Future Boy
July 2010
Jamie bounded into the bar and grabbed his friend for a hug. She sighed, Jamie’s energy was tiresome after a long day but she wouldn’t have him any other way. She couldn’t. No one could.
Gabby, a PR executive, was already sinking red wine, drowning her sorrows after her boss Patrica had been on at her about booking another arsehole minor celebrity. “I hate these people. Why waste time in uni when you can just go on a reality show and earn thousands through deals?” She huffed.
“Babe, you’re PR. You make us all beleive these guys are who we need to follow and consume through, it’s technically your fault. And as a result, brilliant at your job.” Jamie smiled and kissed her on the forehead.
“Thank you honey. But, remember it’s your job to bring all this shit to the consumer.” Gabby snapped with a smile.
“Guilty as charged baby girl.” Jamie fluttered his eye lashes at her and she nudged his shoulder.
Dean was at the bar with a group of colleagues. A quiet wind down drink after another hectic work week. He’d hit a dry spell and wanted to start actively looking for suitors again. He’d consciously lost himself in work, friends and family after a string of dead end flings and relationships. Now he was ready to dive back into the dating pool again.
A blonde guy caught his eye. He was wildly loud and smiley, in direct opposite to his friend who seemed to murmur or giggle stiltedly at his words. He was elegant, with immaculate blonde hair, parted to the side with a little flopping into his eye brow. Beautiful olive skin. Blue eyes that looked like pools of fresh water. He was slight but athletic. His features made him almost pretty, for a man.
Dean couldn’t stop staring. He called the barman. “Mate, blonde over there, get him another of whatever he’s drinking, on me. Tell him I sent it over. Cheers mate.” The bar man grinned and went to make another Aperol Spritz.
“Excuse me, just wanted to let you know this has been sent by the dark haired gentleman at the end of the bar over there. Enjoy.” The barman winked and Jamie smirked. He looked up and caught Dean’s eye accross the long marble bar. He mouthed ‘thank you’ and tipped the glass to Dean, who reciprocated with his pint of lager.
“We’ve been here five fucking minutes and you’ve pulled. Are you serious?” Gabby joked with a hint of actual exacerbation.
“It’s from that total stud in the corner. What should I do? He looks straight. Perhaps he’s just having fun before he heads home to his wife.” Jamie started creating wild ideas that this man might be a total bastard before he even talks to him. Gabby rolled her eyes.
“I think you should go say hello. If you don’t, plenty of other men or women will try their chances. He’s fucking beautiful.” Gabby encouraged. She checked her pristine blue-black bob and eyeliner in her compact mirror.
Jamie thought about it, then slipped off his chair and moved round the bar slowly. Dean clocked his movement and did the same. They met in the middle of the bar.
“Thank you for the drink, very generous.” Jamie opened.
Dean raised his eyebrows. “You’re welcome. Sorry I wasn’t expecting you to sound like that.” Dean instantly regretted the line. He was surprised at the practically identical accent Jamie carried to his own.
“I see, so you’re judgemental. I’m blonde, in a gay bar so therefore I must be thick as pig shit, right?” Jamie grinned, enjoying the slight squirm in his new friend’s face.
“Shit. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. Let’s start again. I’m Dean. You caught my eye as you walked in. You’re really handsome.” Dean was feeling nervous, he never normally found it a struggle to make conversation. This guy was making him dizzy.
“Think nothing of it Dean. The gay world is full of labels and misconceptions. For the record, you’re pretty easy on the eye too. Time for me to be honest, I thought you might be straight, looking for a quickie before heading home to your wife. So I apologise in advance.” Jamie knocked his shoulder against Dean’s giggling.
Dean’s inside lit up at the contact.
“Haha. Then we’re equal I guess. No, I’m definitely on this team. What do you do for work?” Dean wanted to know more and move the conversation on immediately.
“I’m a marketing consultant. Love my work. I’m 24, just starting out in the big bad world of London town. You?” Jamie sipped his drink but his eyes caught Dean’s.
Dean was hooked. He’s intelligent and handsome, he thought. “I’m an IT consultant for a finance firm in the city. Won’t bore you with the details. No one wants to talk about it and that’s cool. I’m 29.”
