[In Chapter 1, Mike met Dan, his blind date, at Cafe 115 for their first date. However, something went wrong. Dan walked into the restaurant and sat at another table, with his back to Mike.]
"You're right on time," Mike said to Dan's back. "Do you want me to sit at your table?"
At least two 18-wheelers rumbled down Market Street before Dan spoke: "I made a mistake. I answered that ad in the Gay Peoples' Chronicle and I didn't think I would ever have to meet someone...like this...in a restaurant."
"I'm scared, too," said Mike. "I'll sit at the table with you and we can have a cup of coffee. Then, if you want, I'll leave." He walked to the other table and took the seat across from Dan.
Dennis, the owner of Cafe 115 moved toward the table with menus. "Would you gentlemen like something to drink while you look at the menus?"
"Yes," said Dan. "I'd like coffee. And, you too?"
"Yes. I'd like coffee."
Dennis took their orders and left for the kitchen.
"First date like this? I mean someone you met through a newspaper ad?" Mike asked.
"Yes. I've not dated many people. Went to school and wasn't sure if I was straight or gay. I just went out to eat with people who lived in the dorm. Nothing sexual. That may be the way engineers are. Recluses."
"Maybe the time has come to change that," Mike said. "Time to go out with some gay people and develop some friendships and maybe find a lover."
Dennis delivered their coffees and they decided to stay for lunch. They talked through lunch and by the end of the meal the two men seemed to be on the front end of a friendship. Each was afraid to make a move that would advance the friendship. So, each man paid his own check.
They left the restaurant and stood in the little hall that separated the restaurant from a florist shop.
"Pretty flowers," Dan said.
"Yes. You should see the flowers growing in my yard," Mike replied.
"I'd like that."
"Hey, why don't you come over after work. I'll show you the flowers, we'll have a drink and find a restaurant for dinner," Mike said.
The two men stood looking at each other.
"Two really handsome men," commented one of the waitresses in Cafe 115.
Mike wanted to grab Dan and kiss him. It had been a long time since Mike had been kissed.
Dan wanted to touch Mike -- caress his face, trace Mike's full lips with his fingers.
Each man had enough images in his mind to fuel his fantasies through the afternoon. The world being what it is -- the two men didn't kiss. They shook hands as if sealing a business agreement.
"I'll see you at 6:30," Dan smiled. "I look forward to seeing your flower garden."
"Yes, the flower garden," Mike laughed. In his thoughts, Mike said, "Yes, and maybe I can show you some other things, too."
[What will happen when Dan visits Mike and tours the flower garden. Will
someone get fertilized? What does Mike want to show Dan. Find out in the
next chapter of Tales of Akron in "What's Up."]
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