Chapter 1

“Did you really just turn down a date with that guy?” Geoffrey Ridgley asked his best friend, Jay Anderson. Geoff’s eyes were wide, bugged out, like maybe from a cartoon. Well, maybe not thatmuch.

Jay watched the man, an admittedly good-looking muscular beach type, like a lifeguard or something, walk away toward the tropical-themed bar. The man sat on the barstool he’d previously occupied before weaving his way to his and Geoff’s table.

Jay picked up an onion ring and dipped it in pineapple mango sauce. He turned his attention back to Geoff.

“Well, yeah, I guess I did.”

“Dude, you’re hopeless. That guy is hot.” Geoff blushed to the roots of his dark hair. “Or I’d think so if I was gay.”

Jay rolled his eyes. “Right. Actually he is pretty hot, but I’m just, you know, not ready to date right now.”

Geoff picked up his hamburger. This was their regular Friday lunch get-together. Every other Friday they met at Poppy’s Hawaiian Grill in West Hollywood. Opposite Fridays they usually met at a pizza place they both liked.

Jay and Geoff had been practically raised together, living across the street from each other as boys. Geoff had been the first one Jay had come out to in junior high. Now, Geoff was in college getting his political science degree with plans to eventually go into law. He had a perky, pretty blonde girlfriend.

Jay, on the other hand, had decided not to go to college. He’d barely managed to make it through high school. At the moment, Jay worked in the cosmetics department of a large department store

“You make it sound like you just had a tragic breakup or your lover died or something,” Geoff said. “Not ready to date.You’re just hung up on your neighbor.”

Well, yeah.

Jay rested his chin in his hand and moved onion rings around his plate. “Maybe. He’s twice as hot as that guy was anyhow. But you know, I want to know something.”

“What?” Geoff spoke around a big mouthful of burger.

“Well, that guy came over here to ask me out, right?”

“Uh-huh.”

Jay shrugged. “How’d he know I was gay? It’s not like I’m wearing a pink shirt emblazoned with a rainbow or anything.”

Geoff laughed. “No, but you might as well be.”

“Huh?”

“Jay, you are as slim and pretty as a girl. I bet if we asked everyone in this restaurant if they thought you were gay they’d all say yes.” Geoff shrugged. “Besides, we eat here a lot and I think I’ve seen that guy here before. He’s been scoping you out for a while.”

Jay frowned. “Eavesdropping you think?” He glanced back at the man sitting at the bar.

“Could be. Anyway, it’s not the first time you’ve set off gaydar and you know it.”

“Yeah, I suppose,” Jay conceded. “It’s not like I’m trying or anything.”

“I know.”

“And anyway, how come he didn’t think we were a couple?”

“For one thing, we act more like friends than boyfriends. And for another, Tammy’s joined us here a few times. He’s probably seen her with me.”

Jay narrowed his eyes. “Damn it, I hate when you make sense.”

Geoff chuckled. “Annoying, isn’t it?”

“God yes.”

“You should go out with him. Getting laid might do you some good.”

“I don’t know. I guess maybe if he asks again I might.”

It wasn’t as though his neighbor was remotely interested in Jay. And Jay happened to know the man wasgay. Still not interested. They were just friends. Just his luck.

“What are you and Tammy doing tonight?”

Geoff squirmed. “Funny you should ask. We’re having dinner at her parents’ house so I can meet them.”

“Oh. Wow. Getting pretty serious between you two, huh?”

“Yes. So, needless to say I’m really nervous.”

Jay smiled and waved his hand. “Don’t worry, they’ll love you.”

“Hope so.” Geoff smirked. “You wouldn’t want to come with me, would you?”

He choked on the sip of iced tea he had just taken. “What?”

“I wouldn’t have so much pressure if you were there. Everyone thinks you’re adorable They’d be oohing and ahhing over you instead of scrutinizing me.”

He rolled his eyes. “First of all, no way, you’re on your own. And second of all, Tammy didn’t invite me.”

“She would if I asked her. She loves you.”

Jay snorted. “Forget it. I have plans anyway.”

Ah, crap.

He had not meant to say that. Now Geoff would ask questions.

“Yeah? What plans?” Geoff stuffed the last bite of his hamburger in his mouth.

Sighing, Jay pushed his plate away. “It’s no big deal. I’m watching a marathon of some movies.”

His friend smirked. “Alone?”

Jay shrugged and mumbled, “There may be a neighbor joining me.”

“What?”

“A neighbormight be coming over.”

“Uh-huh. Any neighbor I know?”

He huffed. “Fine. Drake Hanover is coming over. Happy?”

Geoff smiled at the waitress who handed him the check. “No, Jay. Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“Why isn’t it?”

“You’re hung up on him. Maybe you should stay away from him so you don’t get hurt. Just something to think about.”

“I’m not going to jump him or anything, Geoff.”

“I know that. As long as you stay away from alcohol anyway. You get really friendly when you drink, Jay.”

Jay felt his face grow hot. “Shut up. Anyway, I’m not going to drink. I’ll have tea or something.”

Geoff sighed and took out his wallet. “All right. Just be careful. I know you can be sensitive.”

“Whatever.”

His friend laughed, then waved away Jay’s money. “I’m buying this week. Have you ever thought of just asking him out?”

“He’s not interested. Trust me.”

“How do you know?”

“Just some things he’s said to me.”

Geoff frowned. “What? What has he said to you? Do I need to kick his ass?”

“Oh, for God’s sake.” Jay stood. “I don’t need you to kick anyone’s ass for me. He just said there are a lot of men who go for my type so he’s sure I’ll find a boyfriend soon. Making it very clear he wasn’t one of those men. It’s okay. We can just be friends.”

“Okay.”

They walked out to the parking lot and to their cars with a promise from Geoff that he would call tomorrow to let him know how Tammy’s parents’ dinner went.