Episode 15

Calvin lingered at the entrance of the stall for a while. At times, he gently patted the back of the unwell man, patiently waiting for the nausea to pass before helping him up.

"Come on, wash your face. You might feel better afterward." Calvin guided him to the sink.

The tequila's influence had affected Calvin slightly, but he was in better shape than the man before him, so he didn't hesitate to assist. He handed him a paper towel to dry his face and mouth.

"Now, let's go to the bar. You need to drink some water, and then I'll help you get a cab," Calvin suggested, holding him steady once more.

As they exited the restroom, Dereck, still visibly intoxicated, turned to face the man who was helping him, nearly losing his balance again. He placed his hand on Calvin's chest and, with some difficulty, expressed himself, "You're very kind, thank you for helping me," he thanked, barely able to keep his eyes open.

Calvin still hadn't gotten a clear look at the face of the man in front of him, but in the brief moment that he looked up, he had a feeling he recognized him.

"Have we met before?" Calvin asked, hoping the man might recognize him.

The flashing lights and dim lighting weren't helping the situation, yet Dereck lifted his head slightly, trying to focus and recognize Calvin.

"I'm a doctor, maybe I've treated you before," Dereck replied, keeping his hand on Calvin's chest. "Damn, pretty hard here," he commented, trying to squeeze a little.

Calvin laughed and continued leading him to the bar to ask for some water. From above, Hector spotted his friend and, realizing he was supporting a man, decided to go down and see what was going on. As Calvin approached the counter, he requested a glass of water, which was promptly handed to Dereck, who took a few sips.

Hector arrived shortly after and, carefully observing the man, recognized him.

"Isn't that the guy I bumped into, do you know him?" he asked Calvin, visibly curious.

"No, he was sick in the bathroom. I just helped him out and got him some water," Calvin explained to his friend.

While waiting for the man to recover, Calvin turned his gaze to the dance floor, but immediately regretted it. Apparently, Frank and his fiancee were arriving at that very moment, and Calvin was starting to feel unlucky.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Calvin said with disgust.

Noticing his friend's expression, Hector followed Calvin's gaze, understanding the reason for his discontent.

"Is he following us?" Hector asked, also showing surprise.

Calvin turned toward the counter, trying to avoid being seen by Frank, and Hector noticed.

"What do you want to do? Want to stay upstairs?" Hector suggested, offering an alternative to avoid a possible confrontation with Frank. Calvin looked at the man slumped over the counter and decided it was best not to stay there.

"I'm going to put this guy in a cab and leave, I'm not staying here," he replied, without even looking at Hector.

"Are you sure? Are you going to let him ruin your night?" Hector questioned, worried.

"Hector, the point of coming here was to distract myself and forget about this whole mess with Frank. There's no point in staying here watching him dance and have fun with his fiancee," Calvin explained, and in a way, Hector knew he was right.

It was unclear to what extent Calvin still harbored feelings for Frank, and witnessing his joy with his fiancee would only make him more disheartened.

"Then there's no point in me staying here either. I called you to have some fun and relax, but after seeing him here, not even all the tequila in the world could cheer you up."

Calvin paid for the water and again held onto the stranger he was helping, intending to leave. The two friends made their way through the people on the dance floor but, unfortunately for Calvin, Frank noticed the two firefighters.

Trying to avoid eye contact, Frank headed towards them with his fiancee, until he bumped into Dereck, who was being supported by Calvin, nearly making him fall. To prevent this, Calvin had to pull Dereck closer to his body.

"Aren't you guys from the firehouse too?" Frank's fiancee asked, surprised to find other firefighters there.

"We are. What a coincidence finding you here," Hector replied, trying to act natural.

While Hector played the friendly role, Calvin and Frank exchanged intense looks. At times, Frank's gaze would shift to Dereck, who was in the larger man's arms.

"That guy doesn't look so good, who is he?" Frank asked, seemingly making an innocent inquiry.

Hector glanced in his friend's direction and had an idea that he wasn't sure would be risky, but he didn't want to see Calvin at a disadvantage.

"This is Calvin's future boyfriend. He just had a little too much to drink. Actually, we were just leaving. Calvin needs to take him home, you know how it is, give him a bath to ease the hangover, and maybe even take care of him all night," he said, shaking his head, playing the role of a professional actor.

Calvin gave Hector a sideways glance, who at that moment feigned ignorance, amused by the expression on Frank's face.

"If you'll excuse us, we have to go. I need to take care of this guy here. Enjoy yourselves, and once again, congratulations on the engagement," said Calvin, and he heard Frank's fiancee thank him with a smile, holding onto her fiance's arm.

Frank couldn't hide his expression as he watched Calvin, even after they walked away.

"I didn't know you had a gay colleague, you never said anything. I found it cute the way he held the other guy. Even with his size and that intimidating expression, he seems affectionate. I think they make a lovely couple."

Frank's fiancee commented, looking in the direction they had left, and he didn't like hearing that at all. He made a point of changing the subject, heading towards the bar. Frank knew very well that Calvin was affectionate and cared for others, wishing for their well-being.

He often noticed that people misinterpreted Calvin, judging him by his serious face and muscular appearance. However, Frank, with his experience of living with Calvin, knew that behind the austere expression was someone caring and soft-hearted. Imagining that affection directed at the man Calvin was holding so carefully completely ruined Frank's mood.

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