eCUPID 2.0

Jimmy sat alone. It was the grand re-opening ceremony for the Angel Café. As he looked around at all the hot, available men frequenting the café, he felt empty inside. Quietly he observed one man in particular. His name was Marshall, a guy he met on a social app a few days ago. Marshall was beautiful, with short, light brown hair, piercing blue eyes, and a strikingly handsome face. Jimmy watched as Marshall now passionately kissed his boyfriend. The two had been a couple for seven years, they had broken up, and now, for reasons unknown to Jimmy, they were mysteriously brought together again.

No matter why, Marshall was no longer available, and his heart belonged to another.

Jimmy was in his late twenties and attractive with a warm, caring heart and a keen sense of humor. He was dad-bod adorable. He didn’t have the usual “gym bunny” body like most guys in West Hollywood, but he wasn’t out of shape either.

Recently, Jimmy had just officially given up on men altogether. He had especially stopped pursuing the man of this dreams, Anton.

Anton worked with Jimmy as a sales representative. His job entailed stopping in the office every few weeks to introduce them to the latest office products and refill their orders. Anton was everything Jimmy wanted in a man, considerate, kind, funny, and sexy.

Jimmy found especially appealing that he was a burly mountain of a man– just the right side of beefy with thick hair and strong features.

Jimmy couldn’t help himself but have frequent lumberjack fantasies of Anton at the office how he longed to see him in tight jeans, a plaid button-down shirt, with an ax in his hand chopping lumber in the backyard of their cabin in the woods.

But now, as he sat alone in the café watching everyone meet, greet and romance each other, he felt lonely, sad and quietly asked the universe for someone to love. The words barely formed in his head before his phone made a mysterious chiming sound. “Looking for love?” the phone screen queried just as an invitation from an app named eCUPID asked for permission to help with his quest for a man.

WHY NOT? I’ve tried everything else… Just another silly app to play with.

He agreed to the terms and conditions of the program without reading them and prepared himself to leave.

Best to get home and settle in for the night and relax. No one here is interested in me. Love’s not in my future. Not today.

Quick to arrive home, a large white truck with the words “Divinity delivery” delivered a bounty of boxes in the distance.

Is that for me? I know I didn’t order anything?

Arriving at the front door, a delivery person was nowhere in sight ¬–before he could turn around, the truck had left without a trace. The only thing that remained was a stack of white boxes at the door.

Once inside, he no sooner opened the utility drawer to look for a box cutter when his phone sprang to life. It was the app that he had just downloaded. A sweet female voice asserted, “Clothes make the man, dress the part, and success will find you!”

Jimmy was shocked at the notification, not to mention that all the boxes contained beautiful tailor-made clothes that fit him perfectly. His wardrobe just went from zero to hero in 3.0 seconds!

Who is paying for all this? I guess I’ll worry about that when the bill comes in!

Jimmy was thrilled about his new look; everything was as if he picked it out himself and perfectly made for his body type.

All dressed up with nowhere to go…

The thought no sooner crossed his mind when the app’s voice asserted, “Your car is outside, time to hit the town!”

Could it be there’s an Uber waiting for me?

The voice sweetly insisted, “Meter’s running! Don’t dawdle!”

Sure enough, a car waited outside.

Jimmy was more confused than anything. Who was he to argue with the app?

A beautiful older woman was confidently seated in the driver’s seat upon entering the car. She welcomed him, “Let’s show you a good time!”

Jimmy recognized the voice –but from where? Could it be the same voice as on his phone?

Minutes later, the car pulled up to a strange address.

Where are we? Who lives in this place? Is this the good time you promised?

The driver hopped out of the car and opened his door, “Just ring unit 11. You’ll find your answers there.”

Curiosity got the best of him. I know I should insist on being taken home, but I’ve got to know what’s going on. With a curious look at his driver, he decided to gather his courage and make his way towards the building and number 11.

The doorbell chimed, but there was no reply.

Guess no one is here.

Before he could turn around, a muscular, strikingly handsome, freshly showered man wearing only a towel answered the door. “Hi, can I help you?” He wondered.

Wow. Is this a hook-up? Did they just send me to a rent boy? Whoever this stud is, they have excellent taste!

