That Saturday evening in late November on the occasion of my 25th high school reunion I expected to have a good time chatting with old friends, many of whom I had not seen in 25 years. Lynn Millan, a petite blond who had been my first ever date, had contacted me with a beautifully written invitation. It did not surprise me that the girl who had served two years as class president would be on the reunion committee. Without hesitation I replied that I would attend.
I thought about some of them while walking quickly across the hotel parking lot. Lynn was on my mind. I'll bet she's married with two or three children.
Another classmate on my mind was Jack Eden. The lean six foot blond had run track but other than that he was not athletic. He had been a quiet type who seemed to keep to himself.
James Edwin had been a good friend during those days. I had met him for the first time while trying out for Bantam hockey. From there he went on to play on the high school team while I went on to play in Midget.
The cold wind sent a chill through my body as I walked through the parking lot toward the lobby of the Marriot. Nearing the entrance I saw an old acquaintance coming toward me.
James had been a typical high school age boy in one sense. Like many others I had known, he had been sexually active. Several girls had been notches on his belt.
Lynn sat behind the table flanked by two other members of the reunion committee, both of whom were males. Neither was anyone in my small circle of friends. I knew them only vaguely though both were handsome.
"Todd Henry how are you?"
"I'm good. It's been a long time."
Some memories flooded my mind. There were those evenings on the sofa in front of the television kissing. There was our first sex in the back of her car parked at a spot where we did not belong.
"I'll see you inside in a few minutes."
With the name tag now pinned to my lapel, I walked into the function room. There several former alumni mingled in groups of two or three or four. It was not long before I caught someone's eye.
Jane Maroney had not changed except for her auburn hair being cut shorter. We had been platonic friends for four years.
"Todd how are you?"
"I'm fine," I replied.
"What's new?"
"Not a lot, " I replied. "I'm a graphics artist these days."
"I always suspected you would be working in that field."
For three of those years we had been in the same art class.
"I'm married now. The name is Callahan. Hubby works for a construction company. He's a manager."
"Is he here tonight?"
"He's home watching the game. Are you married?"
All sports to her were just 'the game'.
"Divorced," I replied.
I had changed. I could think of women as friends but I could not be open to dating and romance. I had not dated one since leaving my wife.
The curiosity about sex with a man had begun secretly while Carrie and I were still married. That curiosity led me to frequent gay webcam chat rooms. My first occasions were spent just viewing and making comments. By the third Tuesday I began posing naked. The more I posed and enjoyed doing so, the more I realized I wanted a man.
"That's too bad."
"Carrie and I have not been together for a long time, since I was 32."
Like everyone else there, I had been 32 ten years ago.
"My daughter is a typical fourteen year old. She's just starting to wear make up and she wants all the expensive outfits."
"Carrie and I didn't have any children together. The last time I saw her was two years ago. She's remarried and has two boys."
"It sounds like you guys don't stay in touch."
"We do," I replied.
The curiosity about man on man sex grew until, on a hot summer day, it brought me to my first pride parade, a major life changing event. It was there I met Mark.
My gaze fell upon the gorgeous five foot eight inch blond as he stood several feet away on my right. A few seconds passed before he looked in my direction and our eyes met. That night I lost my virginity.
While our little chat continued Lynn came bye and joined us. She and Jane, best friends during high school days, embraced. The conversation quickly devolved into girl talk.
Eric Scofeld was having a beer when I approached him to say hello. He had been another in my small circle of friends, perhaps a little closer than most.
He had grown a neatly trimmed light brown beard. Thin rimmed glasses sat over his straight nose.
"Todd my man, It's been a long time."
His hand shake was firm. His blue eyes met mine. Maybe it was the way his eyes locked on to me or the way his gaze moved down that betrayed wanton desire.
Off in one corner of the function room the disc jockey stood behind his table with a tall stack of CD covers. In another moment he put on a song. I recognized Huey Lewis "Giving it All Up for Love" from the album called "Picture This."
I looked out toward a dance floor that was rapidly drawing couples.
Eric and I remained on the sidelines.
By 10 the reunion was beginning it's third hour. I had chatted with everyone there who was a friend on any level during high school. Gradually I made my way back to Eric.
