I’d met Al at a local music show, we were in line for a drink at intermission and struck up a conversation. We just got going in a conversation when they called us to return to our seats, so I slipped him a card, hoping he’d get back to me.

See, I was recently divorced and though you’d call me straight, I’d had some affairs with men when younger and was thinking about trying that again. So I kept alert for possible “friend with benefits” situations. If nothing else, I could get a new friend out of it; I like time with friends so this could be good if it only went that far.

I was pleased when he called me a few nights later, suggesting we get together for a drink. So far, so good. We agreed to meet at a BBQ restaurant for dinner, enjoying the talk and getting to feel comfortable with each other. We spent some time talking about our single status; he had split from his fiance after they realized they were not a good match. All the while, I was trying to feel out his interest – was it just as a friend? He seemed quite warm towards me, so I was optimistic. We stayed around for the first set of music, but we both had to work in the morning so we made it an early night.

I invited him over for burgers and a beer. The mood definitely shifted to a closeness; I sat close to him, then when we moved to the patio, he sat even closer to me. The conversation shifted too. I asked him if he worked out, since his torso seemed well defined through his t-shirt. “Yes,” he replied, “twice a week at the gym and three other days running. I’m up to ten miles a week.”

I replied, “I walk a lot, I enjoy the trails at the county park.” He paused then said, “I thought so. Your legs are very muscular.” We both took a swig of our beers, then I made my move. “Let me know if I’m out of line, but I think you’re a good looking guy.”

Al looked me right in the eye, smiled and said, “I was wondering what your intentions were. I like where you’re heading. To tell you the truth, I have never gotten together with a male, but I’m curious as hell.” Then he reached over and put his hand on my leg, and gave it a squeeze. I said, “I’ve done that a bit, as a teen then a couple of times in my early twenties.