“My driver just instructed me to ring this bell. Why I was told to come here is a mystery to me.”

“Well, what’s your name?” he inquired pleasantly. Jimmy answered as he struggled to keep his eyes and look him in the face, rather than the dark, sexy path of hair that peeked out from beneath the towel and trailed towards his navel and well-defined abs.

“Jimmy…Popensmitz”

The man’s face softened; his expression turned familiar and caring.

“Please… Come in. It’s Rudy. Rudy from when we were in grade school.”

Jimmy instantly knew who Rudy was. He was surprised he didn’t recognize him sooner. It had only been ten years, but now in the prime of their lives, Rudy was hotter and more muscular than he ever was in middle school. Could this sexy man be the bully he so dreaded in his younger days? Jimmy thought about it for a minute and decided to enter. He was too curious about what he was doing there and what Rudy had to say to turn around and leave.

“Sit. Honestly, I just want a minute of your time. I hoped our paths would cross one day.” Jimmy entered the spacious, smartly decorated apartment as Rudy began explaining himself cautiously, “I’m guessing you remember me. I made myself quite unforgettable when we were kids. I know I was terrible to you in school; I was a bully. I want to say I’m sorry for what I put you through.”

Jimmy sat motionlessly.

How bizarre? How insane that he was taken to this house to see this person. WHY?

Before he could even attempt to make sense of what was happening, Rudy continued, “I didn’t understand my sexuality and took my frustrations out on you. I finally grew up and met a man who helped me understand who I was, but in school, you were my first crush, and I was mad at you for the feelings I had for you.”

Jimmy looked around. Could this be a joke? Was the high school bully coming out to him? Was he admitting that he tortured him because he was attracted to him? Mind blown, Jimmy couldn’t speak as he looked around the apartment.

He could make out framed photos of two men together, in playful, loving poses from where he sat. Rudy was now happy with a partner, but it still didn’t forgive what he did to Jimmy years ago.

Rudy asked sincerely, “Can you forgive me? I didn’t make the best decisions in life, and I’m paying for a lot of bad choices I’ve made. I hope you understand; I was a lost, scared teen, and now I am a remorseful, apologetic adult.”

Jimmy stood up. “I’ll be honest. I’m not sure why I’m here and what you want from me.
what you did was truly fucked up and hurtful.”

“I know that I was a terrible kid. I think fate took you to my door so you’d know that you didn’t deserve to be treated like that. Maybe it’s so you’d understand that the cruelty wasn’t because of who you were; it was because I hated who I was.”

Rudy looked genuinely remorseful. It was clear that he was a lost teen then, and, in an odd, crazy way, Jimmy felt flattered and relieved that all that terribleness in school was because some misguided, lost boy had a crush on him.

Time to be the bigger man. Jimmy stepped up and extended his hand. “I accept your explanation and apology.”

Rudy’s eyes softened. “Thank you. I hope you’re happy. You deserve to me. You look amazing, by the way.”

“Thank you. I appreciate this talk. It means a great deal to me. Now I’m sorry to rush out. I’ve got a car outside waiting for me.”

The two men said their goodbyes, and Jimmy headed back to the car.

The world is a crazy place. That was nuts!

Jimmy couldn’t wrap his mind around what had happened, but oddly enough, he felt much better about himself.

“Let’s get you a drink,” the soft-spoken female driver said. “I know of just the place.”

“A drink sounds nice right now,” Jimmy conceded, distracted by the thoughts being replayed in his head.

The car appeared instantly in front of a beautiful bar with a line going around the block.

“Here? Are you taking me to THIS bar? I’ve always wanted to check this place out, but I could never get in. Surely, with that line, it will take hours before getting a drink.”

The driver smiled, “Just go up to the front door. The bouncer will let you in.”

You’re joking.

Do I look like I’m kidding? She chuckled knowingly.

Jimmy meekly headed to the front of the line. All eyes scrutinized him as he walked by. Confident that he’d be turned away.

The bouncer’s phone chimed as he approached. He looked down and read the message. His hand instinctively grasped the red velvet divider and opened it for Jimmy to enter.

