“This has been a fantastic day, Ginger. I got to spend time with a dear friend, cleaned the house, and even got back into video games.”
He stared at the ceiling.You know what? I’m going to call Sean. Maybe he’ll want to hang out and I can increase my circle of friends and not worry about dating.
Bernard picked up the phone on his nightstand and dialed Sean’s number.
“Hello?” came Sean’s husky voice.
“Hey, Sean, it’s Bernard.”
“Hi, Bernard. It’s great to hear from you. What’s up?”
Bernard noted his cheerful voice.
“I thought we could hang out sometime.”
“I’m glad you called, man.”
“I’m just looking to reconnect with friends.”
“So, we’re okay then?”
“Of course. I already told you what happened wasn’t your fault. It was just the wrong time. I needed some space afterward and I’m sorry it took this long.”
“It’s just…I tried calling for months, but you never picked up. I didn’t know what to think.”
He and Sean went on a wonderful date. They’d spent the day in San Francisco. They walked the shops in Castro, ate at a cozy cafe for lunch, then had dinner at The Stinking Rose. Sean rented them a room, and they had a night of passionate sex. The thought of sex made Bernard hard again. Sean was amazing in bed.
It all came crashing down the next morning when they returned home. Bernard had parked his car at Sean’s house. When Bernard got into his car, the neighbors whispered. They all stared at him. Bernard called Sean the next day to set up another date, but Sean said he wasn’t interested in dating anyone. It was hard on him. He didn’t know if he would ever find love.
“I’m sorry for that. I was in a terrible place. I expected more than was there, and it’s something I had to work through. I think we can be friends now. At least I hope we can.”
“I understand,” Sean said. “I’m glad you took the time to work through it. I wish you’d told me though. I think we both made some assumptions we could have resolved by talking.”
“You’re right.”
“So, about hanging out. What are you doing on May 30th?”
“I don’t think I have any plans. Why?”
“I have two season tickets to the San Francisco Giants games. I know you’re not a huge sports fan, but I remember you enjoy live games. Wanna go?”
Bernard smiled.He remembered what I said a year ago. That’s sweet.
“That sounds like a fun time. I’m in.”
“All right, I’ll call next weekend and we can make plans to meet up. Sound good?”
“Sounds great. Talk to you soon.” Bernard hung up the phone.
Well, this is exciting. I now have two great friends I can spend time with, without worrying about complicated sex or wondering if we’re right for each other.
Bernard sighed a breath of relief. He knew he wouldn’t find love, and so this was the best thing for him.Don’t think about it, and just enjoy the friends you have.
Chapter Seven
Bernard
Monday, April 20
