.” He looked slightly sheepish but not enough that he seemed actually sorry for his holiday fashion faux pas. “Got pinched for it but the guy turned out to be pretty cute and I ended up getting his number so, you know, it all evened out.”
“I think that turned out alright then,” Zach agreed with a grin. “Definitely worth a pinch.”
Luc didn’t think the connection with the pincher would go anywhere but the initial thrill of an interested party was always intriguing. He never lacked for confidence but the ease in which he’d charmed the gentleman (Bruce? Brian? Brett? Something with a “B”) put Luc in an amiable, playful mood. He turned his good humor to Zach.
“So, what’s on the agenda for the evening? You just hanging out with friends? Looking to get a little tipsy? Or are you hoping the luck of the Irish will rub off on you enough to get lucky?”