When he heard the accusation, Mark stepped to Justin's side and turned to face his associates, visibly annoyed.
"So the reason you brought these women to my party was to get them into my bed."
"That's exactly what they said, Mr. Varvein," Justin said, watching the women squirm.
"That's not true—our only intention was to celebrate your birthday."
"Mr. Varvein, you can't take this man's word for it."
"Mr. Varvein, there has to be an explanation for all of this."
"Exactly, Mr. Varvein. Everything that man is saying is a lie. We never said any of that, and we certainly never offered him anything of the sort."
"Break it up. If I find out anyone here has ulterior motives tonight, you can kiss our contracts and our working relationship goodbye."
At that, the guests retreated along with their daughters, who kept insisting that the boy's claims were slander.
"So—are you going to tell me what actually happened?" Mark asked, handing Justin a glass of wine.
"They started it. They came over specifically to mock me and humiliate me. I just defended myself, and one of them lost it and started screaming."
"I get it. Don't stoop to arguing with them."
"I just told them a couple of hard truths. And since they were trying to make me look bad in front of those old guys, I exaggerated a little."
"Are you calling me old?"
"You're not old—you're mature. Just the way I like it," Justin said with a flirtatious edge.
"When did you learn to flirt?"
"I'm learning from you."
Before Mark could respond, music started filling the room—a mix of '80s and '90s classics that had some guests rising from their seats and swaying to half-remembered melodies.
"I'd ask you to dance, but those busybodies wouldn't leave us alone," Justin said.
"Don't worry about it. Let's just enjoy the music and the drinks right here. If the chance comes up, I'll take you out on the floor."
"Then I'll be waiting for that invitation."
As the night wore on, Mark and Justin drank and laughed over stories Mark told from his past…
Crossing Lines
Chapter 6: Party for Two
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