When in any bar, gay or straight, I love to watch people without them being aware. It's fun to try to figure out the stories of their lives and those of the people they are with. On this night, from across the smoky and noisy bar, I immediately noticed the two guys who seemed to be arguing about something. Every few moments they would glance my way and again resume their disagreement. I did my best to not be blatantly obvious about my interest in what was happening.
The angrier of the two was blond and beefy. His massive biceps and bulging pecs stretched the fabric of his white T-shirt to the limits. The shirt was tucked into a pair of belted 501s; worn thin in all the right places. A pair of old snakeskin cowboy boots finished off the tempting package.
The guy with him looked like the All-American boy-next-door. Incredibly handsome, he was on the verge of almost being pretty. His skin was smooth and tan. His teeth so white they seemed to glow in the dim light of the bar. He actually reminded me of some of my fraternity brothers with his clean-cut good looks. He looked a bit out of place in his button-down Polo dress shirt, khakis and loafers. Looks can be deceiving and I figured this one could have a real nasty streak. Little did I know I was going to find out personally.
The argument came to an abrupt end with the hunkier of the two shoving the "pretty boy" and stomping out of the establishment. The other guy took a deep breath and headed across the room directly to me. He stuck out a hand as he approached and said, "Hi, I'm Tim. Can I buy you a drink?"
I was somewhat stunned, but answered, "Sure, a gin and tonic."
He was back in a few minutes with our drinks and after a couple of awkward moments I asked him what the big argument with his friend had been about.
"Oh, he's not a friend. That little performance was my lover at his best. He gets that way whenever we go out to a bar. And that particular fight was about you."
I almost choked on my drink. "Excuse me. What do I have to do with an argument between you and your lover?"