Jamie started to play with the cuff of Dean’s shirt sleeve, the confidence with which he moved made Dean have to concentrate on breathing. “I’d like to hear about it. Whenever I’m on calls with work about IT, I mean proper meetings not me forgetting my password for the millionth time, it fascinates me. I admire the level of detail, the confidence in explaining such complex things. It’s kinda sexy.” Jamie looked up and grinned at Dean.
Dean could have kissed him. But he tried to stay composed. Jamie was intoxicating. “Wow, that’s new. Not heard anyone put IT and sexy in the same sentence. Uh…” Dean ran out of steam.
“Well, look. I gotta go back to my friend. Thank you again for the drink. It was very kind. See you round.” Jamie tapped Dean on the shoulder and bit his lip at the feel of a hard rounded shoulder.
“Uh, yeah ok.” Dean stuttered. Don’t leave, he thought.
Jamie stopped and turned back to Dean.
“Oh my god. This is where you ask for my number. Then I give it to you. Then you ask for my socials or your friends start investigating them for you and report back. My friend is probably already profiling you as we speak, now would be a could time to tell me about your wife, kids and Labrador.” Jamie laughed and grabbed Dean’s shoulder more firmly. He wanted more of that muscle.
“Yeah, sorry. You just make me feel a bit nervous. Yeah that would be great.” Dean opened his contacts and added him. “Jamie?”
“Arden. Jamie Arden.” Jamie said while swilling his glass. He didn’t acknowledge the nervous comment but he did enjoy making this man feel a little overwhelmed. Jamie thought he was adorable. He didn’t show it, but Jamie was already a little smitten.
Dean let out a little huff of excitement at having his full name. Like he was a real person all of a sudden.
Thank you. “Me, I’m Dean Archer.”
“Well that goes well together doesn’t it? Arden-Archer.” Jamie raised his eyebrows at Dean. Dean moved closer to him as Jamie put a hand on each side of his neck. They laughed together.
“Ok, thank you Dean Archer. Ball is in your court if you’d like to get to know this a little better. I have to go.” He leaned into Dean’s ear. “I know you’re more of a gentleman than me so I’m going to stay classy and wait. But I would absolutely have had you come home with me tonight.” He kissed Dean’s ear lobe and left.
Dean’s cock swelled. He would very likely have let him take him home, but he did want to do this properly and find out more about this beautiful man before they moved to that part of wherever this may go.
2 Weeks Later
Dean sent a text that went unanswered, asking for a casual coffee, nothing heavy. He was in the queue at the Starbucks near his office. In front of him he instantly recognised Jamie’s hair. He felt completely humiliated. Jamie never replied. He cleared his throat and tapped Jamie on the shoulder. “Oh hello. Don’t tell me you forgot to pay your phone bill so you couldn’t reply?”
“Oh hi. Shit, yeah sorry. It’s been a wild couple of weeks. Uh yeah sorry. Text me again soon and we can meet up maybe?” Jamie smiled awkwardly.
Dean felt wounded. This guy just wasn’t into him he thought, even after their first conversation. Perhaps being a little too confident, Dean never had to fight like this for a date, he’d forgotten about the chase. It made him even more keen. Maybe this is his tactic, Dean thought. Well, game on.
Another week and nothing.
At a Spin class with his friend Harry. “Hey I know that guy in front.” Dean tapped Harry on the arm. Just before they got started with the session.
“Oh the ghost boy. Well either say something after the class or leave it. I couldn’t take the humiliation myself.” He said it loud enough that Jamie cocked his head round to him but didn’t see Dean behind him.
After the class Jamie got off his bike. The sight of him glistening, in small shorts and vest made Dean even more charged with nailing this guy down for a date. He was magnificent.
“Shall I just take the hint then?” Dean said grinning at him, hoping he was wrong. He wanted to see if Jamie squirmed. If he did, he’d carry on chasing.
“Hi Dean. Fuck I’m such an idiot. Text me again, honesty. I’m so rubbish. No, don’t give up. Great to see you. Uh, gotta go.” Jamie scarpered.
“What the fuck was that?” Harry, known amongst their group as a total queen. He was handsome, successful but extremely unfiltered. It was a hindrance as much as it was brilliant.
“Well, he felt awkward, that to me means he’s not uninterested. Come on, you just saw him, worth a bit of a chase or what?” Dean grinned.
