Page 3 of Until You Came Along

“Let me tell you that when you smile, you’re much, much more beautiful,” he stated as he entered.

“Well, alright, you’re here now. Please tell me you’re not going to be one of those annoying neighbors who comes over constantly asking for things,” I said, and he burst out laughing.

“If I need something, I might ask you, but I’ll try not to be annoying,” he said as he sat down, or rather sprawled out on the long living room sofa. “Do you live alone?”

“Yes, I live alone. You?”

“Me too, although I should warn you that at night, I’m usually accompanied,” he pointed out with a sly smile.

I could just imagine! I could already see myself spending sleepless nights or sleeping on the living room couch to avoid hearing the noises from my neighbor and his conquests.

“Please tell me you didn’t put your bed headboard against the wall adjoining my bedroom.”

Baco burst out laughing again.

“Show me your bedroom so I can confirm.”

“You know, something tells me I shouldn’t enter that room with you. Don’t worry, I guess I’ll find out soon enough,” I stated, and he laughed again.

“You’re very funny. I have no doubt we’ll get along great.”

And I thought the same. Beyond the fact that Baco was a very attractive guy who probably had women drooling over him, he didn’t provoke that kind of reaction in me. I found him to be a friendly and carefree guy with whom I could potentially have a friendship.

“If you’re not too annoying, I suppose we might get along.”

“I promise to try to be as little annoying as possible,” he said, smiling—this man was always smiling. “I don’t have anything in the fridge so...”

“See, you’re already starting off badly. What are you going to ask me for?” I asked, interrupting him.

“You have no faith in me!” he exclaimed. “I was thinking of inviting you to lunch. I saw there’s an Italian restaurant a block away. Would you join me?”

I looked at him with narrowed eyes, I still didn't trust him and, besides, I had just met him and didn't feel very comfortable having lunch with him.

“I appreciate the invitation, but I already have plans to have lunch with a friend today,” I lied, not wanting to tell him the real reason for my refusal.

Baco looked at me suspiciously.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” he asked, abruptly changing the subject.

“No.”

“Then I can invite you to dinner. How about we have dinner together? If you want, we can do it here or at my apartment, though let me warn you that I still need to buy many things,” he proposed.

I evaluated him and decided to say what I was thinking. If we were really going to be friends, better to make things clear.

“Baco, I’m going to be honest with you because I get the feeling you’re a natural-born charmer,” I stated. He looked at me and smiled, so I continued, “I think you’re nice and we could be friends, but if your invitations are aimed at sleeping with me, I’ll tell you right now that you’re wasting your time because…”

“Are you gay?” he said, interrupting me.

“I’m not gay, I like men, but I’m not going to sleep with you. If you accept a friendship, count me in; otherwise, don’t bother insisting.”

Baco looked at me seriously, but suddenly burst out laughing and extended his hand.

“You’re very direct, I like that. Deal! Let’s set aside the sexual part and try to be friends. It’s quite new for me, but even though I think you’re a beauty, I’m willing to have you as a friend.”

I reached out my hand and we shook on it, sealing the deal.

“Well, now that we’re officially friends, can we have dinner together?” he insisted.