Opposites Attract

by wabuck

24 Oct 2016 500 readers Score 7.8 (9 votes) PDF Mobi ePub Txt


As time went on Craig slowly moved his belongings into Joe’s apartment, clothes, toiletries, food, porn, pretty much everything but the furniture. Since they worked opposite hours, their time spent together was mostly in the bedroom, bit he and Craig strengthened their emotional bonds as well.

Although obviously coupled Craig would frequently be cruised at bars but his interest was solely in Joe. Though much less, Joe was the occasional target a horny man but Joe was also uninterested in anyone else. They felt like they were on a honeymoon that was lasting for months.

One night, while drinking at a local bar with a few friends, John walked in. Joe had not discussed John since Craig had pretty much moved in; he assumed he was out of his life and on his own. He headed straight to Joe and Craig, obviously happy to see them.

"Hey guys," John said as he stood at the table where they were sitting.

"Hey baby," said Craig to John as leaned over to kiss him. Strange, Joe thought, but was accepting of the relationship they once had.

"Been awhile Joe. How's everything with you?"

"No complaints here. Just enjoying life." Joe unintentionally came off a bit cold. He wasn’t jealous at all at that point.

"Well that's good" said John, squeezing in next to Craig.

"Oh, there was a delivery attempt for you yesterday from Fed Ex. They left this note on the door." John handed Craig a piece of paper and walked away to get a drink. Joe was confused. He and Craig had been living together for several months now and he made no mention of still having his apartment with John. He looked at Craig to try and read his expression, but he just read the note.

"Craig, I did not know you still had your apartment with John."

"I never got rid of it, the lease expires in 3 months."

Joe was suspicious and pressed for more information before drawing conclusions.  "I think that's something I should know about Craig. You go there often?" Joe knew he did not sleep there because he was with him every night after he got off work.

"Yeh, check on my mail and to make sure John is keeping the place up. Why would you have to know that?"

Joe felt their first disagreement coming on but had to know more.

"You never really told me that you and John had been completely separated. If you guys are still getting together I should know about it."

"Joe, we can't help but see each other. He still lives there."

Joe was uncomfortable confronting Craig but curiosity was overwhelming. Did he ask him if he's still having sex with John and risk eroding the trust they had with each other, or did he ignore it, assuming if he were still having sex with John that he would have told him by now? His emotions got the better of him.

"Are you still fucking him?" asked Joe.

"Now, THAT, I would have told you." Craig's look said it all, disappointment, hurt, and anger.

"Sorry Craig, I'm being insecure. I just had to ask. Sorry." Joe felt immediate regret. Craig’s reaction was sincere and concerning.

"Look Joe, if I'm going to fuck around I'm going to tell you about it. In fact I have. There's nothing to tell about John and myself."

"Well I'm glad you and John are on good terms. You never really told me you had completely cut things off from him. I've been wondering lately."

Craig shook his head. "So you've been thinking about this for awhile. You need to be upfront with me when things are bothering you."

"I didn't want to make you mad Craig."

"Well now I am mad. You didn't trust me."

"I never said that..." Craig placed his hand over Joe’s mouth before he could finish.

"Best to drop it," said Craig, looking at Joe sternly.

The more Joe thought about it the more he convinced himself that his concerns were legitimate and that Craig was being unfairly harsh. Then, as it had before, anger took over and he acted on it. He swiped Craig's hand off his face. Craig saw, for the first time, Joe’s stubborn streak.

"I don't like to be handled like that," Joe said angrily.

"Since when?" said Craig, reminding me of how their relationship got started. Joe left out of anger and embarrassment. On his way out he heard someone say "Trouble in paradise?" It was John.

Joe stopped and turned around "Fuck you bitch," he directed at John.

"I think your man's doing a good job at that," John said flippantly.

At that point it took all of Joe’s self control to not make things worse. He wasn't convinced that Craig was being truthful about him and John but thought it best to leave without any further problems. He felt totally out of control – something he was not accustomed to. He was too upset to go home and wanted to be with someone who would listen.

After walking around he ducked into another gay bar that was known as the "Last Chance Saloon", seedy, dark, and full of desperate men. He sat at the bar and ordered a drink, pondering the events of the last hour. After drinking to excess and no one to talk to Joe was ready to go when I saw the familiar face of Anthony, a former fuck buddy. He always liked Anthony's friendliness and besides, he was sexy as hell.

Joe placed his hand on his shoulder. "Hey buddy – long time no see."

