Such An Odd Night

It was Friday night, a night that typically had been my favorite until tonight. I got off work and started heading home as I was supposed to meet my boyfriend, Shawn for dinner and then go to see a show. Shawn had acquired some theater tickets somewhere, I knew better than to ask where.

I was walking home and decided to cut through the park. My house and office were on opposite sides of this park that was actually quite large. In the center of the park was a rather large forested area, full of trees. As I was entering the little forest, I got a feeling, one that I could only describe as one of dread.

I made my way through the forest, my mind playing tricks on me with every shadow, every noise I heard for some reason irrationally made me think of something sinister. I heard a noise just off to my left and as I turned, the shadows made it look like some sort of demon. I opened my mouth and all that escaped was a silent scream.

Panic set in as I tried to move, but seemed rooted in the same spot I’d been in. Eventually, the wind must have blown some branches and allowed the light to filter in and miraculously, the demon transformed in my eyes to nothing more than a skunk. I felt silly for having allowed my mind to play such tricks on me. After allowing myself to calm down a bit, I continued on my way, eventually making it to my home; I unlocked the door and entered.

I went into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of wine to calm my nerves. Looking at the clock, I saw it was nearly ninety minutes before I was supposed to meet Shawn. I meandered to the bathroom and stripped off to shower. I allowed the hot water to flow over me, washing away all the anxiety I felt after my little scare in the park. I began to wonder what kind of show Shawn got tickets for, probably some tawdry musical if I know him like I think I do, but just spending time with him will make it alright.

I finished my shower, toweling myself off with the soft towel he’d given me when I moved into the house. He said that way he’d be all over my body even when he wasn’t here. I thought that sounded both creepy and sweet.

I went to the bedroom and into my closet to choose the perfect outfit. After all, I needed to look good for him! Once dressed, I looked at myself in the mirror and once again thought about him. I think tonight will be the night I ask him to move in, we’ve been going out for nearly a year and it’s time to step it up.

I walked over to the nightstand and retrieved my telephone, then dialed the number of the taxi I had been using for a few months. The driver was gay, and always loved talking, usually about this guy or that guy he’d been ‘doing’. I’m not sure why, but it was fun to talk to him. After being assured he’d be out front in ten minutes, I began making final preparations to leave. I sent Shawn a text message:

Adam: I’m about to head out, we’re meeting at Dominick's, right?

Shawn: Yup, I got our usual table reserved. Can’t wait to see you!

Adam: Me either, Love you, Babe.

Shawn: I love you more, see you in about twenty.

About that time I heard the taxi honking for me. After putting on a couple sprays of Shawn’s favorite cologne, I did a double check to make sure I had everything and headed downstairs, turning lights off as I went. I stepped outside, locked up the house and headed to the taxi.

Alex was there, holding the door open for me, "Good evening, Adam. You’re looking totally awesome tonight!"

"Ha ha! You’re not looking half bad yourself, Alex. I’m heading to Dominick's."

"Meeting Shawn?" He asked.

"Yeah, then we’re heading to some show he’s got tickets for. I’m going to ask him to move in tonight."

"Well, Sugar, it’s about time!" He joked.

"So, what’s new in your love life?" I asked.

He pulled out of the driveway and started heading toward town and with a chuckle he replied, "Well, same as usual. Oh! Let me tell you about the guy last night. I swear he was the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. I thought he was ‘the one’, you know. That was until this morning when he asked me to drive him to work. You’ll never guess where he works! You know that place on 34th, the gay club?"

"You mean Trollop’s"? I asked.

"That’s the place. He works there!" Alex laughed.

‘You mean he’s a drag queen?" I asked unbelieving.

"I knew he was too pretty to be just a regular gay man! But man, he’s a terror in bed!" Alex boasted. He’s constantly saying that about just about every guy he takes home and to his bed.

We arrived at Dominick’s and I paid my fare, along with a hefty tip for Alex, bade him goodnight and headed in to meet Shawn; he was at our usual table. I walked over and he stood to hold my chair out, he’s such a gentleman. He’d already ordered Cosmopolitans for both of us and as he sat across from me he said, "Oh Man! You’re looking good enough to eat!"

"You’re not looking half bad yourself, Babe. So, what do you have tickets for tonight?" I queried.

"I hope you like Opera. I got a private balcony for Aida tonight. Just you and I."

"I do love Opera, I’m surprised you didn’t know that." It made me wonder, we’d been seeing each other for a while and I can’t believe he never realized I was an Opera lover.

We ordered our dinners and talked about what was happening in our lives; the conversation was easy, comfortable. Finally, as we were drinking coffee before heading to the theater, I looked him in the eyes and said, "Shawn... I love you so very much, I want you to move in with me."

His expression was one of shock, but he didn’t answer me. After what seemed an eternity he stood, walked over to me and held out his hand. I stood and there, in the middle of the restaurant with everyone watching he kissed me, a deep, passionate kiss.

I thought I saw tears in his eyes when we broke the kiss, he looked me in the eyes and said, "Adam, you’ve just made me the happiest man on earth. Yes, without a doubt I’ll move in!"

Finished with our coffee, and now seemingly closer than we’ve ever been before, we sat back down. Our waiter came by, a cute eighteen year old named Troye, and asked if we needed anything else. Looking back at him, I noticed a bit of fullness in his slacks, stifling back a grin and a wink at him, "said, "No, I think we’re done."

He handed me the check, and without looking at it, I handed it back with my credit card. He left to process our bill and I looked back at Shawn. He was so beautiful to me in every way. "I think our waiter was a little excited having witnessed that kiss. He was a bit full if you get my meaning."

We both laughed about it, Shawn making some off-color remark when Troye returned. I signed the check and added a substantial tip, I bet that will make his night! After putting my card back in my wallet, Shawn and I stood and left Dominick’s, heading the few blocks to the theater.

The seats were exceptional. We were led into our box and as I was about to sit, I dropped my program. When I bent down to pick it up, I heard a sound I was hoping wasn’t coming from me. The entire back seam of my pants split, Shawn noticed and I could see him stifling his laughter. I was mortified!

"Babe, as long as you remain seated, nobody will be the wiser." Shawn said in barely more than a whisper.

The performance was spectacular, better than I’d seen at the Met! By the end of the show, I’d completely forgotten about all of the oddness of the evening so far. I called Alex from the box so he’d be waiting out front when we got there, minimizing any chance of someone noticing my predicament. I asked Shawn, "Come home with me? Spend the night?" He smiled, took my hand and nodded.

Alex was there, just as I’d hoped. He opened the door and we sat in the back. "My house, Alex." I told him.

On the way, I told him of what had happened at the restaurant and about Troye’s response. We all laughed over it and Alex made a comment, "Damn, I may have to look that boy up… or have him looking up at me in my bed!"

We all laughed over that, he was a cutie, I have to admit, but I have Shawn and he’s all I need.

Arriving at my house, soon to be our house, and after paying the fare and my usual extravagant tip, Shawn and I entered.

I’m not going to go into detail of our night. Suffice it to say, after all the oddness of the day, I was happy to be in the arms of the man I love. Who’s to know, maybe at some point, I’ll tell you about how things went.

=End=

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