“Yeah suppose you’re right. He is a bit of a knock out to be fair. You’ve got more patience than me.” Harry dabbed himself with his towel. “By the way, I know you’re like an old man when it comes to late nights out but there is an 80s theme night in Soho next Saturday in Yard, we are so going. It’s our decade. Fancy dress, you’ll hate it and roll your eyes but you’re my friend, I love you and you’re coming.” Harry squeezed his hands on Dean’s arms.
“Ok. You can sort what I wear out. I have literally no interest in this sort of stuff.” He huffed then felt a little lighter. Could Jamie, the impossible to pin down for even a coffee, Jamie, make an appearance. Harry must have read his mind.
“Yes, I bet he’s there.” He slapped Dean on the back. “Come on. Coffee.” It was 7AM and London was just waking up, so was Dean’s appetite for Jamie.
Yard - Saturday
“I can’t go out dressed like this.” Harry had Dean in a pair of tiny blue running shorts and vest. With a white Nike headband.
“Uh, I very much can actually. You look so handsome, show your body off. I think you need to literally pull out these big guns to lock in a date with this blonde boy.” Harry was a vision in sequins, he squeezed Dean’s impressive arms. Harry looked like something out of a West End production, as usual. He always admired Harry’s attitude to life. He made a mental note to loosen up a bit.
“Point taken. Ok. Are we meeting everyone else there? I need more alcohol in me before I go out in public like this.” Dean started searching the fridge in Harry’s loft.
“Yes plenty of wine in the fridge darling. Help yourself. Grab me one. Just going out on the roof for a cigi. Join me.” Harry trotted out of the large window to a flat roof that he now claimed as his own terrace.
Dean loved Harry. They went back to uni together. A total chalk and cheese friendship, completely plutonic but absolutely necessary to Dean. Harry was now in TV production. Dean often thought it was fitting that his favourite bitchy queen was now in a world full of bitchy queens. His stories kept them crying laughing for hours.
“Oh god what if he doesn’t like me. And he’s just easing me in gently to flat out rejection? Am I that boring and ugly.” Dean looked down at his glass as he joined Harry.
“Of fuck off Archer. Seriously, one pretty boy comes along and doesn’t react the way you have come to expect? Not everyone is wired the same. Maybe he’s a wild boy and you look too much like what his future looks like and he doesn’t want to open that box yet. But don’t ever question your worth because of someone else. I love you but you’re a complete fanny at times. If he misses his chance with you, he’ll regret it.” Harry blew his cigarette smoke out sharply.
“You’re right. I’ll have to just wait and see. I just don’t want to remain single. I love being in love and having someone to worry about. I’m nearly 30 and I want that life. I know you’re not bothered and that’s fine, but I am.“ Dean finished his glass. “Shall we make a move?” He huffed, looked up and smiled.
“Ok sweetie. No judgement, I’ll be there for your housewarmings, engagements, stag dos and the rest,” Harry swirled his arms around while reeling off his list.
“Why the plurals of everything?” Dean grinned.
“Because my beautiful friend. Life is a total motherfucker and you never know.” He flicked the cigarette in his flower pot now ashtray, gave Dean a huge kiss on the lips and went inside in a cloud of sequins.
Dean liked this place. Open bar area with terraces and a main dance floor upstairs. Always space to escape the younger crowd going wild for the first time on disgustingly sweet drinks. Not one of those horribly overwhelming super club things. He hated anything like that. Put him in a beer garden in the countryside. Heaven. Dean loved peace.
“Baby boys! How are we all? Beautiful to see you. You look hysterical.” Harry’s acid tongue tinged with love for his friends was already cocked and loaded.
“Fuck off H. You look good too.” Greg kissed him on the lips. “Dean, my love, he’s dragged you out. Christ give the rest of us a chance with all that meat hanging out.” Greg tugged at Dean’s shorts.
Dean shot Harry a glance. Told you I looked like a twat, he conveyed through a glare. Harry leaned in. “He’s only jealous he can’t lift as much as you babe.” Harry smacked Dean’s behind and they all laughed.
The night took off. Drinks flowed but Dean couldn’t settle. His rubbish interactions with Jamie had made him feel like a desperate loser.
“What’s up with beautiful over there?” Greg asked Harry as they walked to the main dance floor.
“Oh christ he’s chasing a beautiful boy. Not having the kind of reception he normally has so he doesn’t know what to do with himself. The curse of looking like a Greek god. He’ll be ok.” Harry waved his hand at Dean and rested it on his shoulder, peering to see him hovering over texts to Jamie that haven’t been replied too. Harry felt a pang of compassion for his friend and slight irritation toward Jamie.
