Half an hour later, he entered the club and went straight up to the bar. It was still early, and they were serving alcohol as well as coffee.
“Can I have a strong coffee with sugar? No cream,” he said to the man behind the bar.
“Sure thing. Have I seen you in here before?” the barman asked.
“I stopped by a couple of weeks back with a few friends. We didn’t stay.” He tapped his fingers on the bar as he took more in.
“Is that because we’re a gay bar?” the barman asked.
“What?”
“Because if you’re here to cause trouble, you can get the hell out.”
Ben held his hands up. “I just want a coffee and to sit here.”
“Good. Sorry about the high-handed warning. We have so much trouble that we like to keep it simple.”
Ben nodded, taking his cup of coffee. The scent reminded him of the Italian blend he preferred to buy. There was a lot of stuff he kept covered about his personality. Maybe it was time for him to come out. If he lost his friends then they weren’t really his friends.
“I’ll have a black coffee with your greasiest bagel, Clyde.” A man approached on his other side. He was large and looked to be in his late twenties. Ben tried to ignore him, but the guy oozed sex appeal. He dropped his shoulder bag onto the chair between them. Ben’s hands started to shake as the stirring in his groin began to intensify.
“I’m surprised to see you here. I thought you were vacationing with the parentals,” Clyde said to the mystery man.
“I’ve just left my mom. She’s on her way home, but I don’t want to be anywhere near the chaos when that all kicks off.” The guy sat down rolling up his sleeves. Ben saw a small dragon tattoo on the inside of the other man’s arm.
“Here you go. Enjoy.” Clyde handed a plate and mug to the guy sitting next to him.
“Cheers, mate. This is my one consolation.”
Clyde walked off leaving Ben alone with the mystery man.
“If you keep stirring the spoon in your cup the bottom will drop off.”
Ben dropped the spoon with a clatter. “Sorry.”
“It’s your first time here?”
“Yes, I’m Ben....” He went to say his last name but decided to leave it off.
“I’m Trent.” Trent shook his hand. “So are you gay or just curious?”
“I don’t really know.”
“Whoever really knows what they want? Me, I’m a bit of everything. I like men and women. There is something to be said for the woman’s supple body while I also love taking a hard man.” Trent took a bite of his bagel. “I’m sorry for being a cuss. I’ve spent a great deal of time with my family. I have to hide who I am. You’re a stranger, and I can talk to a stranger. You don’t know who I am.”
“No, keep going on.” Ben listened to the other man. He had thought he was the only one with problems. From the sounds of it, this Trent had plenty of issues of his own.
“What about you?”
“Me? Well, I’ve never been with a man. I’ve tried with a woman, but nothing happens. I figured I was weird somehow.” Ben began talking, opening up to the stranger before him. How could he be so open and honest with a man he didn’t know? He talked about his feelings with Martin.
Then the phone buzzed, interrupting his flow.
“Shit, let me take this.”
Ben took a sip of his coffee, which the bar-man had refreshed for him.
“Fucking hell, I’ve got to go. I’m sorry, mate. Family emergency.” Trent paid the bill then gathered his stuff. Ben didn’t mind. Talking with someone who wasn’t a friend had helped open him up.
“Before I go as I don’t think we’ll meet again,” said Trent. “Talk to this Martin guy. He might surprise you. If not, then you can move on with your life. Take care, Ben.”
Then Trent walked out.
Sitting back in his chair, Ben stared off into space. Trent had breezed in, allowed him to talk, then breezed back out of his life. Maybe it was a sign. Either way, Ben felt better and ready to face Martin.
Chapter Eight
Chris burst out laughing, pulling Erica into his arms and swinging her in the air. She let out the cutest giggle followed by a squeal. The cool ocean water kept licking their ankles.
“I’ll throw you into the water,” he said teasingly.
“No.” She pulled away. Chris let her down on her feet so he could run after her. He loved catching her. “You’re going to pull a muscle if you keep lifting me up.”
“Don’t let me fool you, babe. I’ve been working out, and I love the feel of you in my arms.” He ran towards her. She froze, screamed, and ran. Chris caught her, lifting her up and swinging her around. The breeze felt wonderful against their skin. He’d removed his shirt, shoes, and socks. Erica had left her sandals near their picnic area.