“Have a good time!” He nodded, then stepped aside for him. Confusing Jimmy even more.

“Thanks, I will,” Jimmy looked back to acknowledge his driver, but the car was conspicuously absent.

Less than two minutes before arriving at the bar, a drink appeared before him. “I didn’t order this.” He explained to the shirtless bartender who looked like he just stepped off the stage from a Magic Mike show. “It’s from the gentleman in the red shirt,” the server stated. Jimmy looked down the bar to see who generously bought him a drink.

A brilliant smile that accented his twinkling eyes and ruggedly handsome face was just the sight Jimmy hoped to see. “ANTON!” he excitedly called out.

“You’re looking great. Love the clothes and the confident smile.” Anton couldn’t be more complimentary. “So great to see you here. I hope you’re celebrating a promotion. You certainly deserve it!” he asked, always the cheerleader.

“As long as Nicholas works at the firm and takes credit for my ideas, they’ll be no promotion.” Jimmy somberly replied, excited to see his friend and crush.

Anton’s eyes continued to dart up and down, impressed with the new Jimmy, “I’m guessing you’re looking so fine because you’re here to meet someone, perhaps a date?”

As evident as it was, Jimmy couldn’t fathom that Anton was flirty with him. He laughed, quickly dismissing the compliment.

“Nope. Just popped in for a quick drink on the way home.”

Anton wasn’t sure what to say. It was an awkward exchange between two smitten men, “Well, I don’t want to keep you. I’ll see you on Monday. I’ve got an appointment with Nicholas to go through your inventory and re-stock your supplies. I’ll say ‘hello’ when I get there.” Anton smiled as he slipped into the crowd of eligible bachelors and disappeared.

That was awkward. I guess he was just being nice and had plans with someone else.
He quickly found comfort in the idea that Anton was out of his league anyway. Jimmy knew he was just kidding himself thinking such a sweet, sexy man was even a possibility for him as a boyfriend.

Jimmy raised his phone to call an Uber. Without the need to press a button, the app indicated that a car had arrived and was out front, ready and waiting for him.

Without questioning it further, Jimmy entered the car and went home. It was a long and crazy day, and he was grateful that tomorrow he’d be at work; a familiar place.

Too many surprises today. Best to get back to the usual grind.

Jimmy slept like a baby that night, but the morning proved quite different.

A friendly and now familiar female voice woke him up when his phone politely but firmly instructed. “Time to get up. It’s a half-hour earlier than usual, but I’ve got something special in store for you.”

Was this app serious? Was it taking over his life? For a minute, he thought yesterday was all a dream. Before he could ask any more questions, the voice said, “Oh, and I’ve turned on your coffee maker for you – Happy Valentine’s Day!”

Valentine’s Day? Who knew? Who cares? It’s just another day for me.

Jimmy’s TV flickered on. Instantly, a yoga video appeared on the screen, giving him quite a scare.

Hmmm, I’ve always wanted to try yoga. Why not?

Jimmy gave the lesson his best effort and was surprised at how much he enjoyed it.

Soon after, he was showered and dressed in the clothes delivered the day before. He wasn’t one for being boastful, but he was quite pleased with the image of himself in the mirror.

When Jimmy arrived at work, his co-workers greeted him with hearty pats on the backs, smiles, and congratulatory handshakes.

Did I miss something? What’s happening?

Anton looking as spectacular as ever, was already there. He hurried out of the commissary and handed Jimmy a hot cup of coffee. “Looks like Karma finally caught up with Nicholas. Somehow the big boss realized that all your designs and work were yours and not his.”

REALLY? Who? How?

Jimmy was baffled. Anton explained, “No one’s sure what the story is. Something showed up in the boss’s email this morning.”

Jimmy quickly took to his cubical and fired up his computer to see if he could get any more information on what had transpired. He sipped his coffee and wondered what was next for him today. No sooner did the thought cross his mind, a dozen flowers arrived at his desk.

Who are these from? Jimmy was astonished. His phone lit up with a message and the familiar female voice saying, “These are not FOR you, they’re FROM you. You’ll understand why shortly”.

Weird. Weird. Weird. This program is nuts. It’s way too much trouble! I’ll delete it later.

