Traffic chokes the street outside Walt’s office, seeming deliberately stalled, while the people inside the tall building work tirelessly, racing against the ever ticking clock. The injustice of it makes his teeth grit. The sunlight reflects off the office building’s glass windows, momentarily blinding him as he looks for his office keys. I can’t do this anymore, he thinks. The long hours and the mind numbing paperwork have taken the shine off of his law practice.
Inside, he takes a deep breath. The scent of fresh flowers permeates the air from the vase nestled beside his door, which slightly relaxes him. Walt has always loved the way they look and smell, the simple reminder of life’s pleasures.
Rich tapestries adorn the dimly lit restaurant walls, creating a warm and luxurious atmosphere as he settles into the plush booth, anticipating Dan’s arrival.
The scent of fresh flowers paired with the delicate aroma of the fine cuisine to come makes it difficult not to be swept away by the atmosphere.
The Waiter’s youth sparked something in Walt as he sat. This stranger was no older than he and his friend were both the last time they met years before. After that Walt focused on the internship that helped him with his present life, and Dan spent summers in Europe studying fashion. At age 19, and during Dan’s last summer before transitioning, everyone called him Dannelle. Despite being a tomboy in his youth, he rarely wore dresses, as he felt they didn’t suit him.
“May I get you a drink while you wait for your companion?” “Glenfiddich on the rocks, please.” As the waiter nods, Walt’s gaze settles on the entrance of the restaurant, waiting for his friend who’s smart look would turn everyone’s heads within seconds of coming in.
Moments later, in walks Dan, with his confident and sexy gait. His short blonde hair complements his striking green eyes, a look that is both masculine and appealing. He wears a fitted suit and a charming smile that is reflected in his eyes. The waiter who had just served Walt acknowledged Dan’s arrival, and with the waiter’s guide, he approached the table.
Walt rises to greet him, noticing the same spark of energy that Dan had back in high school, but with a newfound grace and confidence that is impossible to ignore. They shake hands, and Dan settles into the booth, ordering a glass of red wine.
“I can’t believe it’s been so long,” Dan says, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “It feels like just yesterday we were speeding to class while causing trouble in the hallways.”
Walt chuckles, remembering their adventures. “You had quite a wild streak even then. I don’t know how I kept up.”Dan smirks. “You were just too uptight, Walt. You need to let loose, you know, live a little.”
Walt can’t help but feel embarrassed by the accuracy of Dan’s words. After the divorce, he had been a little more closed up. Dan notices Walt’s change in expression and reaches out to touch his arm. “Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. I can only imagine what you’ve been through with the divorce.”
Walt sighed. It’s been a year since the divorce. I’m doing well, thanks to my friends and therapist. Recovery takes time. Dan nods in understanding. “That’s a tough situation, Walt. With what we have both gone though, it changed us as people but our situations though very different in.”
Dan’s kindness touches Walt deeply. It’s rare to find someone who truly understands what he’s going through. They sip their drinks as the waiter arrives, tablet in hand, “Excuse me, gentlemen, have you decided on what to eat?”
Walt and Dan glance at each other and chuckle before turning to the waiter. “Yes, I’ll have the grilled salmon with a side of asparagus and hollandaise sauce,” Walt says, handing the menu back to the waiter."And I’ll have the steak frites with a side of mixed greens. Thank you," Dan adds.
The waiter nods and walks away, leaving Walt and Dan to continue their conversation. “While I know we spoke at the party a little about your transition, I want to know more. Did you know when we were kids?”
Dan, without hesitation, repaired, “Everyone agreed. You saw me as a baby; I was boyish-looking, even as my hair grew down to my neck. One nurse even mistook me for a boy.”
Dan took a sip and continued. “I’ve always been grateful for my parents’ support throughout my transition,” Dan says, his eyes lighting up as he talks about his family. “I remember when I was a kid, I would always steal my brother’s clothes and try them on. My parents would laugh and tell me I looked great, but they never pushed me to be anyone I wasn’t. Maybe that’s why they graced my name. it works either way, Danelle, Daniel, that’s why I kept it.”
Walt remembered how naturally Dan played the part of a boy. “My family made it easier to come out,” Dan continued. “That first holiday back from college, I came out slowly, first to my sister Rosa, then to Joe, my oldest brother. We told Mom and Dad and like water over pebbles, it went so well. My parents always supported me, regardless of the circumstances. Mom surprised me with my first suit, and Dad took me to his barber, allowing me to select my first of many hairstyles. Starting testosterone lifted a tremendous weight from me. It was like I could finally see the person I was in the mirror. I could finally be Dan, these years of balancing the chest surgery, my internship in Europe and working out. It’s a rollercoaster that my family and friends helped so much.”
Walt smiled. His own family was helpful, but compared to Dan’s, the difference was near enough crazy. “I’m glad you had that support, Dan. Indeed, I am. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been without it.”
Dan nodded in agreement. “It would have been much harder, that’s for sure. But I couldn’t have done it without you either, Walt those emails were useful in my darkest moments. You were always there for me, even when I didn’t realise it.”
Walt felt his cheeks flush at the compliment. “Well, we had some good times back then, didn’t we?”
Dan grinned. “We sure did. Remember that time we snuck into the chemistry lab and mixed all the chemicals together just to see what would happen?”
Walt chuckled. “Yeah, and we ended up setting off the fire alarm and getting detention for two days.”
“But it was worth it,” Dan said with a wink. “We were the original rebels, breaking all the rules and living life on our own terms.”
