Unlike chocolate chip cookies. Theyneverlet me down.
Me: I don't think so.
Sky: That's your problem, you think too much. Find a quiet, private spot somewhere and fuck yourself…and I mean that in the nicest, hottest possible way of course.
Me: Not. Gonna. Happen.
Sky: Who knows? It could lead to a Christmas miracle.
Me: Ha. Knowing my luck, no, it wouldn't.
Me: Besides, I think you've used up the quota on Christmas miracles…
Sky met his partner and soulmate last Christmas, and I couldn't be happier for them both…even if the circumstances ofhowthey met still sends a chill down my spine.
Sky: There's a sexy older dude out there for you, too, man. I know there is.
Despite our wildly different upbringings, families, personalities, appearances, and degrees of sexual openness, one thing Sky and I have in common is we're both into older men. And not merely a few years older than us—Sky's also twenty-seven—I'm talking about guys at least in their forties, although I'm open to even older.
I discovered my biggest passion in life, baking, because ofThe Great British Bake Off. And part of the reason I got into that show during the pandemic was one of the hosts—the sexy, blue-eyed silver fox Paul Hollywood. That man can ice my cakes anytime he wants.
I like menwho have lived.
Men with experience.
Complexity.
Stories.
Scars.
Tattoos.
Just thinking about it sends a torrent of heat rushing through me.
But I don't have time for fantasies that are never going to happen. I spent the whole afternoon stocking up on bakingsupplies in Glendale and didn’t realize how late it was, barely making it over here before the store closes for the year.
Me: Gotta go, dude. Minari is closing in 10 minutes.
Sky: No worries, man. Send pics!
I shake my head as I go inside.
Yeah, I won't be doing that.
2
Darby
The air-conditioned store thrums with energy. Ambient electronic music set to the perfect background volume fills the air, along with the scent of expensive cologne. A well-dressed line snakes toward the register—everyone checking watches and clutching bags, desperate to get to their Christmas Eve plans I'm sure.
I push down the sadness and self-pity that rears its ugly head and remind myself why I'm here—to do, or rather buy, something nice for myself.
And I've come prepared.
I could have followed Minari on Insta and spent countless hours scrolling through immaculately curated images of their latest collections…or I can keep things simple.
I choose simple.