A voice from his phone intercom surprised him as it inquired, “Jimmy, would you please come upstairs for a quick meeting?” Jimmy knew exactly who it was. It was the big boss’s secretary. Why was he being summoned was a mystery?

He took another gulp of coffee and headed upstairs.

“Go right in, My Popensmitz,” the older, impeccably dressed secretary politely said. “He’s expecting you.”

The boss’s office was grand—dark mahogany walls, a heavy tapestry, with lush, heavy oak furniture. Jimmy had been with the company for ten years now and had not ever been in this office, let alone speak with the boss one-on-one.

“Sit, make yourself comfortable,” the CEO of the company insisted, as he appeared seemingly out of nowhere. “I’m guessing you’ve heard by now that Nicholas has been let go. I’m sorry that this firm had not recognized all your terrific work for so long.”

“Nicholas was my supervisor. My job was to report to him, and that’s what I did. The credit wasn’t important. What was important was that my team was efficient, and our work benefited the company,” Jimmy explained modestly.

The stately, older man laughed heartily. “That’s exactly the kind of employee I appreciate. However, Nicholas should have shared the credit. A good boss supports his employees, not promotes himself because of them. It’s for that reason; he’s been terminated. I’m promoting you to his job. His office is yours effective immediately. I have every confidence that you’ll excel in this position.”

Thank you, sir. I won’t fail you.” Jimmy promptly replied with newfound confidence. The boss’s appreciative grin told Jimmy everything he now needed to know.

Back at his cubicle, he gathered his few possessions. A notification from his phone simply stated, “Congratulations. Now, Go get, ‘em tiger.”

Jimmy took his belongings and moved into Nicholas’s old office across the hall.

This is nice. I can’t say that having your own private office isn’t going to be awesome. Jimmy sat down at the desk and leaned back.

Yup. A guy could get used to this!

Anton appeared at the door and knocked softly. “Hi, congratulations! I just heard it was official. I guess that from now on, you’ll be my contact here, and we’ll be going over the inventory together.”

“Yeah, seems so.” Jimmy smiled, excited to be with Anton.

“Before we get to business, I’d like to attend to a personal matter. I have a question, and it may not be the most professional thing to ask you here at work, but to hell with it…”

Jimmy looked down and saw the flowers. He instantly understood the cryptic message that accompanied them when they arrived.

“… Would you be my Valentine?”

Anton’s face again lit up as he reached into his pocket and produced a small, red envelope. “I was just about to ask you the same question.” Anton bashfully handed Jimmy a small red card.

Jimmy was thrilled as he took the card from Anton and read it. “For years, I’ve wanted to ask you out, but I was afraid you’d say no. Today I’m taking a chance; you’ll say yes.”

Anton was delighted with the flowers he had just received and spotted a card in the beautiful bouquet. Before Jimmy could explain that the flowers mysteriously arrived from an unknown place, Anton read the card and gave him a sweet, brilliant grin. And said, “You’re a lovely man. Of course, I’ll be your Valentine.”

Jimmy could see the card he had just given Anton, which came with the flowers. It read, “Cupid had struck my heart and delivered these flowers from me to you.”

Jimmy walked over to the office door and closed it. The office was now private and dark with a quick twist of the blinds. He slowly and confidently walked over to Anton and took him in his arms, and kissed him tenderly, deeply.

The world disappeared around them as they pressed their powerful bodies against each other. The two men had so desperately desired the other for so long, and now, they finally were able to be with each other. They could feel the other’s heartbeat as they pressed together, the sensation of their warm breath, and the taste of their sweet lips as they touched. They took their time to enjoy the caring and strong embrace. A deep gaze into each other’s eyes signaled that it may be best to wait until later to go further. After all, they were at work.

Jimmy asked if Anton could join him for dinner that evening at his favorite restaurant. Anton eagerly accepted.

Again, Jimmy’s phone lit up. This time for the last time.

It simply stated, “Happy Valentine’s Day. Love, eCUPID”

With that, the app mysteriously disappeared. It had done its job and fulfilled its promise. Soon, it would appear on someone else’s phone and help them find their special someone.

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