Page 8 of The Bathhouse
Reed’s pulse raced furiously, but he nodded coolly at the phone.“I can see you’re busy, Mr.Castro.Do you get a lunch break?”
“I’m done at noon, sir.I worked extra hours yesterday.”
“Good.Meet me at the front entrance at noon.”Reed walked away quickly, not giving Joseph the option to turn him down.
A series of boring meetings with his management team followed.Reed had trouble concentrating.His mind kept traveling back in time.He’d been hurt, and their time together limited, but he regretted nothing.It had been a time of exhilaration and discovery.That time had formed his identity and sense of self.
Over the years, Babyboy had become a memory, a recollection to be savored.Now, he wondered what might have been and if he would get a second chance with this long-lost love.
Am I doing the right thing?
They’d taken such different paths in life.An old expression kept running through his mind.You can’t go home again.After years of idealizing his encounter with Babyboy, reality was sure to pale in comparison.Wouldn’t it be better to just hang onto his memories?They were both at a very different stage of life.They had experienced ups and downs that had changed them in so many ways.Reality could be a bitch.
Damn it.Reed couldn’t let this chance go by.This man had made a huge impact on Reed’s life and left an imprint on his heart.Joseph was hiswhat ifperson, and he had to see this through.
The endless minutes dragged on.It seemed like once his manager, Dave Torres, had his hooks in Reed, he was reluctant to let him go.Torres kept going on about the improvements he’d instituted.Angling for a raise, no doubt.But Reed had other things on his mind.Promptly at noon, he stood, announced he had an important engagement and took his leave.He was pleased to find Joseph Castro already waiting for him.
“Hello, Mr.Barton.What can I do for you?”
Several things came to mind, but they were too dirty to mention -- yet.“Well, for one thing, you can call me Reed.”
Joseph chuckled, his teeth, even and white, contrasting pleasingly with his olive skin.“My pleasure, Reed.I am at your service.”
Wonderful.Get on your knees and take my cock between those pouty lips.“Right now, I’m looking for a meal and a drink.Any suggestions?”
“Quite a few, actually.The Spiral Restaurant in Sofitel Philippine Plaza is well known for its fabulous buffet spread.It gives you a taste of dining in twenty-one different countries.”
“Sounds amazing.I’d like to try that sometime.Perhaps another day.Today I’m looking for a light lunch and an enlightening conversation.”Reed stared intensely into Joseph’s dark chocolate eyes.“Where would you go?”
“Well… Actually, I’m off duty and I’d planned on going to Bistro Remedios.It’s dedicated to Filipino cuisine and many locals eat there.”
Joseph was taller than many Filipino men, maybe 5’10”, and his body appeared lean and strong.Reed drank him in, already losing his appetite for food, but committed to going through the motions.“It sounds perfect.If you’re on your own, can I persuade you to have lunch with me?My treat.”
“I would love to join you, and I promise a good conversation.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
As they walked to Bistro Remedios, Reed kept sneaking looks at Joseph.“Did you recognize me immediately?”
Joseph stopped in his tracks.“Of course.I never forgot you.”
Reed’s pulse quickened.A spark of realization rattled him, a moment of insight that told him, this could be the start of something special.Then he remembered why Joseph had left.“But your boyfriend… Are you still together?”
Joseph was silent for a moment.“There is no boyfriend.”He changed the subject quickly and started chatting about the neighborhood.
Reed wanted to question him, but he realized it wasn’t the right time.Instead, he listened to Joseph’s chatter.The man’s accent was music to Reed’s ears.It made Joseph appear even sexier, if that were possible.
It didn’t take long to reach their destination, a quaint Filipino restaurant with old world charm.Reed took in the antique furniture and fixtures.“I feel like I’ve gone back in time.”
“I thought you might like it.”
“Yes, I like old things.”
“Lucky for me,” Joseph replied with a wink.
What did it mean?Was he flirting?“Yes, we’ve both gotten older, but you look the same.”
“And you, Pogi, look even better.”
