ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON ELEVEN

Episode 114

That night Alfred needed to get out of the house. It was extremely tense there really.

His mother's slow healing from her surgery and nervousness over beginning radiation on Wednesday.

Andrew's worry about his mother and his son Richard who Nigel had called about coming out of the coma except he couldn't remember much at all besides the basics like what state he was in and the year. Not to mention that Spencer and his family were stressed about the aftermath of the hostage crisis.

And,  Dodie was driving them all crazy with her hideous cooking and chanting and incense burning and backhanded little comments. He was a little down and peeved that she planned to stay on with them. To the point he was considering looking for a first floor handicap accessible apartment for himself. He had even emailed Faith Lane about any vacancies in her building or Joy's.

So when he called Gerald about going to listen to music  at Club J he was happy that the man had said yes. Although Gerald had admitted to not being much of a clubber especially gay type clubs. Neither was Alfred although he had gone with Scott to a few in Philly. He just needed to get out of the house and have a little fun.

Which was how they ended up sitting at one of small rounded painted black wood tables scattered haphazardly around the popular crowded even for a Monday  night club ,  nursing two drinks. An imported beer for Gerald and a virgin margarita for Alfred. Alfred had felt like an idiot ordering it but with all the medicine he took he didn't like taking a chance on drinking alcohol. Gerald had casually joked that he would restrict himself to only one drink since he was the designated driver.

He was actually really impressed with how well Gerald took to the club. He looked so much at ease there that nobody would dream he had spent almost his whole life in the closet. He looked really good too, Alfred thought as he sipped at his drink while enjoying the bawdy and entertaining song  dance and comedy of a local drag queen Scarletta from the circular platformed stage area. It was too soon for him to be losing much weight but even still he was so handsome and confident and energy filled in a blue and white checked button down shirt and faded blue denim jeans.  And he was not the only one that apparently thought that as Alfred noticed several men in the club giving Gerald the eye while ignoring him. Just like when he had always went with Scott. Come to think about it. It had always been Scott's idea to go out , he recalled right then and there. And Alfred had just said yes because deep down he had been suspicious of Scott from the beginning. Maybe this was a bad idea.

" Good music," Alfred said. " I think Joe Jacobs was right turning the Cafe J into a club. I love drag. Drag Race is my favorite show. "

Gerald laughed deeply. " Oh my God. Mine as well ! Well , I had to hide it  from Penelope ,  but you know how it was.  I had a bit of a crush on RuPaul , you know ! In the suit not the dress. "

Alfred laughed as well. " Who doesn't ? He's hot. And fun. "

Gerald leaned closer to him and Alfred wished he would kiss him again.

" Don't tell anyone at school. I don't want to spoil my old fashioned old school persona but I am a little bit addicted to television programs. I also love Project Runway. "

Alfred's eyes widened. " Me too ! Scott got so mad because I demanded total silence in the apartment when it came on. Top Model too. And Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. And Pose."

Gerald scooted his chair even closer to him and Alfred's mouth turned dry. He tossed an arm around Alfred's thin shoulders and Alfred smiled , leaning in more towards the bigger man.

Gerald said cheerily," My main favorite is Queer As Folk. The UK version. And the US. "

Alfred burst into giggles as he teased wryly," You really are gay ! "

Gerald smiled faintly as he lowered his face towards Alfred's own.

Then a tall skinny young man in a tight red silk shirt unbuttoned almost down to his belly button and equally tight green leather pants came up behind Gerald and whispered loudly in his ear ," Hey , Daddy! Ain't seen you here before. Buy me a drink. I'm good for it. " He winked at a startled Gerald. " I'm good for a lot of things. "

Alfred felt cold inside. He was stupid wanting to come to a club with Gerald. Dear God it was like Scott all over again. Was he doomed to watch another man he loved dancing and flirting with men all night long? Like Scott?

Gerald wasn't like that, he told himself as his hand reached out to stroke his walker.

Gerald pulled away abruptly from the man and directed a cold stare at him. " Excuse me? I am not interested in whatever you are babbling about. Please leave me alone. Thank you. "

The man curled his lipsticked lips up at them both. " Fuck you, old man. I was just trying to be nice. Have fun with your cripple, ok , Daddy Bear. "

Then, after looking at Alfred and laughing, he pranced off towards the bar , his leather panted ass shaking and bouncing as he moved.

Gerald shook his head. " I'm sorry about that, Alfred. " Then he smiled again. " Now where were we ? "

Alfred felt relaxed again as his lips once again stretched into a smile of his own. " You were going to kiss me. "

Gerald's smile grew. " That I was. "