They gave a quick hug, and Derrick opened the door. “Let’s go inside.”
The bar was typical, with lots of wood decor and televisions up on the wall, playing sports. The bartender, a good-looking guy in his midthirties, gave a wave and a big smile.
“Derrick. Where the hell have you been? I thought you moved.”
“And leave you, John? Never. Me and my friend are gonna grab a booth.” Derrick squeezed Morgan’s arm. “What would you like to drink?”
“White wine is good.”
“Can I get two Chardonnays?”
“Sure thing. I’ll bring them over.”
Derrick led him to a booth in the back, and they faced each other, knees touching.
“How long have you known Chris?”
And so began the résumé portion of the date.
They sipped their wine and chatted easily, and Morgan had to admit he enjoyed himself, but there was no sexual spark. Derrick was someone he’d love to have as a friend but had no desire to be with physically. They finished their wine and stared at each other before they both started laughing.
“Are you not feeling this date as much as me?” Derrick asked. “Not that I don’t think you’re gorgeous and fun to talk to, but I’m not getting that God-I-want-to-rip-his-clothes-off vibe.”
Morgan choked on the wine. “Oh my God, I’m so glad you said it. I think you’re cool and awesome, but I don’t want to kiss you.”
“Chris will be so sad. He’s been after me to ask you out for a while.”
“Gee, what a shocker. What made you wait until now?”
John the bartender interrupted them.
“Anything else, you two?”
“Thanks, we’re good. Just the check, please.” Morgan smiled at him. The bartender raised his brows but nodded and walked away. “I hope it’s okay I asked for the bill. Guess he thought we were going to hang out.”
“I have no idea what John thinks. I’ve been trying to figure him out for years but haven’t unlocked that secret.”
“He’s not with anyone?”
“Nope. I’ve never even seen him date. He had a rough time after his brother died, I know. It really tore him up for years.”
“That’s horrible.”
“Yeah.” Derrick tracked John as he returned to the bar, and Morgan began to suspect he had more than a friendly interest in the man.
“Maybe you should hang out and talk to him?”
Derrick met his eyes with a guilty smile. “Is it obvious? I thought I was over my crush. Especially since he’s probably straight.”
“It’s okay. But I’m still curious as to why you waited until now to ask me out if Chris has been pushing.”
“He mentioned you were finally ready to date again…after your divorce. He told me about a guy you were into, but that it was basically just physical. I figured I should move on and start dating nice guys who are looking for a real relationship, and stop pining after someone who doesn’t know I’m alive.”
They paid the bill and walked out into the twilight. Morgan gave Derrick a hug. “I think we both need to reassess what we want and have a talk with Chris.”
“I agree. I’m really glad we met, Morgan. I hope we can stay in touch.”
“I’d like that. Give me a call anytime you want to hang out. And I hope things work out. Don’t be surprised if maybe he’s waiting for you to make a move.”
