Cute, Cozy, Queer Stories

Part 16: Jasmine and Vikram

The woman in the mirror was pretty. The backless black dress was sexy without being too revealing, coming up high on the chest and slipping down just above the knee. With black tights etched in an elegant, lacy floral pattern and black, kitten-heel pumps, the outfit was stylish, elegant and seductive. James felt truly beautiful—and, for the first time, was about to share that beauty with the world.

Stepping out of the apartment, into the city, and onto the subway, James was no longer James. Jasmine stepped through the door to the cozy wine bar, heels tapping gently against the creaky wood floors. There were two other couples in the dimly lit, intimate space, but no one that resembled Vikram. Jasmine was right on time, and Vikram would probably arrive soon. Taking a breath and holding her black purse to her hip as she approached the bar, she sat down on the stool.

"Hey, there." A bartender in a black lacy bandeau, a loose black tank top and short, spiky black hair approached. "Can I get you something?"

"Um," Jasmine spoke softly, her voice light and gentle. "How about a dry red? Not too sweet? Whatever you recommend."

The bartender smiled. "You got it." She ducked under the counter and returned with a half-filled, dark red bottle. Pouring a sip into a stemless wineglass, she passed it over. "Try that. Let me know what you think."

Jasmine took a sip, letting the velvet-dark wine amble around on her tongue. The sweetness was subtle, mingling with a mild bitterness that warmed the back of her throat. She nodded, extending her glass. "That's good. I'll have a glass. What is it?"

The bartender turned the bottle to show the label. Gnarled vines drawn in black ink covered the bottle. As she turned it, golden eyes glinted through the vines. Underneath, the word Sehnsucht crawled across in slithering text.

"It's a German merlot. It's pretty good."

Taking another sip, Jasmine savored the dusky taste. It reminded her of something daring. Or maybe that was just how she felt. "I didn't know Germany made wine. It is really good."

The bartender laughed. "Pretty much everywhere makes wine. Enjoy. Let me know if you need anything."

Sipping her wine, Jasmine checked her phone. Vikram was ten minutes late and half of her hoped he wouldn't show.

Why did I go out the first time on a first date? It seemed insane to do now. What if he sees? Jasmine swallowed. What if he gets mad?

The bell over the door tinkled. Jasmine turned. A brown-skinned man with black hair tied up in a bun, a dark, trimmed beard, black-rimmed glasses and a knee-length sweater scanned the space. His dark eyes connected with Jasmine's and he smiled.

Oh shit. He's even cuter in person. Smiling and nodding to him, she took another sip. It's just a date. Chill out.

Vikram crossed the room and stood next to her. "Hi. Jasmine, right?"

Taking a breath, Jasmine caught the light scent of balsam and orange as she looked up at him. "Yeah. Hi. It's nice to me-see you. Meet you. See you." She blushed. Scrunching her nose, she shook her head. "Sorry."

Vikram chuckled, a warm sound. He sat down on the stool next to hers. "That's okay. I'm sorry I'm late. I was on the wrong street."

"Oh." Her voice got softer, higher. "Was it hard to find?"

"No, no. I've actually been here before. I was just in the wrong place." He shook his head. "That's what I get for not using Google Maps."

Jasmine smiled, nodding, unsure of what to say. Sitting next to him, feeling his warmth, his glowing smile, his ember eyes, his hot body not hidden in the grey t-shirt and black sweater, Jasmine's thoughts turned to cinders.