*** !!WARNING!! *** Gay fiction about to begin!
If you're not old enough please come back when you are. If you're not allowed to see this wherever you're accessing it from don't! You should go now at a run-if not, it's your neck and don't say I didn't warn you to leave. And last but not least-if you are offended by the thought of homosexuality then you're in the wrong place. Please go back the way you came in or you will be offended.
Also, these characters come from my imagination. I know of no one like them in real life. Any one who sees himself or anyone they know should mark it down as a coincidence.
Finally! I apologize that this chapter has taken so long. New (and in some cases, unexpected) projects and a relationship have dominated my free time lately. I hope you'll find this worth the wait.
In this chapter Ian and Jeremy have their first date. Don't get your hopes up about sex though because it ain't happening yet, but I promise their "first time" will happen.
Now that you've been properly warned the story continues.
Jeremy stood in front of the bathroom sink in his small apartment. He was looking in the mirror and using a pick on his hair making sure his bleached curls were in just the right place.
It was not easy with his trembling fingers. They refused to steady no matter how hard he tried to make them hold still. He could not remember being so nervous before. He was not this nervous when he knew he was going to get `lucky' with his best friend.
The thought of his best friend made him stop and think about Toby. They had known each other since middle school, and much to his father's disapproval became close. Jeremy's dad did not approve of his white son being friends with a black boy. Mom made the comment that at least Toby was a boy and there was no danger of the two of them having sex. She probably would not have been as supportive had she only known they would become lovers.
A knock on the door pulled Jeremy back to the here and now. Jeremy took a last look in the mirror to check that everything was acceptable. He decided he was satisfied with his hair and then another knock sounded at the door.
Jeremy thought his date was a little impatient.
Jeremy went to the door and opened it. There was Ian in a copper turtleneck and golden suede jacket. His jeans were new and clean with brown casual shoes. He looked very comfortable and handsome.
Jeremy was speechless.
Ian smiled, "You going like that?"
"Huh?" Jeremy asked then looked down at himself. He had forgotten to put on his shirt. He was wearing a white athletic T-shirt and his jeans, but he had no shoes or socks on. Jeremy blushed, "Sorry, I'm not quite ready yet."
"You look fine to me." Ian shrugged. "If you go like that you'll make me the envy of the place."
Jeremy's blush deepened. Why could Ian make him blush so easily?
Finally, Jeremy remembered his manners. He took a step back and said, "Why don't you come in and I'll finish getting dressed."
Ian smiled again and stepped over the threshold in to Jeremy's apartment. Why did Ian's smile look better every time Jeremy saw it?
"I'll go put a shirt on. Why don't you have a seat?" Jeremy gestured toward the sofa. "I don't have anything to offer in the way of a drink unless you want water."
"I can wait." Ian said. "I made reservations for seven thirty so we should probably get a move on."
"Oh." Jeremy said. "I'll hurry."
Ian smiled to himself as Jeremy went to the bedroom he presumed.
Ian looked around the apartment while he waited. It was small, as he had expected. The kitchen, dining, and living areas were all combined in to one room. He saw two other doors and was sure one was the bedroom and the other the bathroom.
The main room had a single window and some old curtains that were clean but old and tattered. Under the window was a sofa that had obviously seen better days. The fabric was thin in places and the stuffing actually pushed through in a few of those spots. The floors were bare wood and needed waxed.
Turning toward the kitchen area, Ian could see that the sink and counter were the old white enamel covered type. There was a small refrigerator that looked like it had been around since the end of the Second World War. There was a small metal table like one Ian remembered seeing in his Grandmother's house when he was a small boy. There was only one chair under the table that told Ian Jeremy did not have many guests.
Ian had to give Jeremy credit for keeping the place clean. He doubted that such a place came with maid service. Jeremy still deserved better. He found himself wondering what he could do to get Jeremy out of here and into something better.
"It's not much, but it's home." Jeremy said behind him.
Ian turned and saw Jeremy standing there. He had put on two shirts. One was a black skintight shirt and over that Jeremy had put on a shimmering teal button down shirt that he wore open. Ian looked down and saw that Jeremy was wearing a pair of casual slip on shoes.
"Well?" Jeremy noticed Ian looking him over. "Do I pass?"
Ian smiled, "You look great."
Jeremy smiled. Why did that simple compliment please him so much? He could not be falling for Ian so soon. They had only met the day before.
