Strange Attraction (editing/rewriting)

I

My story starts with my friend Gordon. We met in high school and ended up going to the same college. In high school he happened to be the one person people went to if they wanted to for an essay. He was actually freakishly good at writing and never got caught. Once we enrolled in the state college he became interested in art and weed and now works as a graphic designer in marketing. Throughout college neither one of us were party people which worked out well for us.

After college we both moved from Maine down to Connecticut for a bit and commuted to work by train, but after that became a hassle we both decided moving to the city was easier. We rented a shitty apartment on staten island and then another in Brooklyn after the landlord at the one on staten island and Gordon got into it. After moving to Brooklyn, Gordon started going on runs in the a.m. trying to get healthy and in shape and on his very first run he met Atticus and from then on they became running partners, lovers, and then husbands. They didn't have a wedding and instead eloped but they held a little party at their home later on. After Gordon moved out and having saved up a substantial amount of money and also having a big girl salary, I was able to afford a better apartment in the same city.

Gordon got lucky and married someone who made a name for himself and that afforded Gordon the luxury of only working part time.

"Come on man'' Gordon gets on his knees and lets his red hair hang over his face while he begs in front of everyone in the cafe. We were in a booth in the back but his loud voice caught everyones attention. He was always open to like prying eyes since we were teens, it was nothing new as all eyes fell on us. Gordon was a fairly large guy. He didn't follow any stereotypes being a gay man particularly the ones that say gay men are flamboyant and whatever. Gordon typically dressed like a mannequin from old navy. Had you looked at him you'd think he'd have a wife, minivan, and 5 kids at home with a white picket fence.

"Fine, but only one date, I have deadlines you know." As I continue to devour my lunch I notice Gordon smirking at his phone that lies flat on the table. From what I can see, there's a dark outline of a man. He looks up to see me staring and picks his phone up from the red cedar wood table.

Seeing as though it was a blind date, I knew he wouldn't let me see that man, but a woman could try.

"Gordon you better send me what that picture looks like or so god help me."

"No." He replies.

The more I pry, the more defensive he becomes so I accept defeat and we continue our lunch. This was the only time of the day we really hung out. We didn't go out at night since it was always hectic plus he loved spending his nights with his husband. Lunchtime wasn't ideal, but I loved talking to Gordon in person.

The lunch came to an end as Gordon received a call and had to see himself out.

Before he leaves, I ask about where the date is and he just replies with "he'll pick you up." Before I can protest about how dangerous that is, Gordon senses my frustration before I do and he immediately leaves.

I stay for an extra hour listening to an audiobook of the metamorphosis while watching people come and go. Its a classic book and peaked my interest the moment I saw how thin it was since im not much of a reader. I like to be able to listen and imagine the scenes instead of reading and hearing the words in my head. Sitting back and imagining while listening to a book is more comforting to me.

As I get ready to leave, I packed up my things and made my way out of the cafe into the sun at nearly 3 O'clock.

Time never seemed to work with New York. It was a wonder as to why I ever moved here let alone stayed. I never drove anywhere unless it was to work, the streets were terrible and although the people were blunt, you had a bunch of yuppies from Cali who were looking to change the place. I loved the city charm when I first moved here, but after a while I got sick of it and missed rural places.

I continued to listen to the audiobook. Listening to the narrators voice as I walked was nice until I walked into a group of people on the sidewalk in the way. They were already involved in an argument assuming it was of someone who shoved them so to avoid it I stepped into traffic and around the chaos.

My thoughts safely led me home to my apartment. There was never much to do, so I went straight to work in my office. I pulled out the old speaker from the corner next to my desk against the wall and I connected it to my phone. The book now played out loud.

Minutes turned to hours and I found myself working on and finishing my many small projects. I'd have to go to work in just under 6 hours, but something I lived by roughly quoted was the key to success lies under the alarm clock. I decided to work until it was time for me to officially go to work.

It was easy to neglect sleep. I didn't have to make up for the lost time.