The Guy Next Door

By: Cristian

Chapter 1: The Awkward Meeting

As I opened the front door of my apartment, I expected to see my mother with some of the groceries I needed, but who I met I would’ve never guessed. Standing around a height of 6’1, I could tell he had a tan body was a gorgeous stud staring at me with his bluish-green eyes.

As I could hear him saying that his name was Brad and he moved into apartment 9-B and we would be neighbors, gosh I hoped he was gay too and would be into me one day…

Me being the clumsy neighbor of course almost tripped after I invited inside for some tea. I could see him secretly chuckle as he said I have a beautiful place here. I told him to get comfortable as I got everything ready. I could see him sitting on the sofa and taking his shirt off. Oh my, I could see his chest hair and six pack. He quickly asked if I minded him getting shirtless and excused himself. I just started drooling as I told him whatever makes you feel best. I could tell from his chiseled chin and muscular face he was happy to be here.

From the kitchen I could hear the teapot steaming which meant the green tea was ready. I went toward the kitchen but forgot to ask if he wanted honey with his tea.

I awkwardly said, honey, would you like some tea? He grinned. Damn sorry, I meant to say would you like some honey with your tea. I could hear under his breath saying I liked what you said originally. But he said with a beautiful, sweet tone, yes, I would love some honey with my tea.

All I could think of in my head was that he said love. The four words I’ve been missing for many months now. But back to reality, I knew I couldn’t carry all the stuff at once so I asked him if he could help me in the kitchen. I could see his muscular figure shine against the light as he helped me carry the cup and dishes to the living room table. Of course, curious me asked him once we were sitting on the sofa, where he was from.

Australia, he said. I told him I grew up here in New York and was always the tech savvy one.

Next question he said and smiled.

How old are you?

I could tell he was thinking a lot about me as he said 31.

An’ You?

I laughed at his cute accent, as I told him I was 30 myself.

I didn’t mean to say it, but I said perfect match!

I could feel my chest pumping recklessly.

He smiled and said YES!

I could tell he was getting more and more comfortable with me.

After a few minutes of us chatting and enjoying tea. Brad awkwardly almost spilled his cup and told me that he had to go and he hoped he would be able to see me again.

I nervously said, of course.

I knew by the time he left; I had to jump in the shower as I was sweating profusely. But I was happy, and I almost felt like I met my person. Brad!

Chapter 2 The Day After

The next day all I could think about was Brad during my 3-hour shift at the Bucks Coffee House. I didn’t feel like my job was all too important as the place was usually empty during the weekday. But today something seemed off. Maybe it was just me overthinking about my previous meetup with dreamy Brad. I wondered if I would ever see him again. Until I heard the ring of the door open.

I could remember the look on Brads face as he spotted me behind the glass coffee counter. All I could muster was a hi, as he said I never knew you worked here. I quietly said, of course been working here for the past couple months. I laughed and said guess we never got around to talking about our jobs last night. He smirked and said no, maybe next time we meet I can tell you about my job. But for now, I’ll have a large caramel macchiato to go. I shyly said that’ll be $4.45, but I got you this time. He blushed and said thanks. After he got his coffee, he rushed out the door.

My shift seemed to fly by as all I could think about was Brad and what happened before. By the time I snapped back into reality, I spotted my shift change associate telling me it was time for me to count the register and leave. I of course needed to step back into the real world and do my duty. I secretly realized I never put the coffee money back into the register, so I scurried to do that. The other cashier that was replacing me was asking what I was doing. I just mumbled and said I needed a cup of joe this morning and forgot to pay for it. I knew it was a lie, but who cares. I could always share some coffee with my dream man Brad.

I wish I could call him mine and mine only.