"Are you ready?" Ian asked.
Jeremy nodded, "Let's go."
Ian went to the door and opened it. Jeremy followed him and stopped long enough to set the lock before stepping through in to the hallway.
As Jeremy pulled the door shut behind him he asked, "By the way, where are we going?"
Ian replied, "Ever been to a place called Pride and Joy?"
Jeremy shook his head, "Nope, never heard of it."
"You'll like it." Ian smiled confidently.
Ian stopped in front of the place he had referred to as Pride and Joy. It looked like any other brick building except that there were no windows in the front and it appeared to be an old warehouse. There were two doors in the center of the front wall. They were large wooden doors with decorative lamps on either side of them. There was a sign above each door that was a plaque with a name in heavy, gold lettering on a black background. One sigh read Pride' and the other read Joy'.
The look of the entry gave Jeremy the impression that it was a fancy place much like Ian's.
They climbed out of the car and Ian led the way to the door marked Pride. Jeremy was unsure he would fit in a place like this when he was not working.
"What's wrong?" Ian asked.
"I'm not so sure about this place." Jeremy said.
"You'll love it." Ian insisted with a smile.
Sighing Jeremy surrendered and followed. Ian placed an arm around Jeremy's shoulder and opened the door.
The first thing Jeremy noticed was the Matre' De standing there in the black tuxedo. He looked like a real stuffed shirt and Jeremy knew this was not a place he belonged.
The headwaiter looked up from the reservation book and saw the two of them standing there. A smile spread across his face that looked genuine to Jeremy.
"Good evening, Mr. Shea, How are you tonight?" the man said warmly extending a hand to Ian.
"I'm fine, Howard." Ian smiled and shook hands. "This is my friend Jeremy Mason, and we have a reservation for seven thirty."
Howard held out his hand, "Hello, Mr. Mason, it's nice to meet you."
Jeremy took it and nodded, "Same here. I uh, take it you two know each other."
"Of course," Howard said. "I've worked for Mr. Shea for several years now."
Jeremy looked up at Ian and asked, "You own this place?"
"Not exactly," Ian said. "I'm more or less a silent partner here. I'll tell you about it over dinner."
Ian said to Howard, "Is Jonathan performing tonight?"
"Of course," Howard replied. "I heard him practicing earlier and he's in particularly good voice tonight."
"Good." Ian smiled.
Howard picked up two menus and then said, "Would you like your usual table?"
"No," Ian said calmly looking at Jeremy. "I'd like a cozy table in the corner tonight."
"Very good, I have just the one." Howard bowed his head. "If you gentlemen will follow me."
Jeremy stifled a laugh. In the youth's case, Howard obviously had no idea what a gentleman was.
As they followed Howard through the restaurant, Jeremy looked around. The restaurant was what he would call a fancy place. The walls were decorated with dark wood paneling on the bottom and floral wallpaper on the top half. Instead of a wood strip separating the paneling from the wallpaper there was a wooden box that held live plants surrounding the walls. The flowers were mostly autumn oranges and golds to blend in with the mood of the place. There were chandeliers in the ceiling that appeared to be elegant antiques.
There was one exception to the paneled walls. Along one wall there was a heavy curtain. The drapery was a deep burgundy with gold floral designs woven in to the fabric. The gold was dull so as not to give the impression that the curtain was on fire.
The tables were round and arranged neatly in what appeared to be diagonal rows. The table service was ornately decorated silver and fine crystal goblets and wine flutes. There were flowers arranged around a candle that gave off a soft glow.
It struck Jeremy that this whole place was decorated in a romantic theme.
As they reached their table Howard placed their menus and then stepped back out of the way. Ian pulled back a chair and motioned for Jeremy to have a seat. Jeremy nervously looked around the room. He could not believe that Ian was behaving this way until he noticed the couples seated at the other tables. They were all couples of the same sex.
Embarrassed that he had missed the detail, Jeremy sat down and Ian slid him up to the table. Ian went around to his own chair and sat down.
"Would you gentlemen care for a cocktail before dinner?" Howard asked.
"Champagne," Ian smiled. "You know which one I like."
Howard nodded, "Of course. Your waiter will be with you shortly."
Howard walked away.
"Uhm, is it my imagination, or are the all the couples here gay or lesbian?" Jeremy asked quietly picking up the menu.
