Our Way

by T.L. Swan

I snort in surprise. My Coke goes down the wrong pipe, and I choke in a spectacular fashion. “Are you kidding me?” I cough as I slap my chest. “You’re gay?” He laughs out loud. “Why is that so shocking to you?” This man is the epitome of masculinity. “Because…” I pause as I try to articulate myself. “You give off a very different vibe from other gay guys I’ve known.” He smiles, clearly amused, and he rests his chin on his hand as he watches me. I end up smiling too because this is just my crappy luck. “I had plans for us, Nathan,” I tease as I rearrange the napkin on my lap. “I know: lunch, tomorrow.” “No, actually, that wasn’t it.” I go back to cutting my lasagne. “It was dinner tonight to celebrate our first day together, but you probably have a Grindr date or something and won’t be able to fit me into your schedule.” “Eliza…” “Yeah?” I sigh, thoroughly distracted. He waits for my attention, and I drag my eyes up to meet his, he gives me a soft smile. “Is that your way of asking me to dinner as a friend?” “Maybe.” I smile. “I’d love to.”