This was my first time in Los Angeles. I was a sales Rep for a pharmaceutical company in Iowa and there was a conference in LA and I was asked to go. A few of the people I work with who had done this before told me it was mostly promoting your company's newest drug and some networking. It sounded boring but it was all expenses paid so I wasn't about to turn that down. The conference was for five days and the only upside to the whole thing was spending time on the beach. I knew I wouldn't have time during the day but I liked the idea of being on the beach at night where there wouldn't be so many people there. It was almost like having the beach to myself.
The first day of the conference went exactly as I thought it would. Did some networking and did my best to promote my company's newest drug which was a new antidepressant. I left the event and headed back to my hotel. I changed then headed down to the bar for a quick drink before heading to the beach.
While I was enjoying my drink this guy came up to me.
"HI, I'm Mitch "he says as he reaches out his hand, "I saw you at the conference and wanted to say hi."
"Oh, you are a sales Rep too huh?"
"Yeah. I work for cyber/rx. Been working there for a few years now. You work for pharmacare right? "
"Yes I do. Only been there for a few months but I'm enjoying it so far."
We engaged in some chit chat and I told him I was headed to the beach for an hour or so. He said I hope I enjoy myself and that it was nice meeting me. I said I hope we can catch up again because he seemed really nice.
It was a little before eight so the sun was just starting to go down. I walked for a while before sitting down and taking out my phone to take a picture of the sunset.
"oh, hey. "a voice behind me said.
I was startled by this and quickly got to my feet.
"oh hey, sorry didn't mean to startle you. I'm Mitch, from the bar. "
"oh yeah I remember, you scared me a little. " I said as I tried to compose myself.
"I never caught your name so I didn't know how to get your attention. Sorry about that. "
"it's ok," I said, still shaking a bit, "I'm Alex. "
I reached out my hand to shake his. He reciprocated and we both stood there admiring the beautiful sunset.
"So, are you married or in a relationship, " he asked.
"No, I'm very single, " I replied, trying to fake a laugh.
" So am I," he said.
I didn't notice right away but Mitch had moved a little closer to me or at least it seemed that way.
" It's hard for me to date living in a very conservative town."
" why's that?" I asked
"Because I'm gay. "
There was an awkward silence as neither of us knew what to say next.
"Well, you're a good looking guy so I don't think you'll have much trouble finding someone. "
He laughed and nodded his head.
"You'd think that but no, I haven't even had sex in a long time, much less a relationship. "
We sat and talked for a long time until I looked at my watch and realized that I had to get back to my room at the hotel and get some sleep for the next day.
Mitch walked back with me as he was staying in the same hotel. We entered the elevator together but I got off first because our rooms were on different floors.
Day two of the conference was the same as the first except there were a few more people at my booth than the previous day.
At the end of the day I again returned to the hotel, changed, got a drink then headed off to the beach.
I was there maybe ten minutes when Mitch again joined me. I preferred to be alone usually but I was starting to enjoy his company properly because we were both in the same line of work.
We spent the evening talking and laughing and just having a good time.
On more than one occasion I noticed he brushed his hand against mine and he was once again sitting very close to me, perhaps even closer than last night.
Over the next few days, Mitch brushed my hand, stroked my back and on one occasion, put his head on my shoulder.
The fifth and final day of the conference had come. I was both happy and sad about it. Happy that the conference was over because it was very boring. I was sad because it would be the last night I could enjoy the beach at night before I left for the airport to take me home the next day.
It would also be the last time I'd get to see Mitch. I really liked him. We became good friends. I thought about maybe adding him to my social media so we could stay in touch.
I didn't bother to have a drink at the hotel bar, I just changed into my shorts and took off for the beach. I was looking forward to seeing Mitch even if it would be for the last time.
It was strange. I never felt this way before. I had really become attached to him. Our conversations about relationships and his revealing that he was gay stayed in my mind. Was I attracted to him. Was I gay?
I dismissed this as I arrived at the beach. I sat down and waited for Mitch. Looked at my watch and I began to worry. He was late. Maybe he wasn't coming. Maybe he was busy getting ready to leave the next day.
I began to feel a little sad when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I bolted to my feet when I realized it was Mitch.
"I didn't think you were going to be here,"I said.
Mitch laughed and said he was sorry for being late but he got a phone call from his boss just as he was heading here.
We both sat down and talked. Mitch seemed a little distracted. I asked him what was wrong and he just stared off for a bit.
"Tonight is the last night I'll get to see you and.... I was hoping... never mind."
"What, you were hoping for what? "
Mitch looked out at the water then turned his head facing me and without hesitation he leaned and kissed me.
I was surprised by this but also turned on. I grabbed his head and kissed him back.
I had never kissed a man before but I didn't think twice about kissing him. We continued to kiss for several minutes. He took off his shirt, revealing his fit body.
"I hope you like muscles? * he said with a nervous laugh.
"Oh yeah, you look fantastic. "
