Chance Encounter - Jerry Cole Page 0,5

get to know one another properly.

I felt something the moment I saw Hayden. He was gorgeous in that way that made me stop walking at the theater. If Gram hadn’t been beside me, I would have taken a few moments to stare at him. Seeing the way that he looked at me told me that he felt the same way, so I decided to try to pursue it once we ran into each other again.

It was fate.

I greeted the hostess, telling her my name as she checked the list. She asked where I’d like to sit, grinning when I told her it was a date. She took me back to a table that overlooked the water in the corner of the restaurant. It offered a perfect sense of privacy, and I looked around with a pleased smile. “This is perfect.”

“I hope everything goes well.” She gave me a look that told me she was envious of my date, making me wonder what she’d think when she saw Hayden arrive. Most people didn’t realize I was gay at first sight, so it surprised them. She seemed as though she might be one of those, but I had never wanted a woman, and I wouldn’t start now.

I asked for some water and settled in my seat to wait for him. The weather today was on the sunny side, and I admired the reflection on the water. I hadn’t been on a date for seven months since breaking up with my ex. I wanted to wait for someone special, knowing that Hayden was that guy.

I looked toward the front of the restaurant, sitting up straight when I saw him. He was laughing with the hostess, dressed in jeans and a gray shirt that made his eyes a brighter blue than the first time that I saw him.

He looked amazing.

I watched as he glanced back toward me, his face breaking into a smile. Hayden strode toward me, and I rose to meet him, feeling my voice catch. “Hey, Gray. Thanks for the invitation.”

“It was no problem.” I reached out to hug him, and he reached out to pull me closer. We stayed that way for a few beats before pulling away, disappointment crossing both of our faces.

We settled down in the seats and looked over the menus, sharing long looks. He ordered the turkey salad, and I chose the French dip, smiling when the waitress moved to take the order to the kitchen.

“Did you work last night?” I asked, and he nodded with a smile.

“I didn’t usher. I worked will call and then backstage. If I’m not performing, then I’m back helping.” I could see him up there, throwing his heart into the role.

“Why aren’t you in this play?” I asked, and a dark expression crossed his face.

“Truth?” He asked, and I nodded. “I broke up with someone a month ago. I wasn’t feeling it when the auditions started for this play, so I sat it out. I’ve just been spending a lot of time with Becca and regrouping.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” I assured him as he shook his head.

“Sitting here, it doesn’t make sense to me. I’m happier without him.” He smiled, and I nodded, feeling the same way about the distant memory of my ex.

“I feel the same way.” The conversation flowed, and I realized that while we looked different, Hayden and I had the same basic morals and goals in life. We laughed at the same things. When we finished lunch, he asked if I wanted to take a walk on the water, and I agreed.

I paid the bill, shutting him down when he argued with me. We left the building, and I took his hand as we turned down the wide path to the water. His skin was warm, and he moved close to me, laughing at something I said. “This is a perfect day,” I told him, feeling Hayden squeeze my hand.

“It is. I didn’t think I’d want to date after Dom. I felt like I put my all into that, and it got me nowhere. I have my apartment, and I’ve barely been staying there since I feel better at Becca’s.” He sighed, and I turned to look down at him. “I’m hopeless.”

“It sounds like you’re close. There’s nothing wrong with that.” I squeezed, and he smiled. “What about family?”

“We don’t talk too often. They live in Vermont with their arrogant friends and my twin brother, Micah. They didn’t approve of my lifestyle. I got the chance