“Shots people. All of you. You included. You pair of squares.” Harry pointed at Tom and Steven. Pretty nerds they befriended years ago and their friendship stuck. Enough alcohol and they were total animals. “You too mood hoover.” Harry smacked Dean on the shoulder.
“Alright alright. I’m done let’s have fucking fun!” Dean shouted. They all cheered.
The shot of god knows what kicked in 15 minutes later and Dean was feeling the music. He was happily dancing to himself by the bar, surrounded by everyone else. Then he felt the need to look up. There he was.
Cropped powder purple t shirt showing of his incredible stomach and arms. Stone wash denim hot pants, lime green headband and his hair was bigger, back combed Dean concluded. That being as far his beauty expertise would stretch. He looked ridiculous but so handsome at the same time. Dancing to Madonna’s ‘Express Yourself’ with the girl he was with in the bar. He was so lost in the music. Dean was immediately drawn to him again. He stuck out like a beacon and he was calling Dean in.
“Please go and get this over with. Get a date out of him for the love of fucking god. For what it’s worth, he’s perfect to look at and I’ve never seen you like this before.” Harry tapped Dean’s behind. “Go.”
Dean downed his drink and marched up to Jamie. Jamie snapped his head up to Dean’s eyes. A momentary look of shock passed over Jamie’s face. Dean was full of adrenaline. It was now or never.
Dean leaned into Jamie’s ear. He was met with a waft of hair spray and a beautiful scent. Expensive, exotic and distinctive. His head spun. “Go on a fucking date with me. You drive me insane.” Dean stood and held Jamie’s hips.
Jamie’s face softened and he smiled back at him. That confidence again, he put his arms around Dean’s neck and made him dance. “Hello Big Boy. Kiss me.” Dean moved in and kissed him. It was sweet, exploring, eager. Dean closed his eyes, he didn’t want to stop. Everything the first kiss should be. Tracks had switched to Tainted Love by Soft Cell. The beat made their hips tighten together. Dean felt Jamie whimper.
“Ok, we’re out of here.” Jamie snapped out of his Dean induced trance. He grabbed Dean by the hand and pulled him through the dance floor, down the stairs to the quieter terrace. Dean was impressed with the way Jamie took the lead.
“Sit.” Jamie tapped the place next to him on the bench. It was a lovely reprieve from the mayhem inside. Greenery, soft string lights overhead and hardly anyone about. Peace.
“Ok, so I owe you a fucking massive apology and I’d like to explain myself if possible.” He lit a cigarette. “Also, for the record, I do this when I’m on a night out. Only.” He blew his smoke out and returned his eyes.
“I’m just glad we’ve finally got to speak properly. Tell me to fuck off if I’m really not what you want in a well, whatever.” Dean was petrified of rejection. Jamie looked so perfect to him. Trust him to make mad 80s fancy dress actually look editorial.
“Please shut up, in the nicest possible way. Ok, the other night in the bar, I was totally taken aback by you. Men like you don’t come along all that often. You’re a future boy. I knew I wanted to go on a date with you immediately. I just wasn’t ready to face up to the possibility of dating for something long term. Sorry that may seem a little heavy but I’m unfiltered, a little complicated and have huge feelings. I’m a wild boy. I hope that doesn’t scare you off. I really am a handful, my friends will tell you that.”
Dean laughed. ‘Wild boy.’ “That’s fair. I just want to get to know you. You really have got under my skin. Nothing you’ve said scares me off. I’m happy to take on a wild boy.” Dean reached out and placed a hand on Jamie’s knee. Jamie clasped his hand over Dean’s.
“You’re so cute Dean. You really are. I’ve given it a lot of thought, my friends and sister have stood up for you, they think I’m a complete prick for evading you. Sorry to lay it on thick with the ‘future boy’ thing but that’s how my mind works. What I’m trying to say is yes, I’ll ‘fucking date you’ as you said so politely up there on the dance floor.” Jamie snapped his eyes back to Dean again with a big grin. The same look that left Dean winded in the bar a few weeks back.
“Really? Great! I know there’s more to you to explore and I hope you’re interested in exploring more of me too.” Dean was grinning clumsily.
