22 A Quest for Plates (1/2)

”Plates, I need plates.” Nathan and I walked along the paths in the maze of furniture and appliances that is IKEA.

On this bright and sunny Tuesday, we've decided to shop for home and kitchen accessories while my boyfriend Brad was occupied with work from the board of education. A pity, I know.

The illness that had been clouding me for days had finally cleared and I was feeling like myself again.

We were in the textiles and rugs section of the floor when Nathan suddenly brushed my hand with his while we were walking.

”I don't think anyone will care about our gay PDA.” He whispered in my ear, and grabbed my hand.

I smirked at him and swung our hands back and forth like third graders.

”We should hang out more like this,” I said. ”Just the two of us.”

”Hey, Ped! Nathan!” A voice called out from behind us.

We both turned around in a clueless manner, and saw a blonde guy walking towards us with another person.

”Oh hey! Christian!” Nathan waved frantically. ”Man, it's been years. How are you?”

”I'm great, Nathan!” Christian beamed. ”Today's my last day in Ophrus before I leave for London again.”

”I had no idea you were here again.” I patted his shoulder. ”Why didn't you text us?”

”I've been pretty busy with work, you know.” He gestured with his hand.

”Where are my manners? Guys, this is my friend, Tyler Bukhari.”

Christian's friend stepped out from behind him.

Tyler was a stocky young fellow wearing a stylish polka-dotted button-down shirt and nice dress pants. A mature scent of warm, leathery perfume radiated from his body, and I could see an Apple Watch on his wrist that had a rainbow nylon band. That was a clear sign indicating he was one of us homosexuals, I thought.

He had an oval face with bushy eyebrows and a small beard. His lips were thick, big and so was his nose. Unlike Christian, he had short black hair like me and Nathan.

”Nice to meet you, Tyler.” Nathan and I both extended our arms at the same time, and Tyler laughed as he shook both our hands.

”Nice to meet you guys as well.” He had a deep, sultry voice. ”You two lads must be close.”

Nathan and I blushed and glanced at each other.

”Friends of Christian, aye?” He winked. ”Can I ask-?”

”No, not like that.” Christian chimed in. ”They're my high school friends.”

”Oh, hah. Should've said so.” Tyler looked at him.