Read Online May the Best Man Win by M.T. Pope - Free Book Online Page B

blanket in the winter.
    â€œNo, for a second I thought you were high. I was about to ease on over to another table and act as if I didn’t say anything to you in the first place.” He laughed a little and so did I.
    â€œYes, you can have a seat.” I watched as he took a seat and scooted close to the table. He had a drink and a scone in his hand. They too smelled good. “I’m sorry about that. It’s been a rough day for me.”
    â€œThat’s no problem at all. We all have rough days. And sometimes Baltimore doesn’t make it easier.” I lingered on his every word like a snake being hypnotized by a snake charmer. I even liked the way that he formed his words when he talked. He was a thoroughbred for sure. “Sometimes a quiet moment away from it all is all that is needed to get back some sense of wholeness, even in a crowded room.”
    â€œYes, that is true.” I still spoke with a little bit of gloom in my voice.
    â€œSo what has gotten you sounding so gloomy today?” he asked as he sipped on his coffee. His pinky finger didn’t stick out like I hoped it would. It was one of those Gaydar triggers. A Pinky in the air says he just might be sticking his ass in the air. I didn’t know why I automatically thought a man wanted me or was gay whenever he paid me the slightest bit of attention. I needed to calm the hell down and just enjoy his company and not have any expectations.
    â€œI don’t want to be rude but, why are you asking me about my problem like you really care?” I looked at him sternly. I didn’t mean to turn the tables on him or even blindside him. I was just curious about his motives.
    â€œWell, I was genuinely concerned about another human being and I am a therapist for a living. I know the signs of someone in need of help.”
    â€œOh, okay.” I looked down for a second, embarrassed again because I was always shooting off my mouth without thinking.
    â€œIt’s all right to be defensive, but it becomes a problem when you choose to stay that way. We all need help in life. We just need to be strong enough to accept that help or ask for help. Many people are crazy out here now because they didn’t and wouldn’t seek help when the small signs showed up.”
    â€œYeah, it’s some crazies out here now.” I chuckled a little.
    â€œYes, and now all you have to do when you are alone is ask yourself if you want to go crazy because of pride, or seek the help that you need.” He looked at me seriously.
    â€œI hope you don’t think you are getting paid for this session in Starbucks.” I laughed. He did too.
    â€œNo, this is on the house. God gave me a gift and pays me for that gift. I am going to share it with anyone paid or unpaid.”
    â€œI do . . .” I spoke.
    â€œExcuse me?” He looked at me, confused.
    â€œI said, ‘I do.’” I laughed.
    â€œI do what?” he asked.
    â€œI was just practicing for my wedding day. . .” I smiled.
    â€œSo that is what you are worried about . . . relationships?” he asked.
    â€œWell, yeah. Isn’t that what we are all looking for: love and companionship?” I asked.
    â€œYou are missing one important ingredient: friendship. All relationships begin with friendship but most start with lust and sex. Following the steps in life is the key to a successful and meaningful relationship, both plutonic and matrimonial,” he answered.
    â€œYou really got all of this down don’t you?” I sat back in my chair, folded my arms, and waited for his answer.
    â€œNo, I’m human just like you, and I know that it is trial and error for each encounter we have with potential mates. But I do follow those guidelines as a way to navigate through life. But I get it wrong, too. I just don’t stop there though; I learn from my mistakes and try again. Just like you should when you are looking for a potential