that we’re in the East Village. Maybe it’s this city. Who knows? But it felt good to kiss you in front of people. Just don’t expect me to do it all the time. I’m still uneasy about public displays of affection.”
When the concert ended, they headed north on Avenue A. Josh had told them that they would be able to find a ton of restaurants and coffee shops where they could sit outdoors and enjoy the summer night. As they walked down Avenue A, Scott decided to test his new sense of freedom and took Derek’s hand. At first he felt tense and glanced around to see if anyone was watching them or reacting badly, but as it had been at The Bowery, no one paid any attention to the two of them as they walked down the street. He quickly relaxed, twining their fingers together, and rubbing the inside of Derek’s wrist with his thumb.
“I’m amazed by you tonight, Scott. I can’t believe how touchy feely you’re being. I love it.”
Scott smiled, squeezing his hand. “I’m kind of surprised by myself as well. But, I’m enjoying this. New York is so different than Boston. Back home, everything is so conservative. Here, it’s like nobody cares about anything you do.”
As they continued, they passed several other couples of various gender configurations. Kids with brightly colored hair or metallic spikes sticking out of lips and noses walked side by side with preppy college kids. It was as if The East Village were the original melting pot that the history books referred to in school. Every type of person imaginable could be seen, yet everyone blended together and co-existed peacefully.
A few blocks later, Derek stopped in front of a brightly lit window. Scott stopped mid-stride and stood next to him, slipping his arm around his waist. “What’s up?”
“Check it out. It’s a pool hall.”
Scott glanced up at the storefront and read the name which blazed in bright pink letters. “The Pink Triangle Pool Hall and Pub. Well, I guess it’s not much of a stretch to guess the clientele in here.”
Derek shoved his arm and laughed. “I haven’t played pool in forever and this place looks fun. We don’t have to worry about being underage, but we can get a taste of gay life in the city around people who are our age and older. Want to go in?”
37
D.H. Starr
Wrestling With Love
“Sure. I love pool.” Derek’s smile caused his own mouth to pull back into a grin. Jesus. He’s really easy to please tonight. He took Derek by the hand and led him into the hall. “Besides, I’m hungry and we can get food here.”
Derek’s smile broadened until it lit his entire face. “Yeah. I’m hungry too.”
When they went in, they were immediately greeted by a thin man, pale, with a large mole on the side of his neck. His hair was bleached platinum and he wore a tight black long-sleeved shirt which accentuated how lanky he was. “Hi, boys. You here to eat or play?” His voice was high pitched and he spoke with a lisp. Even so, Scott found him to be charming. He wasn’t trying to be someone he wasn’t.
“Can’t we do both?” Derek pouted but then the corner of his mouth began to curve up and he broke out in restrained laughter.
The receptionist smiled, dimples adorning his cheeks. “Of course you can, sweetie. I’ll set you up at a table and then you can order from one of the bar boys. We have a full menu. My name’s Steve. I haven’t seen the two of you around and I would remember if I had.” He gave Scott and appraising look, then gazed up and down Derek’s body.
“Nice to meet you, Steve. We’re actually from Boston, but came into the city for the Howie Day concert at the Bowery.” Derek removed his hand from Scott’s and followed Steve to an empty table.
As Scott followed the two of them, watching them chat, he was surprised by the twinge of jealousy that crept into his gut. He had never had to face sharing Derek with anyone. Here, surrounded by dozens of gay men, many of them very attractive, he
When the concert ended, they headed north on Avenue A. Josh had told them that they would be able to find a ton of restaurants and coffee shops where they could sit outdoors and enjoy the summer night. As they walked down Avenue A, Scott decided to test his new sense of freedom and took Derek’s hand. At first he felt tense and glanced around to see if anyone was watching them or reacting badly, but as it had been at The Bowery, no one paid any attention to the two of them as they walked down the street. He quickly relaxed, twining their fingers together, and rubbing the inside of Derek’s wrist with his thumb.
“I’m amazed by you tonight, Scott. I can’t believe how touchy feely you’re being. I love it.”
Scott smiled, squeezing his hand. “I’m kind of surprised by myself as well. But, I’m enjoying this. New York is so different than Boston. Back home, everything is so conservative. Here, it’s like nobody cares about anything you do.”
As they continued, they passed several other couples of various gender configurations. Kids with brightly colored hair or metallic spikes sticking out of lips and noses walked side by side with preppy college kids. It was as if The East Village were the original melting pot that the history books referred to in school. Every type of person imaginable could be seen, yet everyone blended together and co-existed peacefully.
A few blocks later, Derek stopped in front of a brightly lit window. Scott stopped mid-stride and stood next to him, slipping his arm around his waist. “What’s up?”
“Check it out. It’s a pool hall.”
Scott glanced up at the storefront and read the name which blazed in bright pink letters. “The Pink Triangle Pool Hall and Pub. Well, I guess it’s not much of a stretch to guess the clientele in here.”
Derek shoved his arm and laughed. “I haven’t played pool in forever and this place looks fun. We don’t have to worry about being underage, but we can get a taste of gay life in the city around people who are our age and older. Want to go in?”
37
D.H. Starr
Wrestling With Love
“Sure. I love pool.” Derek’s smile caused his own mouth to pull back into a grin. Jesus. He’s really easy to please tonight. He took Derek by the hand and led him into the hall. “Besides, I’m hungry and we can get food here.”
Derek’s smile broadened until it lit his entire face. “Yeah. I’m hungry too.”
When they went in, they were immediately greeted by a thin man, pale, with a large mole on the side of his neck. His hair was bleached platinum and he wore a tight black long-sleeved shirt which accentuated how lanky he was. “Hi, boys. You here to eat or play?” His voice was high pitched and he spoke with a lisp. Even so, Scott found him to be charming. He wasn’t trying to be someone he wasn’t.
“Can’t we do both?” Derek pouted but then the corner of his mouth began to curve up and he broke out in restrained laughter.
The receptionist smiled, dimples adorning his cheeks. “Of course you can, sweetie. I’ll set you up at a table and then you can order from one of the bar boys. We have a full menu. My name’s Steve. I haven’t seen the two of you around and I would remember if I had.” He gave Scott and appraising look, then gazed up and down Derek’s body.
“Nice to meet you, Steve. We’re actually from Boston, but came into the city for the Howie Day concert at the Bowery.” Derek removed his hand from Scott’s and followed Steve to an empty table.
As Scott followed the two of them, watching them chat, he was surprised by the twinge of jealousy that crept into his gut. He had never had to face sharing Derek with anyone. Here, surrounded by dozens of gay men, many of them very attractive, he
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