The End of The Pursuit

Three days later I drove to meet Dennis, I had little hope of any better success this time.  But perhaps with progressive ideas to discuss we might have some common ground.

He met me at the door of a lovely French restaurant he’d suggested.  He handed me a beautiful red rose, smiled, and kissed me on each cheek.  OK, there might be a possibility here…  Our cloth covered table and linen napkins were beautifully laid with a lighted candle in the middle. 

And did I mention that he was genuinely good looking!  White hair loosely combed to the back and side—no nose hair; well fit dark slacks and soft plaid shirt with unbuttoned top.  He looked close to 6 feet and slim—I would have sworn he was younger than me, but he’d mentioned his age in an email.

We ordered—wow, these were expensive lunches, but Dennis had insisted I be his guest. 

For several minutes while we waited for our food, we chatted casually—movies, favorite restaurants, etc.  Once our orders came I thought I’d open up more.  “One reason I was particularly excited about meeting you is that you mentioned you are a progressive thinker compared to many.  I am as well!  I get so tired of all the conservative rhetoric!  People must think critically in these days of social changes.” 

I saw his eyes begin to twinkle.  Well, I had picked my wardrobe carefully for this occasion.  There was something different about Dennis—I just knew it.  I went on.  “I am so happy that gays are now allowed to marry in many places.  Of course it'll take time for overall acceptance, but at least we’re headed in the right direction!”  I breezily continued.  “Global warming is another important issue for me.  I don’t fully understand it, but I’ll trust the scientists with their research.”

As I merrily chatted, I saw a slow change taking place in Dennis’s expression.  What had started as full engagement now appeared as complete disconnect.  I stopped my banter and looked at him.  “Is something wrong?”

“Well,” he said hesitantly, “I think there’s been some misunderstanding.  My liberal or progressive ideas are on a more personal level.”

“I can assure you that I take these issues very personally,” I said.

“By personal I mean…”  He started again, “I mean like in the bedroom.”  The corners of his mouth turned up as the twinkle returned.  “Have you ever had the experience of ménage a trios?” 

Not only had I not experienced it, I had no recollection of the phrase being used in my presence!  Shocked, I responded, “Is THAT what you meant by liberal ideas?”

“Yes, how could you have taken it any other way?”

I was certainly perfecting this grabbing-purse-and-running routine.  I was in my car in 10 seconds and out of the parking lot in another five!

When I got home I just wanted to cry.  The disappointment of no potential relationship was the least of my concerns.  How could I have attracted or BEEN attracted to so many strange birds?  OK, I’m taking down my sign.  Complete website disconnect!  I’m no longer looking! 

The next day I went to the Humane Society and met Webster.  Here was loyalty without kinkiness.   No reading skills, but he’d lie quietly beside me while I languished in words.  And when I condominium camp, he’ll be with me.

In the next few weeks, Webster and I developed a routine.  My friends liked him, and he proved well behaved. 

One morning, we walked to a neighborhood coffee shop.  Webster stayed at the outdoor table while I got my tea and scone.  I sat down with my goodies and opened a new book by David Sedaris. 

I sat reading a few minutes when I heard a voice.  “Would you mind sharing your table?  The others are full.”

I looked up.  I couldn’t see the person behind the voice because of the sun, but I responded, “Please join me if you don’t mind a dog at the table.”  I smiled as he sat down. 

“I see you’re reading David Sedaris.  I’ve read everything he’s ever written, and have seen him in person a couple of times,”

“We have something in common,” I said enthusiastically.  “I love his writing and saw him once myself.  Are you gay?”

“Yes, I am, but more in theory than practice these days.  I’m a retired college professor who enjoys life at a slower pace sprinkled with occasional travel.”

With a confident smile I said, “You’re my kind of guy.” 

 The End--to this non-autobiographical story...