Valleys and Mountains: Chapter 3

[center]3: Thirds.
Wednesday, 13 December 2006, 23:00[/center]


He’s gay. That’s what that means. Gotta be. And yet, strangely, this made me utterly elated. Awesome.

I then felt a presence behind me, and I immediately felt uncomfortable. I whirled around only to meet this infamous “Derek” glaring at me from only a couple feet away. I locked. The hell does he want?

Jack instinctively took command of the situation. “Derek, what’s shakin’? How was your evening?” he inquired joyfully.

Derek was silent for a moment, refusing to avert his gaze from me. His eyes were different than most others I had seen around the bar… a darker amber shade, glowing more intensely than I’d ever seen. He wore what seemed to be a scowl on his face, as though he was VERY unhappy with my presence. I felt endangered until he finally dropped the scowl, glanced at Jack, and spoke. “Fine. Just fine. And who might this fresh, young man be?” he asked in a deep, unfriendly tone.

Jack moved beside me and gestured toward me. “Derek Zevran, Kaedan Carter. We went to high school together years back. We’re catching up and reminiscing old times. Kaedan, this is Derek. We… work together.”

I glared at Derek, who reciprocated. He grinned, displaying his fangs in what appeared to be a menacing manner. “Work together, huh. Guess that’s one way of putting it. Don’t want a Lifeblood knowing all our secrets, now do we. Watch yourself, Jack. I’ll sure as hell be watching you and your boy.” He returned to his barstool.

I really hate all this shit. Why did I even come here?

Jack looked at me, apparently noticing my extreme discomfort. “Hey. Don’t worry about him. He’s a grumpy asshole who probably hasn’t gotten any pussy in years… I can see you’re not comfortable here. Would you like to have a drink at my place? I can assure your comfort and safety there. Walking distance.”

I thought a moment, analyzing his motives and expression… and body, as usual. “Uhm… OK, why not,” I stammered hesitantly. What am I doing… He could be luring me for some demonic plot or something… Man, I don’t know what to think about these freaks!

Jack flagged down the waitress and handed her a fifty, motioning for her to keep the change. He turned to me and smiled. “Let’s roll.” He led the way through the bar, waving to the barkeeps as he passed them by. I couldn’t help but notice Derek watching our exit with great interest.

Rain greeted us upon opening the front door. It was now piss-pouring, echoing through the dead streets. A fog was appearing from the chill in the air. I hated to leave my baby parked in such a place, but I was in no condition to drive. Jack pointed across the street to a high-rise apartment building. “Right over there.” He wasn’t kidding about walking distance!

We dodged the rain as best we could, jogging across the pavement and onto the walkway up to Plateau Apartments. As a total gentleman, he swung the door open and held it for me to make my entry. “Thanks, man.”

“Of course.” He followed me into the gorgeous lobby, decorated from marble floor to crystal chandelier. here was such an elegance about the décor that I was in awe. I glanced at the paintings, lighting, mosaics… I was stunned. How much does it cost to live here!?

Jack dug into his pocket for a card, flashed it in front of the elevator reader, and re-pocketed it.