It was the merest glance, a glimmer of recognition on my part. And, I was sure, on his. Across a crowded bar, lively and raucous on a Friday night, bodies moving and writhing, our eyes met for a split second that seemed to last for minutes but must have been over in a flash. I'd been spotted.
In a gay bar.
By one of my dad's golf buddies.
There was no doubting he'd seen me. Or had he? He didn't come over. Maybe I'd get away with it.
I didn't know what to think. Was Bill going to tell my parents where he'd seen me? What was he doing there anyway?
It didn't make sense.
He'd divorced a couple of years earlier, but I didn't think he was into men. He didn't seem the type. It must have been a mistake, wandering into the bar on a night out.
It was on the edge of the quarter after all. Yes, that must be it, I thought.
I wasn't ready to reveal my true feelings to my parents yet, so I prayed that he hadn't recognised me.
The great escape, as I hoped it would be, only lasted six days. I was terrified when we met, by chance, at the local gym, but it turned out to be the best thing in my life.
From potential catastrophe to ecstasy in one fell swoop - and to think that milli-second look through a throbbing bar led to it.
I was finished in the gym and heading for the sauna when I bumped, literally, into Bill. I had a double take. No! Not ready for this, I thought, as I mumbled a hello.
Bill cheerily greeted me, as is his way - we've known him for virtually all my life, so he's been around and about the family forever. I hesitated, but shook his hand and exchanged in small talk.
As we wound down the conversation, I thought: "I'm going to get away with this."
But I was wrong. He joined me in the sauna and, as luck would have it, the only other guy in there was on his way to the showers within a minute.
I gulped, thinking: "It's not over yet."
Sure enough, he soon piped up: "Saw you in Johnny's the other night!"
I was distraught. It was hell. But he obviously saw my concern, and added: "It's OK."
It took me a while to compose myself after the shock. "Saw you too," I replied.
"Yes, I go there regularly - it's one of my favourite bars," said Bill.
I looked up, surprised, and he went on: "I'm gay, Ross. What about you?"
Nodding almost morosely in response, I felt his hand touch mine. "It's OK," he whispered. "I know exactly how you're feeling. I've been there myself. I can help you. It'll all be OK."
Seconds later, we were interrupted by a couple of lads entering the sauna. What timing! we didn't stay long after that, but, as we headed for the showers, Bill asked me over to his that night for a spot of dinner.
I agreed to go, despite my reservations, and it was so good to open up to someone.
We talked and talked, me telling how I'd acted on impulse and discovered I preferred men, him revealing at length how he'd always known he was gay - even through 20 years of marriage - and coming to terms with his feelings despite loving his wife dearly.
He talked of his first experiences, and how the desires had risen in him so much that he broke down in front of Maureen, confessing his darkest secret. Incredibly, she was supportive - so much so that we'd never heard a word of what had happened - helping Bill in his greatest hour of need. They separated eventually, but she remained a rock even after the split, accompanying him to a gay support group and making sure he always stocked up on condoms. I was truly amazed at her backing amid a betrayal.