Page 20 of Matched By My Rival
No, of course. No personal details. I’m on the DL myself for #reasons
HotPan22:I was thinking more like, tell me something about you. Favorite food? Favorite movie?
BiCuriousStud:Wow, I feel like I’m on a date now.
BiCuriousStud:I’m a Gemini, my favorite food is street tacos with extra hot sauce, and my favorite movie is The Departed.
HotPan22:You’d get along well with my mother. Watching that depressing ass movie.
BiCuriousStud:It’s not depressing. It’s a great movie with amazing writing and acting, and it’s true to life.
HotPan22:Spoiler alert: It’s full of death.
BiCuriousStud:Like I said, true to life.
Our conversation went like that, back and forth, as we discussed our favorite music, television, eating spots around Hayworth. Anything was game, though I carefully avoided any mention of sports. He did too, but then maybe he wasn’t a sports hound like me. I’d grown up watching ESPN. My dad left it on in the background pretty much all the time.
Even now, with football such a sore spot, I couldn’t resist checking sports blogs and articles, speculating about trades that could be made, how teams would shape up for the next season, who was overdue to retire.
Talking with HotPan was easy, which I liked.
He knew how to lighten my mood when I drifted too dark—which, I knew, happened a little too often lately. He was also a hell of a flirt, able to insert subtle innuendo without directly coming on to me.
Itwaskind of like a date—without the stuffy clothes, the overpriced meal and drinks, and the awkward lulls that hang over a dinner table between two relative strangers. I wouldn’t have minded seeing his face, but there was a benefit to the anonymity between us. It was easier to let down the wall, talk about my likes and dislikes.
By the time our conversation wandered into dangerous territory, I wasn’t nearly as nervous.
So, what got you onto this app?he asked me.How long have you been…curious?
I liked how he asked. It was respectful. He wasn’t giving me grief for being some confused straight boy. He wasn’t implying I wasn’t queer enough or was homophobic for not feeling ready to yell it from the rooftops.
I’d seen enough of the profiles on the app to know there were a lot of toxic assholes floating in this cyberspace. Somehow, I’d landed a nice guy.
I’ve always felt this way,I admitted.I just wasn’t ready to take any action, you know? My life was going a certain direction, and I didn’t want to rock the boat.
Makes sense. So, what happened to change your mind?
I smiled grimly.
My boat fucking capsized.
He sent over a string of laughing emojis.
Shit man, you have a way with words. Not to laugh at your misfortune or anything. I’m sorry you went into the drink, but I’m glad it brought you here to me.
To you, huh?I felt my heart quicken at the thought.
For now anyway,he said.For as long as you’re interested. If…you’re interested.
Oh, I am.My body was more than a little invested in our flirtation. I’d been running hot most of the night.I’m not ready to hook up for sex or anything, but I find you very interesting.
Then I’m flattered, and I count myself lucky.
You’re a patient guy, huh?
The best things come to those who wait…
If he was right, then we were both in for a hell of a treat. Even with our relatively innocent conversation, I’d felt the possibility of what might come. The chemistry that could combust with just a little urging.
