I'm not convinced that I knew with any certainty why I chose this night to work up the courage to walk into what was known to be a gay bar in a neighborhood not far from where I lived. All outward appearances would mark me as straight, but I had a secret desire to be with men for many years. I sometimes dated women, and there was the occasional time when I would hook up with a guy, but that was an infrequent occurrence. Lately I had begun to feel restless, unhappy with where my life was now and I wanted to follow my instincts rather than my logic. I decided to let my guard down and see what would develop if I openly sought the company of gay men and that decision ultimately brought me to today.
Every journey starts with the first step and the first step of my journey began tonight. I sat in my car for a few minutes before finally deciding to get out and enter the bar. Not knowing what to expect was the worst feeling and once inside I immediately felt better. I was greeted by a friendly bartender and no one seemed to take much notice as I walked in and took a seat at the bar. I looked around and was glad to see some men like me and I wondered if this was the first time for any of them.
I chatted with the bartender on occasion, but he was kept busy by the customers and couldn't spare too much time to talk to any one person. A few other guys took seats next to me when it started getting a bit crowded, but those conversations were just pleasant pastimes and no real connections were made. Perhaps I was too optimistic in believing that one foray into the gay bar scene would produce the results I was hoping for, but I was realistic enough to understand that it takes time to meet people, specifically the right people.
Around midnight the place started to empty out and I was preparing to head home myself, a little disappointed but at least I could say that I went into unfamiliar waters and had some fun in the process. As I started picking up my money from the bar a nice fellow took the seat next to me. I looked at him and smiled. He smiled back and asked, "You're not leaving already, are you? The night is just getting interesting."
"Well, you might just be right. Perhaps I should reconsider, what do you think?" I responded.
"Definitely you should," he said.
I put my money back on the bar and called the bartender over. "Let me have another Jack on the rocks and what can he get for you?"
"I'd like a Grey Goose on the rocks with a twist. Thank you and my name is Cory by the way," he said.
"I'm John but most people call me Jack," I replied.
Just like that, when I was getting ready to leave, Fate intervened. Cory and I had a nice conversation and a few laughs. He told me that he was new in town and came here hoping to meet some people that he could connect with occasionally. I told him how this was my first time in this particular place and how fortunate it was that I didn't leave five minutes earlier. Clearly, Fate was at work.
After about half an hour and our one drink together, I said that I should be heading home since I had an appointment in the morning. Cory understood and said that he probably should leave as well. I paid the bill, took my change and Cory and I left the bar together. Outside, in the parking lot, Cory said that it was too bad that we had such a short time together and wished that we could extend the evening. I agreed and with that Cory said that his hotel was not too far away and while their bar was probably closed, he had a great mini bar in his room if I was interested in a nightcap. I had just enough alcohol in my system to make a quick decision on this invitation and I agreed to follow him to his hotel in my car.
Parking our cars next to each other in the lot, we walked into the lobby and took the elevator to his suite on the executive floor. His rooms were nice, a living/dining area and a separate bedroom with an en suite bathroom. Very nice accommodations.
Once we got inside, Cory told me to make myself comfortable and he would get a couple of drinks. I looked out of the window at the skyline and after placing the drinks on the coffee table in front of the sofa, Cory shut off the lights saying, "It's a much better view at night with the lights off, don't you agree?"
"Yes, it's great," I replied and walked back to the sofa, taking a seat next to Cory.
After we took a sip of our drinks, Cory said, "You're a nice-looking man and I hope that you don't mind me saying so."
"I'm flattered actually, and I appreciate the compliment," I responded. "Your quite attractive yourself and I'm glad that we met tonight."