Looking at the menu, Ian shook his head and smiled, "No, it's not your imagination."
Jeremy looked around again, impressed.
"Cool." Jeremy said.
"I'm glad you like it." Ian smiled.
"I wonder why none of my clients have ever brought me here." Jeremy looked around.
"The place has only been open a few weeks." Ian said. "They may not have heard of it."
"I suppose." Jeremy said. "Most of them probably couldn't afford a place like this. This looks fancier than Ian's."
"It's supposed to." Ian said. "That's the way Jonathan and I wanted it."
"Who's this Jonathan?" Jeremy asked.
"A friend of mine." Ian said. "He used to work for me a couple years ago before I knew Marcus. It's funny; I had made a promise to myself not to date the people who worked for me. I broke it with Marcus and I really paid for it."
Ian had a faraway look on his face and there looked like there was pain in his eyes. Finally, he shook his head sadly and continued. "Jonathan left Ian's to start his own place. I told him if he ever needed anything to let me know, and I'd help him if I could."
"So what happened?" Jeremy asked.
"Jonathan came to me a few months later and asked me for help. He brought all the sketches and plans for the place with him. I liked the ideas he had and most of his sketches, so I agreed to become his silent partner."
"Wow, so you actually have two restaurants?" Jeremy was impressed.
Ian chuckled. "Well, only one that I have any real say in. I gave Jonathan a few thoughts on what I thought would improve what he already had. Some of them he took and some he didn't."
Just then a man came to the table with an ice bucket containing a bottle. He presented the bottle to Ian who nodded his approval. The waiter sat the bucket down and taking a corkscrew from his pocket opened the bottle. He first poured a glass for Ian and then one for Jeremy.
The man then opened the leather book in his hand and looked pleasantly at them, "Would you gentlemen care to order, or do you need some time to decide?"
Ian looked at Jeremy, "Do you see anything you'd like?"
Jeremy nodded, "Yeah, the chef's salad with the chicken looks great."
"Is that all you want?" Ian asked. "You can have whatever you want."
"I have to watch what I eat." Jeremy said. "No one wants a fat date."
"I suppose you're right." Ian nodded carefully keeping the disappointment out of his voice. Ian had wanted to buy his young date an expensive meal. Ian wanted to make it a night to remember for both of them.
"Very good," the waiter nodded. "And what would you like, Mr. Shea?"
"I'm in the mood for the salmon steak." Ian smiled. "Usual trimmings."
"Very good, Mr. Shea." The waiter nodded. "And would either of you gentlemen care for an appetizer while you're waiting?"
Ian raised his eyebrows and looked at Jeremy. Correctly interpreting the look, Jeremy shook his head.
Closing his menu, Ian looked up at the waiter, "No, we're fine."
"As you wish." The waiter said closing his notebook. "Your dinners will be ready shortly."
Ian handed the waiter his menu, and then Jeremy did. The waiter took each menu in turn and then went off to place the order.
"He called you by your last name." Observed Jeremy. "Did he work for you too?"
Ian shook his head, "No, but I come here at least once a week."
Jeremy chuckled, "So much for a silent partner."
Ian shook his head, "No, it's not like that at all. I play nearly every night at Ian's. When I come here I get to enjoy someone else's playing. Don't get me wrong; I love to play, but it's nice to hear someone else do it once in a while. Besides, my employees deserve a night away from the boss."
Jeremy gave Ian a skeptical look, "I've been in your place quite a few times, your people all look happy."
"Thanks," Ian said. "But I can't take credit for that, at least not all of it. Owen has done a great job straightening out Marcus' mess."
"Marcus comes across as a real asshole." Jeremy nodded picking up his drink.
Ian rolled his eyes, "You don't know the half of it. He really had me fooled. I still can't believe I was such an idiot when it came to him."
"Marcus is a charmer." Jeremy shrugged. "He knows how to hide the asshole side when he's after something."
"Not to mention attractive." Ian said. "And he knows how to use his looks too."
"You mean like me?" Jeremy accused finally taking a sip of his drink.
"Oh no." declared Ian with a laugh. "There's a big difference between you and Marcus. Marcus uses his looks to distract people while he steals their money. You spell it out right up front. You want a good time, fine it'll cost you. After Marcus that's refreshingly honest."
Something about Ian's comments made Jeremy feel very good about him self. He felt his chest puff out slightly.