Walt couldn’t help but smile at the memory. Back in high school, they had been two of the few students who didn’t fit into any of the cliques. They had their own unique style and way of thinking, which had often put them at odds with the more traditional students.
“We were definitely different from the rest of them,” Walt said.
“But I think that’s what made us stand out. And speaking of standing out, I remember when you started making clothes and refurbishing second-hand clothes. Everyone wanted to be a part of that.”
Dan’s eyes lit up at the memory. “Yeah, it was crazy. I never expected it to blow up like that. But I loved every minute. I was always passionate about fashion, and it was a way for me to express myself. I mean, I didn’t fit in, but that didn’t matter. People wanted to wear my clothes, and that made me feel like I belonged.”
Walt nodded, understanding what Dan meant. “It was impressive. I remember the fashion shows you put on during lunch time. It was the talk of the school. And when you assisted in the costumes for the school play, it was a game changer. Do you remember that?” Dan asked with a nostalgic smile.
Walt furrowed his brows as he searched his memories. Then, as if a lightbulb went off in his head, it all came rushing back.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Walt exclaimed. “You made those costumes, and Lena played Titania, the fairy queen. It was quite fitting, wasn’t it?” Dan nodded. “Yes, and you played Oberon, which is quite ironic, considering how things turned out in the end.”
Walt felt a brief twinge of sadness at the mention of Lena. “Yeah, I guess life has a funny way of imitating art, huh?” Dan leaned forward, placing a comforting hand on Walt’s hand. “I didn’t mean to make light of it, Walt. If it’s still raw, I won’t say more.”
Walt sighed, taking a moment to compose his words. “It’s just that it was a difficult time, and I didn’t see it coming. But now, looking back, I can’t help but laugh about it. I got off lucky, really.” Dan looked at him quizzically. “How do you figure that out from her cheating?”
Walt shrugged, swirling the remaining liquid in his glass. “Well, I mean, I could have been married to her for years and only then found out about her infidelity. At least I found out early on and could move on with my life.”
The waiter arrives with their food, placing the dishes carefully in front of them. He asks if they want another, before leaving them to their meal.
Once the waiter departs, Walt continues. “I found out about the affair when the AP emailed me everything. It was a mess. I confronted Lena, and she confessed. I couldn’t believe it. We were married for two years, and she had been cheating on me the whole time. Lena revealed to me she married me for her parents. She said they had always wanted the prestige that came with having a son-in-law with a well-established surname. It all made sense now. I had thought that I was building a life with someone who loved me, but in reality, I was just a pawn in her game of social climbing.”
Dan listens attentively, trying to imagine how he would feel in that situation. “That’s awful, man. I’m sorry.” Dan’s words of sympathy were genuine, and Walt could see the empathy in his eyes.
Walt nodded, appreciating his friend’s concern. “Yeah, it was a tough time. But, you know what, I’m glad it happened. I guess when the AP offered to pay my legal fees, at least he wanted to help me.” Dan, surprised, said, “The home-wrecker wanted to help you with the divorce?”
Walt sighed deeply before continuing. “Well, the AP was someone from our college. He was a successful businessman who had a reputation as a playboy. But he had a soul. He saw us at the party celebrating my office and it made him realise I didn’t deserve to stay with a liar anymore. Then after Lena said all those things, she must have told him and he broke up with her, she didn’t realise he had sent me all the proof.”
Dan’s face was a mixture of shock and sympathy. “Wow, Walt, I’m so sorry. That must have been tough to hear.” Walt took a deep breath and returned to his story. “It was, but it was also a relief. I had always known that something wasn’t right, and now I finally had an answer.”
Following a brief pause and a subtle smile, Walt continued. “Despite the challenges, I did not emerge from the experience without valuable gains. Thanks to the prenup, I kept all assets gained during the marriage, while she received only her separate property. Her family disowned her afterwards. Confessing the truth, their shocked reaction to her pride in her actions surprised her. Her belief in social climbing was ultimately a fantasy. They loved me and the fact her parents were losing me as a son-in-law destroyed their relationship, but they helped get me therapy.”
Dan looked at him sympathetically. “That’s rough, man. But at least you’re in a better place now.”
Walt nodded, swirling his drink thoughtfully. “Yeah, I am. And thanks to the therapist, I’ve learned a lot from the experience. I’ve learned to be more cautious and to trust my instincts more. And I’ve also learned that I don’t need to be in a relationship to be happy. I have my career, my friends, and my family. I have a lot of love to give, but I’m not in a rush to find someone to share it with.”
Dan leaned back in his chair and swallowed a slice of steak, his eyes never leaving Walt’s face. “That’s understandable, but what about the future? Do you want to be a father? You always said in school you wanted to be a parent.”
Walt hesitated, his thoughts turning to the child he had always imagined having."Of course I do. But after this first marriage, I’ve dated, but nothing serious. I will force no one to have my child." Dan nodded in understanding. “I get that. But there are other options out there. You could adopt or better yet surrogacy.”
Walt looked at Dan in surprise. “A surrogate? I do want to have a child of my own. I hadn’t thought of that before. But again, I don’t know if I could do it alone.” Dan leaned in, resting his arms on the table. “You wouldn’t have to.” “With a friend as surrogate, you could co-parent without romantic involvement and have help to raise the child.”
Walt raised an eyebrow. “Do you know anyone that would agree to it?” Dan hesitated for a moment before saying, “Well, actually, I do.”
Walt raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? Who?” Dan took a deep breath and met Walt’s gaze. “Me.”
