This story contains gay themes and graphic depictions of homosexuality. If this offends you, then you probably shouldn't read it. I welcome any and all comments and appreciate all of the feedback I have previously received. I'd also like to say thanks to the folks at Nifty
The next day, I awoke and snuck out. Chris looked so peaceful lying there that I didn't dare wake him.
I left him a note saying to make himself at home and put fresh towels in the bathroom. I splashed some water on my face and grabbed my gym bag and headed for the gym. I hoped the car didn't wake him as I backed out.
"What now?" I asked myself as I worked out. What was I going to do? This is what I thought I wanted. A gorgeous guy, who was hopefully enamored of me.
"Why couldn't he be a bottom?" I thought, during my presses. Chris was actually perfect. He was smart, funny, attractive, and had direction. What the hell was wrong with me? I should be ecstatic. Many men would kill to be in my position.
"You need a spot?" I heard a voice ask.
Coming out of my reverie, I looked up into the face of David.
"Oy!" I said. "What are you doing here?" I continued.
"Working out." he replied.
This is so not what I needed right now, but he did look hot standing over me in a simple tank and tiny gym shorts. My mind immediately went to the last time we were together. I fucked him.
"No, you have Chris now" I told myself. But Chris would never let me fuck him, and David's ass looked so inviting. I looked at David.
"It's been awhile." I finally said.
"Yeah, how've you been?" he asked.
"Good. Great" I said, thinking he doesn't need to know your business.
"I saw you come in." He began. "How long have you been working out here?" he went on.
"I've been working out here for over 6 months" I replied. I thought he knew that. My mind was reeling.
Was this some kind of test? This is why I chose this gym. It was on the other side of town. It wasn't too far from work and I didn't think I'd run into anyone that I knew. Normally, I'd work out with my I-pod, but the gym was playing really good music this morning, so I left it in my locker.
"I still think about you" David said, further clouding my thoughts.
"You know, I should be getting to work." I said. I needed to get out of there. I put the weight away, nodded in David's direction and headed for the locker room.
"Damn, I wanted to sit in the steam room" I thought, but, I was not in the mood for any more pleasantries with David.
A few minutes later, I was standing under a steaming shower. It felt good. I let the water wash over me. It was loosening my muscles. I could feel the tension begin to slip away. I stretched and turned my back to the rushing water.
"Hey" It was David.
"Hey, I'm sorry, I'm in a bit of a hurry" I replied.
"I understand" David said.
He stared blatantly at my crotch and then took the shower next to mine. I didn't want to talk to David, not here and not now. He began whistling and lathering himself up. I took the opportunity to rinse off and get out of there.
I was in the locker room slipping on my shoes when he emerged from the shower area. He looked fresh and inviting. Luckily at that point the gym was beginning to fill up and there were other guys in the room with us. Nate, a guy I knew from working out was there. I spoke briefly with him and headed for the door.
Glancing back I caught David's eye, and he winked.
In the car, I thought about Chris, still sleeping in my bed looking like some African king. I would have to do better. I thought. I would have to make an attempt at being what he wanted. But what about what I needed? When did I get to put Parker first? It was going to be a long day.
At work Mark reminded me of our standing poker game. I liked playing poker with Mark and his friends.
We didn't have any macho stereotypes. Wendy and some of her friends often joined in. And she always put out a great spread for us.
Many times, I'd take a break and just sit outside with the dogs. I told Mark I'd be there and asked if I could bring Chris.
"Sure" he began "The more the merrier.
I settled in to work and made a mental note to call Chris before lunch. The day was busy, but when I did finally call it was after two.
"Hello" I heard his deep voice answer "Hey, Sexy" I replied.
"You should've woke me," he said.
"I couldn't" I began "If I had woke you, I would've wanted to sex you"
"I repeat, you should've woke me," he said and then he broke into a soft chuckle.
"Listen, Mark invited us over to play poker tonight," I said. "Can you make it?" I asked, "I work until ten," he said.
"That's Cool, we usually play until two or until somebody gets too drunk to drive" I said.
"Can you come and get me?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'll pick you up, Mark's place isn't too far from your job" I answered.
