it off as if it happened at every appointment he made. For all I know, it did.

I found myself apologizing for being so forward, for being so direct and for being so clearly flirtatious when I didn’t even know if he played for the same team as I. After a lengthy conversation on the topic, I learned that he didn’t presently, but had in the past, and was inclined to “play” with the person who fit with him the best, regardless of gender. What he actually said surprised me because it’s rare for someone as young as he to really be secure about his own sexuality. He said that he found that in general, he was unable to find women who represented the strength and bond of friendship that men did for him; that the similarities between men allowed them to bond more closely than opposing genders. He also told me that he was living with a woman who he had been with for over a year, but when I asked if she was his fiancée, he smiled and shook his head.

We talked as if we had known each other forever. I grew comfortable with him, and he indicated that he had grown similarly comfortable with me. I stopped apologizing for flirting, and just flirted, and his eyes danced merrily and we laughed easily about it. Lunch came and went, and we talked and talked and talked.

Finally, the time came for each of us to move on to the next task of the day, and as reluctant as I was for this perfect moment in time to end, I stood up and walked him to the outside of the building. As we approached the doors, I put my hand momentarily on his shoulder to get him to look at me, and I said, “Listen, Jeremiah. I’ve gone far beyond professional protocol; I’ve been far too forward with you, but I have to say this or I’ll split open—you are, without a doubt, the most intriguing and most incredibly beautiful man I’ve met in a long, long time. If you walk out the door and never come back, I’ll understand. I’m not usually like this, but I don’t usually meet such attractive and well spoken men in my travels, either. I just hope to God that I haven’t offended you in any way.”

He took my hand to shake it, and looked me right into the eye as he said, “I’m neither offended nor upset. In fact, I think you’re pretty cool yourself, and I’ve had more fun on this appointment that I’ve had in many, many months. You didn’t offend me, and I’ll be back soon to check in and say hello. I’m grateful for your time today.”

With that, we shook hands, and he glided through the heavy glass doors and out into the parking lot. I watched him stroll with purpose to his Jetta, stow his briefcase, climb in, and drive away. I stood for several long moments at the door, hoping that his travels would bring him back soon.

*****

Time passed, and Jeremiah’s visits to my office and to the hotel became frequent. Along the way I divulged to him that his chances of landing an account with the hotel did not exist, and in spite of this news his visits continued with regularity. Each meeting included a small amount of business and a far larger amount of mutual personal enjoyment. I made him laugh, and I reveled in