06

It did, in fact, hurt a bit.

It’s Wednesday now, four days since Caesar’s seen or heard from Benji, and it’s still stinging when he cleans it. It looks… Really good, sure, but it’s a pain in the ass to wake up after getting incredibly stoned with something new and totally irreversible on your body. At least he didn’t blow any money on it.

Caesar’s getting ready for work when he gets the call. Benji. He stares at the caller ID for a moment, lips pressed together and brows furrowed. Was this a booty call? ...Better find out.

“Fowler speaking.”

“Caes! Wanna come out with me and the fellas this weekend?” Benji sounds almost out of breath, as if he’s been running.

This is… Certainly a surprising offer. Caesar had honestly just thought that Benji would be a one night stand sort of deal, but apparently not. He hesitates for a second before answering. “Uh, maybe? Who?”

“My man Misha, Kelly and their datemate Eli, and my bro Floyd. Misha owns the bar, so it’s free drinks for us and no card for you, minus Floyd. Floyd’s driving. And twenty.” Benji sounds a bit amused at this.

Caesar chuckles, and trails off into a hum. “Yeah, uh…” Caesar knows damn well that Xan and Samara are the only friends he’s made since he moved in five months ago, so this could very well save his social life. Still… Four strangers and one acquaintance?

“You still there, mate?”

Ah, shit. “Yeah! Yeah, I’m here. Uh, that sounds like fun.” Shit. Shit shit shit. “You said Floyd’s driving? Uh, does he--”

“They.”

“...Need my address?”

“Nah, I’ll text it to ’em. How’s eight PM Saturday work?”

Saturday. Caesar isn’t sure why, but the thought of actually going out on a Saturday makes his stomach churn. Regardless, though… “Yeah, alright. I’ll--”

“Bangin’! I’ll let the folks know. See ’ya then, Caes.”

And Benji hands up. Caesar curses under his breath as he pockets his phone again. Great. Commitment. That’s something he sure loves.