Another business trip taking me away from my wife and young daughter. To be honest, I didn't mind the business travel but my wife was becoming less tolerant. I liked the break from the routine at home. Don't get me wrong, I love my wife and daughter. Sometimes it's just nice to get away from the daily routine.
"Do you have any recommendations where I can get something to eat?" I asked my business contact.
"What are you interested in?"
"I'm not picky. I'd go for anything."
I didn't notice the subtle change in his expression before he responded. "Well, there is a place I really like called Espresso Canteen. The food is pretty good and usually there is a really good dessert."
"Sounds good to me. Where is it?"
"Not far from your hotel actually."
He gave me directions and from the way he was acting, I was pretty sure he was letting me know he would like to have dinner with me. Ordinarily I would have invited him, but I didn't for two reasons. First, I was tired. I had traveled early that morning and just wanted to eat and go to my room to sleep. Second, he was giving off signals that he was attracted to me. Okay, let's just say it out loud. He had been flirting with me all day. It was obvious Kevin was gay, and I didn't want to give him the wrong idea. I felt bad seeing his disappointment when I didn't invite him to join me. In fact, I almost invited him but was just too tired to engage in social activities.
Espresso Canteen was a very nice place. It was not too fancy but definitely wasn't a dive. The bar area dominated the place, and I decided to try to find a place at the bar to eat and have a few drinks.
Choosing a seat away from all the other patrons, I sat down at the bar. I ordered a spicy bloody Mary and ordered some food. I just missed the rush because lots of people started to stream in and the seats became scarcer.
"Mind if I take this seat?" a strong baritone voice inquired.
"Not at all. Help yourself."
"Thanks."
The voice belonged to a tall, fit... very fit actually, good looking black man. Being so close to him made me uneasy. Not because he was black, but because he radiated confidence and strength. He made me feel... less of a man. I tried to ignore him without being rude, but he wouldn't let that happen.
"I've never seen you here before. You from out of town?"
"Uh, yeah. Just here on business." I answered apprehensively.
"What brings you here, in this place?"
"A coworker suggested it."
"First time?"
"Yeah. I guess you are a regular?"
"Pretty much. I usually find something I like."
"Any suggestions?" I asked, thinking he could steer me to something good to eat.
He smiled as he looked at me in an appraising manner. For a moment he didn't say anything. The look on his face changed as he chuckled to himself.
"What?" I asked not understanding what he found amusing.
"You really don't know, do you?"
"Know what?"
"First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Alec. And you are?" He held out his hand.
Instinctively I held out my hand. "Andrew."
When his hand took mine, a shiver went up my spine. His hand was much larger than my own. Although he didn't grip my hand tightly, I knew I couldn't pull out of his grasp if he didn't want me to. He held my hand longer than a typical greeting as our eyes locked.
"Nice to meet you, Andrew." After a brief pause, he continued. "So, you really don't know this is the local gay hang out?"
"What?!" I asked as I looked around nervously.
Alex laughed a little louder than I found comfortable. A few people nearby looked over at us.
"That's funny." Alex said with a grin. "So, you aren't gay?"
"No, not at all." I responded nervously.
"Not bi either?"
"Uh, no." My less emphatic response resulted in an almost imperceptible grin on his lips. "I'm married." I added, holding up my hand wear I wore my wedding ring.
"Plenty of married men are bi. I've even met a few in here before."
His casualness with this conversation made me more nervous but at the same time I felt a growing excitement. Part of me wanted to just throw money on the bar to cover my tab and then run out of the place. But looking at Alex and his big smile held me in my place. Was he hitting on me? Is that why he sat down next to me? Did he find me attractive?
My heart began to race. Part of me wanted to believe he found me attractive but if that was the case, and I engaged in conversation with him, how would he interpret that. I found him to be very interesting and attractive, but I wasn't interested in being with a guy.
"I really didn't know this place was..." I didn't know how to finish my thought.
"A gay pickup bar?" Alex laughed.
"Yeah, I guess." I said embarrassed.
"Well, you can still hang out even if you're not. In fact, I'll pick up your tab since your coworker seems to have either set you up as a joke or..."