Then Jeremy noticed something about his champagne, "Hey, this is non-alcoholic."
"That's right." Ian nodded. "I'm not much of a drinker. Besides, I want to remember tonight clearly."
Before Jeremy could answer the lights dimmed and the stage curtain opened. Behind the curtain was a small stage that held a six-piece orchestra. Four of the members sat on four chairs atop a semi-circular platform behind and above the orchestra's centerpiece-a white baby grand piano. A fifth member sat on one end of the platform.
Five of the chairs on the stage were already filled with a cellist, violinist, floutist, trumpet player who had a saxophone and a trombone beside him. The fourth member played something. The fifth member was down on his end of the stage behind the drum set. Only the piano bench was empty.
The orchestra member's outfits impressed Jeremy. The members were all men in their thirties if Jeremy was any judge of age. Their matching outfits looked like they belonged on someone Jeremy's age. The shining black leather waistcoat was snug around the waist and they all had it buttoned. Their shirts were lacy tuxedo shirts complete with cummerbunds. Their pants were snug fitting and made of shining black leather just like the jackets.
Jeremy leaned over to Ian and whispered, "Those outfits look uncomfortable. It's a wonder they can breathe."
"Yes, but wait until you see Jonathan's outfit." Ian nodded.
"That bad?" Jeremy asked.
"You'll see." Ian nodded toward the stage.
Jeremy looked up as a man emerged from behind the stage curtain and strolled toward the piano.
Jeremy was surprised to see that the man's outfit was much like the other orchestra members except it was white. The shirt was cut the same except it was lilac in color. The man's hair had to be bleached white because it was not possible for it to be so light. The man wore stage makeup to bring out the color of his lips and eyebrows. There was a mole painted near the bottom of his right cheek. Like the others, Jonathan's outfit looked like it had been painted on.
"Wow." Jeremy said. "He's Jonathan? How does he sing in an outfit so tight?"
Ian shook his head, "I don't know."
"You didn't pick those out did you?" Jeremy looked over at Ian.
Ian shook his head vigorously, "Oh no, those are all Jonathan. The d^Âcor is mine, but the orchestra and their outfits are all Jonathan's ideas."
Jonathan stopped and stood in front of the piano and faced the audience. He spread his arms and smiled broadly at the restaurant's patrons.
"Gays and Lesbians, welcome to the Pride. If you're here for the first time tonight, my name is Jonathan and we are the Rainbow Pride Orchestra, and we would like to thank you for dining with us this evening. I promise you the food will be exquisite, and the music inspired. And finally, whether this is your first time or your one hundredth time I hope you have a wonderful evening with us."
Jonathan turned and sat at the piano. Placing his fingers on the keyboard he began to play. A moment later the rest of the orchestra joined in just as they were supposed to. He was very good, as was the entire orchestra.
"What's with the makeup?" Jeremy asked.
Ian shrugged, "I'm not sure, but I think Jonathan is just getting closer to his feminine side."
Jeremy laughed softly, and the sound of it pleased Ian.
Just then the waiter returned with their meals. Jeremy was served first since it was clear he was the guest, and then Ian. As they ate, conversation died to nothing while they listened to the orchestra play.
Soon the meal was finished and the waiter was taking the empty dishes away.
Soon after, the orchestra stopped playing and took a break. The stage curtains closed and the lights came up. People talked quietly either in romantic whispers, or soft voices. A few couples just sat at their table and looked in to each other's eyes.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Ian asked.
Jeremy nodded, "Yes, I like this place. I'm not in to the music, but Jonathan is really talented."
"I'm glad you think so." Ian said. "If you get the chance tell him. He doubts his ability sometimes."
"Okay." Jeremy shrugged.
Jeremy sipped his drink and Ian said, "When we're finished here I planned to take you next door."
"Oh?" Jeremy was surprised. "What's there?"
"If I tell you it'll spoil the surprise." Ian smiled. "But you do know how to dance, right?"
"Yeah," Jeremy replied suspiciously. "Why?"
Before Ian could answer the lights dimmed and the curtain opened revealing the orchestra once again. Jonathan was seated behind the piano.
Jonathan turned and faced the audience. He spoke in to the microphone. "A friend of mine is celebrating a special occasion tonight. Several months ago, he broke up with a man he thought would be his partner for life. It was a bitter separation, and he told me that he never wanted to love another man again. Today, he called to tell me he met someone and wanted to make their first date something special. He asked if the orchestra would dedicate this song to them at this time."
