Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Please Ask, Do Tell

I walked through the last door of the last car on the train. He walked in through the second to last door. We moved to the center of the car and met face to face in the middle in an urban take on running towards each other in a field of wildflowers. He was wearing a tan military suit. I wasn't sure what the tan color of his clothes or any of the the medals and pins on his chest meant. But he was cute.

I was facing forward, like most people, in the direction that the train was moving. He was facing me, inching ever closer as people packed on at Farragut North. I hoped desperately that I smelled good and that my pores were invisible. His proximity made me nervous and sweaty. My pores were visible.

When he looked down at his phone, I began to stare him down. From his excellent complexion to his
long eyelashes to his neat, closely cropped hair. I hoped desperately he would not look up and catch me staring. But deep down, I wanted him to catch me, smile at me, and ask me what my name was. I caught a glimpse of his name on a pin embroidered on his chest. Jeremy, if you are reading this, please follow me on twitter.

He turned around to send a text message on his phone. I read over his shoulder, wanting to discover something that would suggest he was gay, like "I am so sad Ugly Betty was canceled" or "Where do you think Landon Donovan gets his hair cut?" But I was not holding my breath. It has been my experience that men like Jeremy, (aka men I desire), are not only straight but also conservative and into whites only. I only caught a few words from the messages. It seemed as though somebody wanted him to turn around and go back in the other direction. He let out an audible sigh and sent a final text.

"I have dinner with gay Jon in an hour."

The small beacon of hope grew blindingly bright. I immediately saw myself as gay Jon. I mean, my name already begins with a J. Then I thought of my boyfriend, away at work and unaware of the loneliness that led to this torrid affair. In seven minutes Jeremy had shown me the beautiful, unexpectedness of life and the fragility of love - an urban take on Bridges of Madison County.

We stopped at Dupont Circle. He said, "excuse me," revealing a deep voice. As soon as he walked out the door, I could not make him (or his tan suit) out amongst the crowd through the tinted windows.

6 comments:

Lust For Life said...

Oh my. I think anyone would be happy with a Jeremy.

Tommy said...

That was a nice way to start the morning, like a bowl of literary Wheaties. Or something.

Doug said...

I've been away from reading blogs for a while and what a great way to return. J, your posts make me smile. :)

Oldyeller said...

Thanks for the sweet, poetic post.

I'm getting on the train at Gallery Place in a little while. I'll keep an eye out for Jeremy.

Anonymous said...

I wish you wrote like everyday, even little paragraph blurbs.

Mike said...

Farragut North Suck!