This was about...30 years ago? I had just dropped out of college, against my parents wishes, to become a full time comedian. I wasn't too successful. The only shows i did were volunteer based stand up comedy gigs at small bars around the city. I wasn't too bad though. I always got some laughs from the crowd. I wanted to be great. I had dreams of moving to Las Vegas and preforming on the big stages for thousands of people at a time. I wanted to be known by everyone in the US and maybe even have my own late night show. Easier said than done of course.
One night, I did a set in a small underground bar. It was pretty empty and my jokes didn't land too well. when i was done, i sat down to watch the rest of the comedians while sipping a cocktail. It comforted me to see the others doing even worse than I had. One guy even got booed off stage. I was ready to head home when the last guy for the night got on stage. He had a huge warm smile and his charisma made me sit back down. By that point, the bar was almost empty so he didnt get many laughs, other than me of course. I don't think he was particularly funny or anything, I just couldn't stop laughing. I was probably a bit drunk too. I would burst out laughing even before the punchline. Thankfully, he didn't seem to mind too much. He was smiling at me the whole time. It felt like he was preforming for me alone. It was great. When his set was finished, I went to speak with him outside.
-H-hey! , I exclaimed, seeing him lighting a cigarette by the door.
It was dark out, but the moonlight and the end of his cig lit up his face for me to see. He was taller than me, and lanky. He looked about the same age as me. He had dirty blonde hair that reached his neck and a well kept beard. He was wearing glasses, unlike when he was on stage.
-Oh! You're the guy who was laughing the whole time. Thanks man, I really appreciated the encouragement.
-Well what can i say, you were hilarious! That's the most I've laughed in a long time. Can you give me any tips?
-Oh that's right! you preformed too. You're a funny guy uh, whats your name again?
-Rod
-Rod! I'm Gray, pleased to meet you. As i was saying, you have some good jokes. The only thing is, maybe try smiling a bit more.
-Oh man, ofc! I always forget. Thanks a lot Gray. hey do ya think I could have your business card or smth? I'd love to stay in touch!
He handed me his card and a poster. The poster advertised an upcoming show.
-Bye Rod, I'll see you soon, call me anytime.
And he left.
Me and Gray soon became close friends. And when i say close, I mean close. We would always see each others shows and sometimes preform together. We ate our meals together, we did activities together, we took guitar lessons together, sometimes we would even share a bed. We were partners, in business of course.
Me and Gray became pretty successful in the comedy world. Successful enough that we started a tour around the country together.
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Rev Putty in the 80s ⬆️😉
The tour was set to last 2 months, going through a ton of different cities and towns. We rented a bus to sleep in and stuff. It was so cute. We spent our days driving and our nights preforming and exploring the cities. We would take turns driving while the other slept. Our shows were going great too. We even had our own fanclub. Boy, it was the life. Well for the beginning at least.
The tour was almost over. We only had 2 shows left until we went home. Me and Gray were closer than ever. We had spent all our time together for over a month. After every show, we would share a cigarette and talk. Sometimes in bed, warming up under blankets, sometimes at a bar. This time we were sitting on a bench near a lake.
-I really enjoy living with you yk, said Gray
-Me too, I said smiling.
-Hey, maybe when we're done the tour, we could rent an apartment together.
-Yeah totally! Why haven't we done that earlier!
And then he leaned in and kissed me. Yeah. I was so shocked that it took me a while to pull away.
-What's wrong?
-YOU'RE GAY?
-Well yeah
-What the heck? Why didn't you tell me?
-I mean, I thought you knew lol. Aren't we dating?
-HUH?? I'M NOT GAY.
-Oh..
And then I got up and left. We were in Santa Cruz, not too far from San Francisco, so i got a bus ride home. I never spoke to Gray again. He showed up at my apartment a few times but i didn't let him in. I moved away not too long after.
