“My ex-wife had an affair with another woman. I had no idea she was bisexual. No, it wasn’t that. She did a complete turnaround regarding her sexuality. Heterosexual to what she is now. I don’t hate her for that part. Hell, I feel I have to support her because I know how difficult it is regarding sexuality and all that stuff. Doesn’t stop me feeling bitter about it though. I’m entitled to my feelings that my marriage collapsed and I’m left feeling she lied to me for years. At least the divorce was amicable and I got joint custody of our little girl.”
“I’m sorry,” Cindy whispered, squeezing his forearm.
“Not your fault. Hell, as I said, I can’t even really blame her, though there’s also that part of me that does. The only positive thing I can think of when I now think of our marriage is that she made me a father. But though I support her finding her way, I can’t bring myself to forgive her. Probably not healthy, but she lied to me for at least a year regarding her affair. I saw the signs but buried my head in the sand, until she finally sat me down and told me the truth.”
“How often do you see your little girl?”
“We agreed she would spend a fortnight with me, and then a fortnight with her.” He sipped at his drink. “What really pissed me off is that I agreed to move out. I didn’t really want to stay in the house anyway. But within a month, her new girlfriend, the affair partner, was living in my house.” He sighed and shook his head before glancing at her. When she noticed the smirk, she almost giggled. “I told you it was a sob story, Cindy. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“How long ago was that? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“Divorce went through eighteen months ago. I’m sure many would think ‘Well, just start dating again’. Finding it hard to trust anyone after that sort of betrayal. That might seem a strong word to many people, but we made our vows to each other and I have zero tolerance for cheaters. Man or a woman as the affair partner, I would have divorced her anyway, but it was the fact she carried on behind my back. It was lie upon lie. Comes back to the fact I can’t forgive that. Because of that, because of all those lies, the only reason I still have any sort of relationship with her is due to Emily. If we didn’t have our daughter, I’d have nothing to do with her. But I still can’t bring myself to hate her. I look at my mates and see how difficult it was coming out of the closet, embracing who you really are at your heart and soul.”
He sighed and sipped at his drink. “Well, despite the heartache, Mark, you still sound rather understanding in regards to your ex-wife’s new journey,” she stated.
“Well, that’s enough about me, unless you want the other bullet points about my life. What’s your story, Cindy?”
“Oh, my life isn’t really that interesting,” she replied, curling her brunette hair behind her ear. She did it on purpose, and Mark certainly noticed the subtle clue. “I work in an office five days a week. Live alone in an apartment. Been single for six months.”
“I would have said I’d find that hard to believe, but then again, it’s been proven I know nothing.”
“Jon Snow.”
He glanced at her and the smile warmed his face. Cindy felt a flutter in her chest as his eyes had life in them for the first time. When he chuckled, she couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped her. That sound forced him to laugh louder, leaning against his upper arm as she giggled. “Game of Thrones fan?” he wondered.
“I was until that awful season. Notice how no-one talks about it anymore?”
“Well, they made a mess of it so it’s no surprise.”
“So what do you do?”
“Engineer. Work for the state government. Mostly on the road network. Thankfully, I spend most of my time in an office rather than being sent out around the state.”
“I work with financial documents all day.”
“One of the Big Four?” She felt herself blush as she knew their reputation. When she heard that chuckle again, she ran her hand down to his forearm and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It’s okay, Cindy, I won’t hold it against you too much.”
“Where are your friends?”
He stood up on the stool and gazed over to the dancefloor. “Well, I can see three of them over there. Two of them are a couple, the third is busy hitting on some younger bloke. And trust me on this, I know all the lingo, Cindy.” He sat back down and looked at her. “Young blokes are twinks. Older blokes are sometimes ‘daddy’. Hairy blokes are bears. And I learned for myself that there are gloryholes in the toilets. I didn’t think they were real until I walked in one evening and, well, I’m sure you can imagine.” She giggled again as another smile formed. “You have a cute giggle, Cindy,” he stated, “Only laughter I hear most of the time is from my little girl.”
She wasn’t sure why she did it, but before she could stop herself, she was leaning across to leave a soft kiss on his cheek. “I’m glad I made you smile,” she said softly.
When their eyes met, she almost shuddered as she could see the interest, but there was also hesitancy. Considering all he’d been through, she understood why. Before he could make a decision, she leaned back but moved her stool even closer so their upper arms were touching.