"I'll see you later, I love you" he said.
"Me too" I said and hung up. It took maybe a few minutes for what just happened to sink in.
It had happened so easily, that I just missed it. He had said he loved me.
And I said 'Me too' The playing field had just changed. I was definitely going to have to watch my step from here on out.
That night at the poker game I introduced Chris around. I wasn't sure at first to call him, so I just said "My friend Chris"
Several of the usual people showed up, including Daisy, a self-proclaimed "big'ol country girl" and Lyndsay a waifish bohemian girl with big eyes and an infectious laugh. There were so many people there that we had two tables going.
I was seated at one table with Daisy, Lyndsay, Rob, Ralph, and Joel. Chris was at the other table. We played a couple of hands when Daisy, never known for her subtlety, leaned over and asked "So are you and Mandingo, over there, doin' the nasty?"
I'm sure if I had been lighter in color; everyone would've seen me blush. I didn't know Rob and Ralph that well, but, I had played cards with the other members of our table and they all knew I was gay.
"A gentleman never discusses his love life" I answered cryptically.
"So, in layman's terms, Yes." Daisy smiled.
"Why do you want to know?" Ralph asked.
A straight guy coming to my assistance. That kinda threw me off.
"I'm just curious" Daisy answered.
"Are you and Lyndsay, getting it on?" Rob asked. "I'm just curious" he continued. "I mean you've let her win three hands" He went on.
I WAS slipping. How did I not see that? Daisy got uncharacteristically quiet.
"Let's just play cards, two please" I said "No, I just mean, inquiring minds want to know" Rob said, passing me two cards.
"We're friends" Lyndsay spoke up.
She was kinda pretty in an off beat kind of way, but, usually she talked mostly of art and books. Most of the time we had never heard of the authors she mentioned. She tended to like European literature.
"I'd like to be your friend" Rob said.
Then it occurred to me, he was trying to get inside her head.
I threw in my cards and began to watch the interaction. Ralph sat quietly watching everybody. His green eyes darting to and fro. Daisy used her brazen callousness as her weapon. It took people off guard. Joel was Jewish and gay. He was flamboyant, but I assume he just enjoyed the camaraderie. He was several rings and couldn't seem to take his eyes off Ralph. Ralph, by far and away, was the most macho of the group. He was a supervising janitor at Wendy's workplace and wore a work shirt with the sleeves rolled up exposing huge biceps. Lyndsay rounded out the group.
It suddenly occurred to me that she only came on the nights that Daisy came. But, she was friendly enough and always seemed to be amicable whether she won or lost. As the night progressed I watch the interaction between Daisy and Lindsay become more intimate. It became obvious to all at the table that there was something there. I noticed shy glances and kind words. There was definitely a kind of gentleness and knowing that passed between them. And I felt a little jealous. Would Chris and I ever have that kind of unspoken bond? I ended the evening losing 45 to 50 dollars, but Chris won 100 at his table, so I didn't feel bad. As people were leaving I noticed Lyndsay climb into Daisy's car and the two drove off.
"That Daisy sure makes my motor run" Rob said.
"Don't be an ass they're together" Mark said.
"Shit, that makes me even hotter" Rob said.
"They'd break you" Wendy began "You couldn't handle either one of them separately, what makes you think you could handle the two of them together?" she finished.
"Damn" Chris said coming over and sliding an arm around my waist. This always made me feel uncomfortable, but realizing that most everyone already knew. I just went with it. Ralph and Rob left together and Joel hopped into his Mercedes and sped off.
I kissed Wendy good night and whispered "It's too bad that Ralph is straight, I think Joel has a thing for him"
Wendy scoffed, "Ralph's not straight. No wonder you always lose"
"What? But I thought he wanted to get with Daisy" I said.
"Rob and Ralph always come together and they always leave together, and when I asked where to send the wedding invitations, Rob slipped up and gave me Ralph's address"
"Jeez, I'm gonna have to turn in my gay card pretty soon" I thought.
After shaking hands with Mark, Chris and I hopped into my car and headed out.
(To be continued)