After my divorce I moved into a small apartment in a small town. It was well situated behind the shops and close to the rail station. The apartments were not luxurious as money was tight after my ex-wife's lawyers had taken all they could, but they were clean and comfortable enough.
My neighbours in the block mostly kept themselves to themselves. I'd pass them on the stairs or in the lobby and we'd nod and say hello. Most were of a similar mature age to me, so fortunately noise was never a problem.
There were two apartments per floor and six floors in my block. I was still working so would be out most weekdays, only bumping into people in the evenings or at weekends. The tenant in the apartment on my floor was a guy called Dave. He was probably about five years younger than me, balding, well presented guy, kept himself fit. He's always greet me with a 'Hello,' a smile and a nod. I'd seen the odd male visitor for him so assumed he was gay.
I liked to go for a run a few evenings a week and at weekends. I'd put on my running gear, plug in my earphones and do 5 to 6k. One Saturday morning I was just going out when Dave appeared at his door. 'Morning' he said, 'you haven't got some milk you could spare have you?'
'Yes, hang on' I said, turning back to my door, unlocking and fetching the half bottle I had.
'You're a star mate' he said, 'I'll pay you back.'
'No worries' I said, I'll pick up another from the shop on my way back. Have that on me.'
Dave raised his thumb at me in thanks. He was just wearing a dressing gown, nothing on his legs or feet and I could see a gold chain around his bare chest.
As I headed off on my usual route along the riverbank, I wondered whether Dave had a guest staying or was recovering after a heavy night on the beer. Either way, nothing beats a cup of tea in the morning after a heavy session.
I finished my run, picked up some more milk from the shop and headed back home. As I climbed the stairs, Dave appeared at his door and offered my some money for the milk, I told him it wasn't necessary as I'd just got some more. He asked if I fancied a cup of tea. I told him I was sweaty from my run but he said it didn't matter, he was still in his dressing gown. Although I would have preferred not to, I said okay and followed him into the apartment.
I sat at a table in his lounge, next to the kitchen. He made the tea and was chatting away as he brewed. 'How do you like your tea mate?' he called out.
'I like it like I'd like my ex-wife,' I said, 'in a bag under water.'
Dave roared with laughter, 'That's brilliant mate, bloody funny' he said as he appeared with two cups and sat on the chair next to me.
'How long you been divorced?' he asked.
'We've been separated for a couple of years and divorced about nine months. Women eh?'
'I wouldn't know mate' he said, 'I bat for the other side. Mind you I've met many a gay bloke that's a drama queen. So not got anyone else currently then?'
'No' I said, 'I'm in no hurry to get into another relationship. Happy to jog on by myself and get the occasional hook up when needs must.'
'Fair enough,' he said, I'm much the same. 'I've got a couple of trusted FWB's I can connect with when I need to.
'That's handy' I said, I could do with a couple of friends like that.'
'Id lend them to you mate' he said but they're probably not your type' he said.
'Who knows?' I said, 'I'm pretty open about things nowadays.'
Dave gave me a quizzical look. 'What, are you a bit Bi then?' he asked.
'Don't know if it's Bi or not but I'm open to all the options now. Funny how you look at life differently after things happen.' I replied.