Time To Get The Party Started
It was quarter to six, which was fifteen minutes till he had told everyone to start arriving and Bart was upstairs having had a shower and styled his hair, rifling through his wardrobe looking for the perfect outfit but nothing seemed to be right. His head was spinning and the butterflies which usually lay dormant in the pit of his stomach were doing summersaults. He collapsed back on his bed, banging his head on the wall in the process.
'I can't do this. What did I tell Riyle that for? It is the truth. But Sinead and Maddie will be here. Screw them. Oh God what am I doing?'
Then it happened. The doorbell rang. Someone was there which meant it was definitely too late to cancel.
Creeping to the front door he looked through the frosted glass trying to figure out who was there by their outline. It was Jason. He felt his heart leap into his throat.
"Bart! Hello. I can see you. Course he could. Are you okay?"
'No.' "Yeah. I'm just looking for my keys."
"Okay. Well hurry up I've got a crate of cans that could do with going in the fridge."
"Hey, come on in."
Ignoring the bubbling in his stomach he hitched a smile onto his face and let him in.
"Sorry I'm early. Riyle came back before and he's just getting on my nerves it's wedding this and wedding that and he wasn't half acting weird. Are you alright?"
Bart had suddenly gone dizzy and clasped the wall for support.
"Sure. I just need to get a drink down me. Do you want one? I've got beer, spirits, wine, pop, cocktails…and shots."
"You can make cocktails?"
"Nah they are pre mixed."
"Cheat."
Jason goaded him.
"You should try it some time. Tom Cruise made it look easy. He quipped.'Ding Dong' I should probably get that.He gestured lamely towards the door.You can sort out the tunes. My I-Pod's over there."
"Cool."
As Jason walked away Bart couldn't help checking him out. He looked great. He was wearing a new pair of jeans and a blue and white checked shirt Bart remembered from before as it really brought out the colour of his eyes.
'God get a grip.'
"Hey. He opened the door to find Johno stood with his arms around Sinead and Maddie who were both holding two large bottles of wine, he always arrived to parties empty handed but ironically managed to leave the most pissed. Come in. Drinks are in the kitchen help yourselves."
He blushed furiously as both girls who happened to be his exes kissed him on the cheek and as he turned away he caught Jason's eye and couldn't help noticing the hurt there.
"Tilly texted us earlier and said she may be a little late."
"She's at Esther's. Sinead giggled tipsily, obviously they had started the celebrations earlier. But Ruby is on the way. She said something about playing gooseberry in her own house."
"Never mind we can keep her company. Bart managed a small smile. I'm just going to sort out the music. I'll see you in a bit."
"And there he goes."
Maddie whispered almost wistfully into Sinead's ear.
"As much as I hate this, maybe they do belong together."
Sinead admitted.
"Yeah maybe. Maddie agreed, she was sensing that their recent fight for Bart's attention was coming to an end. Well if that's the case it is time for us to reconsider our options."
"What do you mean?"
"Bart has a load of cute mates. It's time to go fishing."
"You know what I think you're right. Bart McQueen you're off the hook."
Over the other side of the room, oblivious to his new found freedom Bart was struggling to make conversation with Jason, as he was stood with Seth and Ricky casual glancing in his direction. He opened his mouth, but the words seem to disappear from the tip of his tongue. Realising he was on the road to nowhere he retreated to the kitchen to get another drink.
"Bart are you okay? He shivered as he felt Jason's hand rest on his waist. Yeah just needed a can. The tunes are banging by the way. Great choice."
Bart mumbled incoherently and blushed furiously.
"Thanks, but it is your music. Jason nudged him playfully. I was wondering could we have a chat in private? I really need to ask you something."
"Course. I'm just nipping to the bathroom first. I'll be right back."
He turned and sprinted upstairs, head spinning, heart racing unable to look him in the eyes. He slammed his bedroom door shut and slumped to the floor his back resting against it, his head buried in his hands.
