The first thing that thrilled me was walking through the building at Eclectic Food and being shown off. Everybody there was gay, I think, and all gorgeous. I said to my supervisor, John Daniel, "Is it a requirement to look like a god, John Daniel? And if it is, what were you thinking when you hired me?"

"It's not a requirement, but it does sort of fit with the image we're trying to create. You know, no facial hair, no jewelry, no weird clothes -- just the food. The focus should be on the food."

"Uh, excuse me John Daniel, but I think the focus is on the body."

He laughed, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Come on, I'll introduce you to the gang."

John Daniel led me through the maze of offices to the kitchen. It was a work of art-- everything top quality, everything gleaming. Even the assistants were gorgeous Latinos, Asians, African-Americans, Italian, Jewish, Caucasian-- what an assortment.

*****

Back in John Daniel's office, over an imported non-alcoholic beer, he asked, "So, impressive or what?"

"Impressive. What's the gay/straight ratio, if you don't mind my asking?"

"99.9 % homosexual, believe it or not."

"I pity the poor 1 % that's left." I joked.

"That'd be me," John Daniel said and downed the rest of his beer. He got up to get a couple more from the bar across the room. I was shocked. Of course, I'd assumed he was gay. He was as stunning as the other guys, dark-haired, built, beautiful with a sleek body...

From across the room, he laughed. "I know what you're thinking, Drew. I'm used to it. And the truth is, I tried it once -- but it's just not for me. I'm married and I have two kids."

"When did you realize you were..."

"Straight?" he asked and we both laughed. "After college. I messed around with a guy for a year or so and I thought I really was into him -- he was sure into me -- but that was the last time really, and I don't miss it. I love women."

"Where'd you go to school?" I asked.

"URI -- University of Rhode Island, early 80's and that's as specific as I'll get. Actually, I'm 38 and proud of it.

"My lover is from Rhode Island. I think he was at URI at the same time as you."

"What's his name?" John Daniel asked.

"Eric Lewis. I mean, Dr. Eric Lewis."

"Hmmm.... doesn't sound familiar." John Daniel handed me another beer.

"I forgot, he changed his name. Used to be Luigi Espinoza." as I popped the cap off the bottle of beer.

John Daniel took a pause, then swallowed half the beer in one pull.

"Luigi Espinoza?"