Jamie looked around and jumped onto Dean’s lap. “Absolutely stud. We look fucking ridiculous. But you still look so fucking hot Archer. Yes I remember your full name. Chase is over Dean, let’s plan. Like I said, I’m just a bit complicated. We’ll get into that another time. Now, will you fucking kiss me like that again and put your hands all over me?” Jamie grabbed at Dean’s chin. Their eyes drowning in each other.
“Gladly.” They kissed for 10 minutes. The night passing by around them and they didn’t care.
Love Shack by the B-52s started and broke Jamie from his second Dean induced trance of the night. “Right get your friends, bring them to the dance floor. We can kiss, dance the rest of the night, it’ll be beautiful. I’m happy you persisted Mr Archer. Something tells me you’re going to be around for a while.”
As their night had started, Jamie led Dean back up to the dance floor. He glanced over at Harry, Greg, Tom and Steven who grinned and roared. He beckoned them to join in on the dance floor with Jamie and his friend.
The night carried on with Jamie and Dean kissing until soar. They agreed to brunch the following day. Still holding out on going home with each other. There seemed to be a mutual respect for wanting to take this slow and seriously. They went home, separately, texting incessantly.
Sunday
Jamie: Good morning good lookin! My first reply. Are you proud of me? Looking forward to later ‘Future Boy.’ I’m just headed for a run, clear the head after last night. See you at 11! X
Jamie accompanied the text with an image of him in an apartment mirror- top off, black running shorts, trainers and baseball cap, on backward.
Dean heard the buzz of his phone and woke up. How the fuck has he got this much energy, it’s not even 9 AM yet, Dean thought.
He smiled at the message and replied.
Dean: Good morning beautiful. Very proud indeed. Enjoy your run, good effort! I’ll possibly hit the weights later that’s about it. Thanks for the photo. Gorgeous. X
Jamie: I’m a mile in. Don’t I get one? Surely you’re not going to text me from bed and I don’t get a smouldering morning selfie off you? Share the goods big boy. X
Dean laughed. In less than 24 hours he was back in the dating game. It felt good. The sense of nervous anticipation, the luxury of being able to let your mind wonder to someone else. He didn’t do selfies but he thought, give this guy what he wants if you want him to hang about.
Jamie: Fuck yes. That’s given me the push I need to keep up my distance and not cut it short. Your body is insane. Glad you chased me. Speak later. X
Dean: Thanks. Glad I did too. You’re a knockout Arden. 10/10. See you at 11. X
Dean slumped back into bed and cast his thumb over the image Jamie had sent. He glanced at his morning wood and squeezed. He pulled his cock free and swallowed hard as he picked up his rhythm, loosing himself in the photo. Jamie’s smile, his body, Dean had to work this lust out of himself before they met.
He gasped as his load slapped his chest and chin. “Shit. That’s what you do to me Arden.” He said to himself grinning while gaining his breath back.
The Date
Dean arrived at the coffee shop, a couple of tube stops away from his apartment. They both lived pretty centrally but actual locations had yet to be divulged.
He sat down. Checking his blue Ralph Lauren shirt was sitting ok against his body, and padded out non existent creases in his chinos.
“Well! I made it! Take a look, I’m here. No more bullshit excuses.” Jamie’s energy filled the room. He opened his arms and turned on the spot for Dean. Dean’s insides lit up, he grinned at him. A total showman, and it was all for him.
“You have way too much energy in the morning, especially after a night out.” Dean got up and gave Jamie a light hug. He ran a hand down Jamie’s slight but muscled back.
Jamie sighed as he made contact with Dean’s epic frame again.
“Well morning energy is a good thing Mr Dean. If you know what I mean?” He flashed Dean his blue eyes and wriggled his eyebrows. They both laughed.
“How has your morning been?” Jamie asked he flicked through the menu.
I spent the morning jerking off at your picture actually. What he actually said, “not much this morning, impressed by your run though, I’ll hit the gym later. Weight day.” Dean ran a hand over his bicep and chest unconsciously.
“Wow. Yeah, you keep it up. Last night I got a good preview, shamelessly feeling you up while we danced. What a body. Listen, now we’re actually sober I do want to apologise again.” Jamie reached out and grabbed Dean’s hand.
“No need. I’m just glad we’re here now.” Dean lifted a thumb up to clasp Jamie’s hand.
