Maestro

by Auden Dar

Denim blue eyes glare down at forest green ones, neither backing away. Strong shoulders back, broad chests out. Both men move forward, on the verge of lunging at each other. This could be the Cold War on the verge of going nuclear. Each one battles for my heart, although Chad had a head start almost two decades ago. They’re similar in so many ways. Handsome. Smart. Ambitious. Loving. They’re also very different. One is an architect, the other a musician. One loves to read blueprints, while the other loves to read sheet music and literature. One will take me home tonight. The other will continue to orchestrate the rhythm of my heart, instructing it to beat only for him. “La Bohème will start soon. We need to go,” I say, grabbing Gabriel’s hand before fists start to fly. I turn to Chad. “Give Astor a big hug for me.” As I’m about to walk away, Chad reaches for my arm, pulling me to his chest like he would a lover. My hand slips from Gabriel’s. Chad’s embrace is warm and inviting. It’s like returning home again, after years of being away. “You’ve broken my heart again,” he whispers in my ear.