Anthony turned around but at first didn't recognize him. Then it hit him. "Oh, yes, Joe, how you doing man?” He got up and hugged him, giving him a peck on the cheek.

"Doing ok, could be better." Joe was drunk and pitiful, bad combination.

"Uh-oh. Well what can I do to help? Let's go to a quieter place and talk."

Anthony led Joe to a table for two and they sat and talked small talk for a few before the waiter brought us more drink. "Great" Joe thought, "Just what I need."

"This is from the gorgeous man at standing at the end of the bar," said the waiter. Joe looked and saw a middle aged very dark skinned Black man, neatly dressed. He tipped his glass in their direction.

"Who is this for?" Joe asked Anthony.

"That's yours baby. That is a fine man who likes his white meat – and you're vulnerable so double the pleasure for him. I tried getting that bitch home with me a couple times but just gave up." Anthony shouted out to him to come join them. "Lawrence, come over her baby, got someone I want you to meet."  Joe tried to stop him but Lawrence was already on his way.

Lawrence came over and was introduced to Joe. They shook hands before he sat and asked why he had not seen him in there before. He had a strong accent of African descent.

"Never had the occasion," Joe responded, wanting to sound friendly but unavailable.

"And what is the occasion this time?"

"Fight with my boyfriend."

"Does he know you're in here?" Anthony quickly interjected.

"No he does not," said Joe, downing the last of another beer.

"Is this a bad time?" asked Lawrence. "It appears as if I may have walked in on an unfortunate situation." Anthony whispered something to him. "I can leave if you wish me to," said Lawrence with his distinct use of the English language.

"No, please stay. The least I can do is enjoy the drink that you got me. I appreciate it," said Joe. At this point Lawrence was definitely eye candy. He stood slightly over 6 feet and had a stocky but solid frame. His smile was beautiful with perfectly straight white teeth.

"It would be my pleasure Joe. But please excuse me while I use the men's room.

"So what's up with you and your man?" asked Anthony.

Joe told him the whole scene in the few minutes he had before Lawrence returned, hoping he would get some judgment from Anthony. He assured him that it was just a lover's spat. Joe did ask him if he heard or saw anything about Craig’s situation with John just as Lawrence returned, but nothing.

"I don't know baby and that's not my business. I'm just here as a friend," said Anthony as his friend returned and sat down.

"How long are you staying Anthony?" asked Joe.

"Going in a few man, been a long day, but not so sure I want to leave my buddy with a whore like you," said Anthony jokingly.

"Oh really, a whore? Hmmmmmm, I'm sure Joe is a grown man capable of making the right decision," said Lawrence.

"Don't even go there. You leave this man alone," said Anthony as he put his jacket on.

"That will be very difficult," said Lawrence, looking at Joe with his beautiful almond shaped eyes.

"You're a mess Lawrence," said Anthony as he hugged Joe before he left.

"So you being a bad boy?" asked Lawrence as he completely turned towards Joe after Anthony exited the bar.

"Just needed to talk. Been a bad night."

"Is that so? So sorry to hear that."

"I probably should be going."

"Hmmmmmm. `Probably' and `should' all in one sentence. Two words in the English language that create uncertainty," said Lawrence as he continued his intense eye contact.

He was right. Joe really like this man and wanted to stay and get to know him better. "So where are you from Lawrence?"

"A place called Abuja, Nigeria." He went on to explain, in detail, the history of the city and how it had become the new capitol. Joe loved hearing this man's deep voice and enthusiasm about life in general. The lights for closing began to flash. It was 3 am.

"Damn that time went by fast," Joe said.

"It most certainly did. Too fast, I would have liked to get to know you better but I realize you have a man to go home to."

Joe really did not want to leave this man. He was making him feel much better but he knew the situation demanded more self control, which he questionable after boozing it up.

"You're right, I need to go," said Joe as he stood up and stumbled. The double bourbon and a beer he had while talking to Lawrence crept up on him.

"Not in that condition," said Lawrence as he helped him stand.

"Wow, I am drunk," said Joe, barely managing to get out the words.

"I will call you a cab. Where do you live?"

Joe told him address and remembered him saying that it was on his way home so they would catch a cab together. When they got to Joe’s apartment the cab stopped. Lawrence paid the driver and as Joe started to get out Lawrence reached over and stopped me.

"Are you going to be okay?" he asked.

"I think so."

"There you Americans go again with your uncertain language. Come back to my place. I will make you feel much better."

"You already have. Thank you."

"No, not the way I have in mind. But the offer is there, I will let you make that decision."

Joe got back in and closed the cab door. He would later regret that moment.


by wabuck

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