It was just another night watching football at home. It being Sunday, he started watching that afternoon. It was a simple pleasure he could still find time to enjoy. This was the third game today, and it was winding down. His girlfriend would pretend to get into it with him, but then would ask the same questions regarding the rules, score, etc., forcing the realization she really didn't understand, or care to understand the game at all. It would be more merciful if she would go shopping or something, so he could enjoy it in peace. He entertained himself in a chat room full of men, gay men. Some of them, at least were watching the game.
It's not that he was gay himself, at least, that's what he told himself. Looking at men didn't really do anything for him, but there were certain aspects on which he would fantasize. Bondage appealed to him. The thought of being helpless was a turn on. Anal sex was something he was more than curious about. He'd always had a 'taken and tied' fantasy, and he advertised it. Women would be nice, but men, he figured could do the job of overpowering him for his sexual adventure.
He'd never actually go through with anything, he thought. That would be crazy. Still, he found himself in a sexless relationship, and these were the thoughts that went through his mind when satisfaction eluded him..
'Touchdown'! The few watching the game made their comments, both positive and negative based on the team of their choosing. He joined in with the excitement, typing in his own comments so all knew he was watching as well, then the chat went back to the usual.
He viewed the screen with contempt at times. So many offering blow jobs on line. Can't they find someone at home to suck off? Is it really that hard? Talk to your neighbor, for crying out loud. Then there were the phone sex people and those using Skype. Just whacking it, really. He was sure that's what most came for. I mean, seriously, it's worldwide. Did anyone really meet on here?
'Interception'! The site went crazy again. There was a time when he had friends over to watch the games, but, slowly, as his girlfriend, and possibly theirs came up with projects, illnesses and plans of their own, the leisure time of men was squeezed out and replaced with 'family time', that turned into this.
Now he chatted on a gay site, with her in the room, and she never even noticed. Shame.
Presently, he was chatting to a favorite of his named Charlie out of New York. he doubted it was his real name. He had introduced himself as Phil, from Fort Lauderdale, also not his real name It was all for self protection. They would discuss things they would never want their families to even know, much less talk about, and who knows what crazies are out there.
Charlie would be one of those who got into the games, but they would go into private more often and talk about other things as well. New Yorkers often vacationed in Florida and they would joke about the weather. The Giants were having a much better season then the Dolphins, and he made sure that was well known. 'Phil' would return the favor by mentioning having the windows open while Charlie was freezing in New York. It was a phone call / letter writing mixture that just felt friendly. Here, in the room next to him, he looked over. Hell, she was asleep in the chair!
He sighed. It wasn't all her fault, he knew. They were getting old. They'd been together for years and just got used to each other. They were too busy? Or maybe he was making excuses himself. They weren't THAT old. Ah, well. Life happens. In the end, he supposed, it was probably a lack of interest on both sides.
He looked down again at his laptop. At least there was some entertainment in social media. Work tomorrow, and the last game was in overtime. 'Time to sign off', he guessed.
The 'private' window opened on the chat screen. He noticed and opened it.
"Hey Bud." Speak of the devil. It was Charlie. Sort of late, not the Giants playing. Must be insomnia.
"Hey, how's it going." He responded.
"Not bad. Saw you on, thought I'd just say hello."
"I was getting ready to hit it, myself."
"My cousin is coming down your way. He's sick of the cold up here. I told him I sort of knew someone in Fort Lauderdale. I was wondering if you could give him some info on the area, sort of give him a head start."
Phil stared at the screen. 'Really? What kind of help does this guy need?'
"If you can't help, it's ok. He has plenty of money and all. just some information on the area to help him along."
They'd always chatted, but that was it. Phil wasn't sure what to make of this request. He had an email set up for this sort of thing. He'd had people contact him before, but never a meeting. He gave him this email.
Over the next month, they had an email exchange as well as the chat room meetings. Charlie sent pictures of his area, with the snow. Phil sent some pictures of the beach. Charlie would ask about the job outlook down there. Phil knew he was looking online at rentals, but ads didn't say anything about the neighborhood. Charlie would ask about that and Phil would tell him what he knew. They exchanged face pictures, something Phil had not done before. He had some photos online. Profiles practically required them, but he kept his face out of it. The day came when he opened his email
Hi Phil,
Just wanted to let you know, my cousin is doing fine there in Fort Lauderdale. When I asked if you could help him, you seemed hesitant, so I didn't want to ask you again. Instead, I'd been sending him the information you'd been giving me, and he says it's been a big help. He'd like to buy you a lunch or something, if that's alright. His name's Dan Here's his number. Call him when you get the chance.
Charlie
Phil had wondered what had happened with that move thing. He thought, perhaps, the information was to be used for a move in the spring. Now he felt like a bit of a heal. He'd been lacking in friends for quite some time. How else was he going to meet anyone? It's not like he went out or anything, or could even get away without answering twenty questions or running an errand. He thought about it at work, and, in due time, made the call.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Is this Dan?"
"Sure is. Phil?"
"Uh, yes."
"Hi! Thanks for calling! When I spoke to Charlie, he wasn't sure you would. Hey, listen, Charlie's told me how much you've helped him help me get situated here. I'd like to take you out for lunch or something, if that's ok.'
"Well.." Phil was still hesitant. "I've got work."
"How about after work, then? A drink, maybe." There was a pause. "Common... pick the place. Let me buy you a beer."
For the life of him, Phil couldn't think of why not. Charlie was right. He sounded like a nice guy.
"OK, sounds good. Where about are you? "
Dan gave a roundabout description of his area that Phil could recognize. He wasn't too far from downtown. There was a nice bar and grill close by he knew of.
"I'm not sure of the address, but there's a bar that's reasonable near 4th street called Nicks."
"OK, cool! I'll Google it. Still finding my way around."
"I get off at 5, and then there's traffic. Say ... 6?"
"Sounds good. I'll meet you there. This your cell?"
"Uh, yeah."