Jeremy turned and looked at Ian, "You didn't?"
Ian only nodded.
The orchestra began to play.
Ian stood up and held out his hand, "Would you grant me the honor of a dance?"
Jeremy shook his head, bemused. "You are too much."
Then the young man stood up and took Ian's hand leaned in close and whispered, "How can I say no in front of all these people?"
Ian gently squeezed his hand and said, "You can't. That's why I planned it this way."
Ian led Jeremy over to the dance floor. As they wrapped their arms around each other swaying to the music Jonathan began to sing the lyrics to The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.
As Jonathan sang for the audience, Ian was softly singing in Jeremy's ear. Jeremy quietly moved with his date listening to the words Ian was singing to him.
Jeremy did not notice as other couples joined them on the dance floor. Did not notice the other couples surround them while letting Ian and Jeremy dance in the center of the floor.
When the song ended Jeremy found he was not ready for it to end, nor was he prepared for the sound of applause. Jeremy looked around to find that everyone was applauding for the two of them. Blushing, Jeremy looked at Ian.
"It's tradition." Ian explained blushing as well. "First dates always get the center of the floor, and everyone applauds when the song finishes. It was Jonathan's idea."
Jeremy smiled and shook his head. This night was turning out to be one romantic surprise after another.
Taking Jeremy's hand, Ian led him back to the table. There they found the check, which Ian paid. When the waiter came back with the change Ian gave him a generous tip. After the waiter left Ian looked at Jeremy.
"Are you ready to go next door to Club Joy?" Ian asked smiling.
Jeremy took a deep breath, let it out and said, "Sure, let's go."
Ian stood up and headed for the door. Jeremy followed him. As they made their way past tables the couple seated there would congratulate them and wish them luck.
Ian led Jeremy out the door they had originally entered and stopped.
"I wanted to buy you a nice dinner and have one slow dance with you." Ian confessed, then he turned and went through the door marked Joy.
Jeremy could hear the sound of loud music before he ever stepped through the other door. Once inside he found a place more suited to his own age group. Jeremy saw people dancing, laughing, and drinking under multicolored strobe lights.
Jeremy looked around in awe of the difference between the two sides of the building. This was a dance club, not a restaurant.
There was a long bar that took up most of the wall to Jeremy's left. Along the top where the bar's padded edge would be was a hollow tube that was lit up with a bright blue neon glow. There was more glowing neon tube around the mirror on the wall behind the bar that ran the bar entire length. The barstools placed around the bar were made of what Jeremy thought was a clear space age plastic. The padding on top of the stool was filled with foam beads. Each stool's pad was stuffed with a different color of bead. There were blue, pink, green, orange, and even violet.
There was a dance floor against the right hand side of the building that covered over half the floor. The rail around the dance floor was clear just like the bar and filled with the same neon glow. The rail had a ledge on it big enough for a drink and an ashtray. The ashtrays were what surprised Jeremy especially with the no smoking attitude everyone had these days.
Jeremy saw that on the wall farthest from him and the one closest to him was lined with booths. The booths' cushions were covered in animal patterned vinyl from what Jeremy could tell. The patterns were leopard spots, tiger stripes, and zebra stripes. There were some that were solid red or sold black vinyl that came between the animal patterns.
Movement above his head drew Jeremy's gaze upward. He saw a loft that ran around all four walls. From what he could see the neon ran around the edge of the loft's floor and handrails just like the bar and dance floor railings. There were more booths up there decorated like the ones on the main floor. Jeremy could also see more of the space age barstools around the rails. Since they were lined with people with drinks Jeremy assumed the upstairs rails had a ledge too. Jeremy noticed that there were spiral stairs in three corners of the building that led up to the loft.
The strobe lights Jeremy had seen were mounted under the neon of the loft floor and were aimed at the dance floor.
There was a small window as they entered the door where they stopped. There was a man at the window who naturally greeted Ian by name. Ian put out his right arm and the doorman put a red band around Ian's wrist. Following Ian's lead Jeremy put his right arm on the windowsill.
The doorman looked at Jeremy and asked, "Gay, straight, or bi?"
Jeremy looked at Ian. Ian merely nodded.
