An Episode in Dating: Fireworks
Photo by Matthew Principe
Trying to find an empty cab on New Year’s Eve was proving impossible so Jarrod, Tyler, Matt and I ended up walking to the restaurant to meet Mischa and his friends. We were well on our way to tipsy and Jarrod and Matt were being completely animated and acting like goofballs. Tyler and I walked behind them; exchanging conspiratorial glances with each other that said, “Are we really dating these guys?”
We finally reached our restaurant destination, Balthazar, and the line to get in was ridiculous. “Is this a restaurant or a club?” Tyler asked. We all looked at each other wondering if we were going to get in before midnight when Jarrod received a text from Mischa directing us to a side entrance.
Mischa greeted us in his warm fashion of hugs and kisses on both cheeks. Jarrod introduced Tyler and I introduced Matt, who piped up and said, “I’m his lover from Altoona.” Everyone laughed so hard there were tears coming down our faces.
Mischa brought us through the back of the restaurant to the dining room, where two large tables were occupied with a boisterous crowd of gay men. Mischa introduced Matt to everyone as my lover from Altoona. Some got the joke and others didn’t, which made it even funnier.
Jarrod, Tyler, Matt and I found our seats just in time to stand up again and toast the New Year. Three, two, one! Happy New Year! Matt and I gave each other a long soulful kiss. After eating, a large group of us went dancing until the wee hours and we eventually ended up back at the hotel as dawn came over the city.
I woke up next to Matt in our bed as light peaked through the blinds. We snuggled and held each other for a while, not wanting to get out of bed.
My head was resting on Matt’s chest as I moved it to look him in the eye as I spoke.
“Last night with you was great, and I gotta say … I think I’m developing feelings for you.” I laid my head back on Matt’s chest.
Matt continued to lie next to me as he opened his mouth and said, “Kamal I think you should know that I don’t really see us being a long term thing.”
“What?” I said; trying now to come fully out of slumber.
“Actually, I don’t think we ever had the potential to be anything long term.”
“What?!”
To be continued…
