Walking the streets at night with no destination was hardly how I thought I would be spending my eighteenth birthday. I just never expected my dad would react by kicking me out of the house. It couldn’t have been that much of a shock finding out I was gay. I’m not exactly the poster boy for masculinity. I know he had to wonder, but I guess as long as I didn’t confirm it there was still hope.

What sucked most about this whole ordeal was that I barely escaped with nothing more than a handful of clothes and personal belongings. I wasn’t even allowed to get my car. He just threw me a twenty-dollar bill and told me to take a cab straight to hell. I was too angry to cry; besides I wouldn’t have given him the satisfaction.

I walked in no particular direction, avoiding contact with whoever passed by. All together I had two hundred dollars that I had to make last until I could find a job. I pulled my jacket tighter around me as a gust of wind shot through my body. I needed to find a place to get out of this cold even if it was just for a little while.

The Hilton was the first building I saw where I could go in and sit without being noticed. Inside the lobby was full of people. I shifted my duffel bag from one hand to the other and made my way to the only empty couch. If I were lucky I would just blend in as another guest waiting to check in or out. Damn, what I wouldn’t give for a place to lay down for a while, I thought to myself.

A man in an expensive looking suit sat across from me. I tried not to notice him, but it was hard when he wouldn’t take his eyes off me. I tried to be discreet about returning his glance. I didn’t want to appear suspicious. As I looked up at him he caught my eye and smiled. Quickly I looked away. I couldn’t help but notice how good-looking he was. He looked to be a man in his early forties with gray hair, which really added to his appeal. It suited him. He had piercing blue eyes and a smile that instantly stirred something in my pants.

We played the stare game for several minutes. There was nothing I wanted more than for him to come up to me. I wouldn’t dare go up to him I didn’t have the courage to do that. When he finally made his move my heart began to race the closer he got to me.

“Hi there,” he said to me, “mind if I sit down?”

Too scared and nervous to say anything I simply shook my head no and moved over to make room.

“I couldn’t help but notice you,” he said. “You’re a stunning young man. Are you staying here alone?”

“Well…” I paused. “Actually I’m just passing by.” I said quickly getting to my feet.

“Please don’t leave.” He placed his hand on my arm. “I hope I wasn’t too forward coming over and all. I just couldn’t resist.”

The touch of his hand burned right through me. It paralyzed me. “No, don’t worry about it.” I smiled, “you weren’t being forward at all. I’m glad you came over.”

It was his turn to be shy, adverting my eyes. I sat back down and we started talking. Our conversation balanced between playful