The Boy in the Park

In The Park

The next couple of days went by in a flash. I didn't see Quinn all that much, but I think we both just needed time to realize what happened.

One day after work, I decided to go to the park and clear my head. I worked at the bakery downtown. It was fun, my coworkers were nice, and most customers were respectful. When I say most I mean about seventy percent.

Today there had been a customer who just set me off.
---
"So how has your day been?" The woman asked. Just a normal way to start a conversation.

"Great," I said and added a smile.

"I notice your nails are painted. Does your girlfriend make you do that?" She questioned.

"No."

"Then why do you do it?"

She was starting to worry me. The way she said that sounded disapproving, as if she didn't approve of the way I lived.

"I like to express myself this way. It's small, but noticeable at the same time. Get what I mean?" It was true, I just never realized I would need a reason to paint my nails.

"Are you gay?"

"Well, I don't really like labels, but yes, if I were do identify as something, that would be it."

"Can I speak to your boss, please?"

Crap. This has happened before. Homophobic customer comes in and refuses to by anything "contaminated" by me.

"Sure, one sec," I tried my best to keep calm. I never understood why people would be scared of someone just because they fall in love with someone of the same gender.

"Chrissy, we have another homophobe." I told my boss. I didn't mean it in a bad way. It was just one of the easiest ways to put it.

"Okay, I'll go talk to her." She said. Chrissy, or Christina, was transgender. She had a rough past. Her parents didn't want her. She was kicked out of her home when she was fourteen.
She was strong though, she found a homeless shelter and eventually found an accepting home.

She walked out, me following except I turned and went to the break room.

A couple of minutes went by, and I hoped we hadn't lost another customer because of me.
It had happened before and I was worried I would lose my job because of it.

"Some people are just downright stupid," Chrissy said when she finally came back in.

"How did it go?" I asked, scared to hear the answer.

"We lost another customer."

"I'm sorry, maybe it would be better if I quit."

"No, we need you. You're the best baker we've had in years." She assured me.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Thanks I guess," I said, relieved.

"No problem. Now you go home and take a break, I'll hold down the fort. Besides, your shift ends in an hour."

"Thanks," I said and left the room.
---
I sat down on the bench and rubbed my eyes. I was tired and cranky, but for some reason I stayed.

Then I felt my phone buzz.

Hey, where are you?

It was Quinn. Instantly I got happier, just thinking about him.

In the park, why?

Look behind you.

Okay, I'm not one for surprises. I'm too jumpy to like surprises. But nonetheless I looked behind me.

Standing there, with a single rose, was Quinn.

My heart started racing. I stood up and ran up to him.

"Hi," I said like an idiot.

"Hey."

We just stood there then. Just gazing into each other's eyes. I wanted to kiss him, but I felt people staring, so I didn't.

Five while minutes went by like this until he asked "Would you like to have dinner on Wednesday?"

"Oh, um sure. I'm open so yeah. That'd be great." I answered.

"Oh and this is for you," he said and held out the rose.

Then the whole world disappeared, and all I could see was him. His perfect lips, curved in a slight smile. His hazel eyes. His perfectly shaped nose. I didn't care anymore, the urge was too strong. So I leaned in and kissed him. He kissed back almost instantly. It lasted about fifteen seconds, then he said, "Let's save the rest for Wednesday." And walked away, leaving the sensation of the kiss lingering on my lips.