Jeremy shrugged, "Gay."
The man fastened a red band around Jeremy's right wrist just like Ian's.
Ian leaned close and said loudly, "Now, we can let our hair down and have some fun."
Jeremy smiled, "Cool."
"What do you want to do first?" Ian asked handing Jeremy a red plastic band.
"Dance." Jeremy said taking the band. As he slipped it on his wrist and fastened it
And they did.
Jeremy was impressed at how well Ian could dance. He seemed to know every step and kept up with the younger man. After several dances, they finally took a break. They went to a spot that was open along the rail and sat down on the barstools
"Where did you learn to dance like that?" Jeremy asked panting.
"A friend of mine is a dance instructor. She teaches me all the latest steps." Ian panted as well. "Besides, it's a good aerobic workout."
Jeremy nodded.
Just then a waiter stopped by and asked, "Can I get you a drink, Mr. Shea?"
Ian looked at Jeremy who shook his head.
"No thanks, Kerry." Ian said.
As the waiter walked away Jeremy noted that the wait staff wore different uniforms. There were men and women waiting tables. They all wore snug fitting black spandex pants, but the difference was in the tops. While they all wore sleeveless, stretch shirts and the women's were naturally low cut for effect; they wore different colors.
"What's the four-one-one on the uniform shirts?" Jeremy asked.
"Orientation." Ian replied. "It cuts down on the number of unwanted passes. It's on a sign as you come in the door. I'm surprised you didn't see it."
Jeremy had been so impressed by the colored lights and the loud music he had missed it.
"What does Kerry's mean?" Jeremy asked.
"Red like Kerry wears means he's gay." Ian explained. "If he wore blue, it would mean he's straight. And if he wore purple he would be bi-sexual."
A thought occurred to Jeremy, "The wrist bands. Is that what they mean too?"
Ian nodded, "Yes, It seemed like the easiest way to identify what you were and be able to drink at the same time."
"Who thought of that?" Jeremy asked.
"Who else? Jonathan." Ian laughed.
Ian looked out at the people dancing on the floor. There were couples that were same sex and some that were of them were of the opposite sex. Some of them were excellent dancers while others were just out moving to the music. It did not matter they could not dance they were having as much fun as the ones that knew how. Ian found he wanted to be out there having fun too.
"Ready?" Ian asked Jeremy tilting his head toward the dance floor.
Jeremy laughed, "You're going to kill me."
Ian laughed, "You're younger than I am."
Jeremy joined in the laughter.
When they stopped laughing Jeremy said, "Okay, let's go."
They made their way through the crowd back out to the dance floor and mingled with the moving bodies of the other dancers.
Ian and Jeremy stood at the door of the younger man's apartment. Jeremy was smiling as he unlocked the door having thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Watching his date, Ian was content satisfied that he had done all he could to make this first date as memorable as possible.
Jeremy opened the door and looked up at Ian. He had never been treated so well by anyone whether they paid for his company or not.
"Thanks for tonight." Jeremy said. "You really know how to show a guy a good time."
Ian smiled, "It was easy. You were a good sport about everything. I can't remember when I've had so much fun."
"Well," Ian said. "I've got to get up early in the morning for a meeting. Thank you for going out with me."
Jeremy was disappointed. He hoped Ian would want to come in.
"Well, I have things to do too." Jeremy lied hiding his disappointment.
"Then I guess this is good night." Ian said.
"I guess." Jeremy agreed.
"Good night, Jeremy." Ian said. "Sleep well."
"I will." Jeremy replied. "Good night."
Ian turned and started to walk away and Jeremy went inside his apartment.
Once inside Jeremy closed the door but stood there with his hand on the doorknob. The whole night had seemed like a dream it had been so much fun. Ian had been treated him like a prince. Jeremy could get used to being spoiled like that.
Jeremy sighed. Who was he kidding? He chided himself knowing that this was going to be the last night he went out with Ian. Ian was a gentleman who deserved better than some runaway who made his living as a whore.
Jeremy let his hand drop off the doorknob and turned to head to bed. He had not taken even one step when there was a knock on the door. Jeremy frowned, turned back and opened the door.
Ian was standing there.
Surprised, Jeremy asked, "What?"
"I wanted to ask if you were free for lunch tomorrow?" Ian asked.
"Sure." Jeremy replied not bothering to hide the excitement that he felt inside.