“Dean Archer you’re sweet. But no, I want to make sure you know I think you’re a great guy and I’ve messed around for years. You’re firmly not in the bracket of messing around with guys. I want to take time to get to know you. Like I said before, you’re the picture of who I saw myself with down the line, perfect somehow makes you panic. Perhaps I grew up over the last few weeks.” Jamie smiled, looking nervous all of a sudden. “I hope you forgive me. Straight up, I’m hard work, loud, stubborn, epic bad moods like a child but I’ll go to the ends of the earth for my friends and family.” He cleared his throat. Dean smiled, Jamie really felt what he was saying. He’s a showman but a showman with a big heart.
Dean leant forward and gripped Jamie’s hand even tighter and pulled it to his chest. Jamie reached his index finger out and slid it inside the gap in Dean’s shirt buttons. He gasped at the hardness of his chest and the hair tickling his finger. “Well, we’re going to have to make sure I stay in your good books, and I get plenty of rest, I think you’re going to really wear me out.” Dean grabbed Jamie’s leg with his and pulled it toward him.
Dean surveyed Jamie. The hair was back to a side parting, with that adorable flock of blonde dangling over his right eye. A navy polo shirt that hugged his beautiful tight body and chino shorts that wrapped round his elegant legs and memorable behind.
“I will absolutely do my best to wear you out Archer. You’ve not seen anything yet. Are we really going to make it to a next date before I get you into bed?” He grabbed Dean’s chin and looked at him with intensity.
“We’ll see. Keep sending me photos like that and it won’t be long.” He smiled. Jamie slapped him on the shoulder.
“Took care of your morning wood then did I?” Jamie asked. Dean was hooked with the way Jamie had the ability to ask direct or awkward questions without any hesitation, looking directly into his eyes. He was just something else.
Dean blushed and looked down.
Jamie smacked his shoulder again. “I knew it! Dirty bastard! To be fair, I’m flattered. Hopefully I’ll be with you soon to help out.” Jamie bit his lip at the thought.
It crossed Dean’s mind now that he was with Jamie in the cold light of day without the influence of drink, Jamie wasn’t completely focussed. He seemed to flit between fidgeting with anything he could get his hands on. He didn’t ask but kept in mind there might be something going on.
“Deaaaaan?” Jamie snapped Dean out of his thoughts. Jamie smiled at him. Despite noticing this side to Jamie, the way he looked at Dean was just the most precious face he’d ever seen, then something miraculous happened. As if thoughts had been read.
“Dean, you’ve figured me out haven’t you?” Jamie looked down and the fidgeting subsided.
Dean felt the absolute urge to be kind and placed a hand on Jamie’s chin. “Hey, what do you mean? Tell me.” He smiled warmly.
“You’re a very lovely human being Archer. I feel safe around you. I don’t feel safe that often. Right ok, I need to tell you something, this is usually where guys disappear on me, so here goes.” He huffed and ran his hand through his hair, not caring he’d fluffed up his cute fringe. Dean laughed internally, he wanted to eat him up.
Jamie leant forward on the table and grabbed Dean’s hand and stared at it while he spoke. “Ok, when I was young I was a total pain for my parents. I didn’t listen, I was so hard to control. Eventually I was taken to a doctor who ran tests on me, mainly my head, it’s noisy in there, I was diagnosed with ADHD. I’m so used to people picking up on my ways I know when someone has clocked that I’m not completely normal. It’s better now, I take medication but if I’m perhaps in situations that may excite or stress me out that are new, like a handsome man giving me attention, I start to short circuit a bit. Look, I know we’re only on date one, but I really like you. You need all my facts up front. I’ll uh, let you decide if…” Jamie slumped back in his chair and stared at his hands.
“My turn to tell you to shut up. Jamie, I chased you to come here today. So what you have ADHD? I think you’re so bloody adorable. That’s one part of you, it’s not all of you. Don’t you think you should be proud of yourself? You have a great job and friends, and boring IT people pestering you for brunch?” Dean grabbed at his chin again. “Hey, look at me. Anyway, normal is so fucking boring.” He laughed kindly.
Jamie’s face lit up and he lunged across the table and kissed Dean on the lips. It was clumsy and excitable, Dean was obsessed with the kiss and the boy who provided it.
“You’re the best. I just need routine and calm and I’ll be fine most of the time. Call it my alter ego. Let’s call him JJ.” They both laughed.
“I’m ok with that, if I can date two of you I think I’m the winner.” They laughed more and held hands all morning while they ate matching orders of poached egg and avocado.
They arranged to meet again.
