Page 70 of The Build-a-Boyfriend Project

La La Land, dir. by Damien Chazelle

“Oh, this is like a legit lounge,” Eli says, staring at the line that stretches down the block in front of the basement entrance. The rest of the building is dedicated to a closed bakery and apartments that sit above.

“Did you think that it wouldn’t be?” Peter asks, his hand wrapped around Eli’s as he bypasses the mile-long line of people.

Eli doesn’t really know what he expected. He certainly didn’t anticipate the long line and people dressed to the nines. He’s never felt more self-conscious about his grandpa sweaters, especially with the nice-looking button-up that Peter has chosen to wear.

“A warning would’ve been appreciated,” Eli tells him, desperate to not feel self-conscious.

“You look great,” Peter promises.

“Where are we going? The line starts back there,” Eli asks as he’s pulled along to the door.

Peter glances over his shoulder, smiling at Eli. “I know the bouncer.”

Eli feels like he’s stumbled into a brand-new world, just like at the gym. Peter didn’t even ask before he took Eli’s hand. He simply took it, and they walked the three blocks from Peter’s apartment. On the walk, Peter was beaming, grinning from ear to ear, and laughing at Eli’s stories from the day.

It’s not a new Peter, not at all.

It’s the authentic Peter.

“Hey, Peter!” The bouncer at the door looks like she’d be a bouncer, with strong shoulders and biceps that seem to want to rip out of her shirt.

“Hey, Jaz.”

“Your name is Jaz, and you work at a jazz club?” Eli can’t help himself, but he’s only met with a cold stare, and he feels his face go hot. “I’m sorry.”

“This guy with you?” she asks.

“Uh, yeah . . .”

“Go on in.” She nods toward the door. “We’ve got Harry Whitfield tonight.”

“Why else do you think I’m here?” Peter asks, his smile bright in his voice. “I’ve been dying to hear him!”

“So has the rest of the city.” Jaz peers back at the long line.

“I bet Meredith doesn’t mind.”

“Oh, not one bit.” Jaz shakes her head. “Go ahead down, tables are filling up.”

Eli feels like he just got whiplash from a conversation. Who is this man? he asks himself, his gaze focused on the back of Peter’s head as they walk down the steps into the club proper. Peter just had a conversation, with a person that he clearly knows.

“What was that about?” Eli asks, leaning over the table as they take some seats near the stage.

“What?” Peter stares. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No! God, no. That was actually . . . impressive, really. You had a full conversation.”

“She owns the club with her wife.”

“Yeah, you talked like the two of you are friends.”

“Oh, no way.” Peter shakes his head. “She’s just being nice. I see Jaz and Meredith all the time when I’m here.”

“She didn’t seem that nice to the people in front of us.” Eli peers at him.

“She was just doing her job, that’s all.”