Page 23 of Heart

“—by other standards. I’m just looking for someone like me—not necessarily a bear, even though I am one.”

“A big, hot, sexy one. You used to be muscled, didn’t you? I can still see some definition there.”

“Stop. Just stop. I appreciate the compliment. But enough with the lines. Going forward we need to behonestwith each other.”

“To hell with honesty.” He plucked the olive from the toothpick in his drink and ate it. “It’s overrated.”

“No, it’s not. Look, I get it. It’s aMean Girlsworld. It’s hard putting yourself out there, being judged. I’ve felt it too, believe me. That’s why I’m on Bear911. Lessprettypeople.”

“But, Mikey, you’re hot. I think a lot of those guys on Bear911 are hot.”

“Me too. But beauty is in—”

“No. You stop. That’s easy for you to say. You’re not a troll.”

“You’re far from a troll, Chaz. You’re a pixie. A spry little pocket-gay with wit and charm to boot. And didn’t you mention coin?”

“Oh, I got plenty of coin, Mikey.”

“Maybe you’re on the wrong website. If you like younger guys, maybe you should be on DaddyQuest or something.”

“But what if that’s all they want? My money.”

“Don’t tell them you have money until after you get to know them. You have to date them first though, to figure them out.”

“I don’t want to be taken advantage of, Mikey.”

“Set parameters. Meet in public places. Don’t insist on driving or being picked up.”

“But what if they’re not nice like you?”

He looked at Mikey sincerely, eyes weary.

Heartbreaking. Well, hello, Chaz. Thank you for finally joining us. You’re a little mixed up maybe, but not crazyafter all.

“You’ll have to screen them,” he continued. “And if it’s younger bears you’re into, I’m sure they’re out there. Keep using Bear911 if you want. You’re right. Itisfor chasers too. But you’ve got to be upfront to properly vet prospects. You can’t lay that groundwork—” Mikey struggled for a word.

“Deceptively?”

“Yeah. You gotta be honest, man.”

Chaz sat back, eyeing Mikey. “You’re not going to sleep with me, are you?”

Mikey chuckled. “No.”

“Well, damn,” he said with a sincere smile. “Thank you for being kind. Many aren’t.”

“I know. I’ve experienced it too. You’re welcome. And I’m not really ready for this date to end unless you are. I like your company.”

Chaz tossed his hands up. “Well, I got nothing better to do.”

“Good. Do you like show tunes? Patti LuPone?”

“Honey, Iworshipher... and Betty Buckley, and Bernadette Peters...”

“Then I have the perfect place to take you. We’ll eat first. Then prepare yourself for a Broadway sing-along with plenty of eye candy.”

“Ooh. Sounds like my kind of fun.”