“Sooo…” he stated before trailing off, “Um…”
She giggled again. “Trust me, it’s been six months for me too. I think we’re both out of practice.”
“Is it like riding a bike though?”
“I’ve been told that sex is like that, at least.” He choked on his drink and started coughing. She was giggling while rubbing his back as he coughed a few more times. “Sorry!”
“Not your fault, I just didn’t expect that word or subject so quickly.”
“Look around, Mark, I think most people are here intent on hooking up, whether it be with someone they love, a good friend, or a complete stranger. I know for a fact my friend, Alexa, won’t be leaving here alone. She’ll have some poor bloke back at her place tonight.”
“Why some poor bloke?”
“Let’s just say my friend has a voracious sexual appetite. Like a sexual vampire, just drains her victims.”
“Hell, I should introduce her to my mate, Scott. Shame he’s gay though.”
They shared another couple of drinks but never moved from their stools. She learned a few things very quickly. He had a dry sense of humour, a quick wit, very intelligent, a kind heart, was very handsome, absolutely loved his daughter, and once he was out of his shell, could easily share stories of his life. And he never stopped asking questions about her, showing as much interest in her in return.
It was only when the last two of his friends told him they were leaving that he sighed, letting her know that he would be joining them as they all lived close to each other. But before he left, he asked for her number. She was ready to ask for his anyway, so she put her number into his phone, then he sent her a message.
“I’d like to see you again, Cindy,” he stated. Sliding off the stool, she hugged him without hesitation. And she knew exactly what Alexa was talking about when he wrapped his arms around her. Resting her head against his chest, she was fairly sure she heard his heart beating, and it was certainly not at resting rate.
They only pulled apart because one of his friends cleared his throat, stating the taxi was outside. Taking a chance, she leaned up and left a soft kiss on his lips. She knew there was an attraction, and wondered if he’d want a longer kiss. But she pulled back from temptation.
“Call me,” she whispered.
He smiled, caressed her cheek with his right hand, gazing into her eyes, and then he was gone.
She sat back on her stool, sipping at the rest of her drink, barely alone for ten minutes before Michelle and Jamie appeared at her side. Glistening with sweat, cheeks rather red, it was obvious they’d been dancing for quite a while, considering both were now barefoot, heels in their opposing hands as they held hands with the other.
“Finished talking to your boyfriend, Cin?” Jamie teased.
“What?”
“You’ve been talking to him for hours,” Michelle stated, “It’s nearly 2am. Alexa has already left.”
“She has?”
They giggled at her. “Cindy, she did speak to you, letting her know she’d met someone. She said you barely acknowledged her, focused on your new boyfriend as it was.”
“Oh… um…”
They both hugged her. “He looked handsome,” Jamie whispered.
“Get his number?” Michelle wondered.
“He has mine too,” she replied, feeling her cheeks get warm, “He was so… Yes, he was handsome, but he was also so… He just saw me as a woman, and he was so kind, and sweet, and funny. But there’s also a damaged heart and soul, and he seemed to really like me, and maybe even trust me a little bit so quickly…”
“Uh-oh,” Jamie said, chuckling, “Michelle, I think we’ve lost her.”
“Oh no!” Michelle exclaimed, “We’re going to have to find a fourth now!”
“Are you going to wait for him to call?”
“Or will you be a little bit brave and call him first?”
“Why don’t we just go home first?” she retorted, finishing her drink and standing up. It’s only when she stepped outside that the booze did hit. Jamie and Michelle had drunk even more, so they were rather woozy. Thankfully, they’d organised a taxi, which was already waiting at the kerbside. She made sure her friends were dropped off at home before she arrived at home.
Stripping naked, she stepped into her bathroom for a quick shower, drying off once she felt clean, and slid under the blankets of her bed. Opening her phone, she felt her heart flutter when she noticed a message from Mark.
M: I was in the taxi home and I was left wondering if I shouldn’t have just stayed…
C: I’m home safe and sound, Mark. Are you home now?
M: Yeah, I got the other two home first. Fresh air plus lots of booze equals two very drunk men.
C: I looked after my besties too. Got to look after your friends.
M: Any plans for tomorrow? Or today, considering it’s past 3am?