Chapter 106
He leaned back in his chair. “Really? You want to listen to workplace bullshit?”
“I’ve been in the workforce longer than you, so I’ve probably heard it all. Lay it on me,” I encouraged him after sipping my beer.
“Well, you asked for it. A Lowe’s is opening soon, two blocks from the store. Ownership is worried about business. I told them that Harry and Sons has loyal customers, and though they may lose a little bit at first, the luster of a big box store will fade. You can’t replace one-on-one service and a family atmosphere. I made some suggestions as to what they could do in the meantime, you know, special deals, things like that. But they blew me off. These guys are older—no offense—and stuck in their ways. It just pissed me off.” Grant finished his beer and waved down the waiter to get another one.
“No offense taken. That sucks, man.”
“I’ll be fine. It’s just frustrating dealing with people who can’t see the lumber for the trees.” He went back to his meal.
“Like me, you mean?” I joked, but not really.
“You?” Grant said, his mouth full. He swallowed. “No, you’re just stubborn.”
“Thanks, I guess.”
“You’re welcome.” He finished his food and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Okay, I know we’re not here to talk about my job issues. What’s going on, man?”
Where to begin?
“Do you think I’m a cliché?” I blurted out, almost afraid to hear the answer.
Grant almost choked on his beer. “Say whatnow?”
“Well, it’s just, some things have happened lately that call into question everything I am, how I do things. I guess I’m having a crisis of…self, or something.”
“That must be some crisis,” Grant said, a small smile on his face.
“You think this is funny?”
“Of course not. I’m just surprised.” Grant cleared his throat. “Trev, you’re the most confident man I know, which is part of your appeal, I suppose. It’s definitely one of the reasons why I had sex with you in the first place. Doesn’t hurt that you have a body that won’t quit, either.” He winked at me and took another sip of beer. “It’s just strange to hear words like that come out of your mouth, is all.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Might as well tell him everything. “A guy I fucked last night told me what people were saying about me at this bar I go to all the time. Or at least, I used to go there. Don’t think I’ll be going back. Anyway, this guy said they were laughing at me behind my back. I was pissed—and embarrassed—so I left and went to a club, and it was the same thing. It seems as if everyone out there, all of a sudden, thinks I’m some kind of dirty old man, searching for lost youth, or some shit. Fuck, I’m forty-two, not sixty. What’s wrong with me liking younger men?”
“I don’t think there’s anything necessarily wrongwith it. But there must be an issue somewhere for you if those comments get to you like that. Why do you really think you go after younger guys? Isit because you’re searching for lost youth?”
“I’ve never really thought about it. I just, choose a certain kind of guy, I guess.”
“Well, you need to think about it, Trev. The answer to that question will help you move forward. If it’s younger men you want, be proud of it. If it’s not, then try something else. Hell, maybe get with a guy your own age to see what it’s like.”
The only guy like that I’d be interested in fucking was Adrian, and that was not happening.
“I guess you’re right.” I looked at Grant and smiled. “Who knew a guy as young as you could be so wise?”
He slapped my hand where it lay on the table. “Young is relative, asshole. I’m only ten years or so your junior.”
“But you wear it so well, sweetheart.”
“Shut it, you.” He blushed a little, and it charmed me.
I was curious. “What about you? Do you like older men?” Grant’s blush deepened to crimson. Why didn’t I notice before now how pretty he really is?
“You know the answer to that.” Yes, I did. But it wasn’t in the creepy ‘daddy’ kind of way.
“I guess I do.”
“Older men are just more…experienced, I guess. I find that confidence and maturity to be a real turn-on. That’s what works for me.”
“Huh. Good to know.” Grant seemed uncomfortable with the conversation, so I decided it was time to move on. I got the waiter to give me the bill and I paid it, leaving a healthy tip.