A new day. A brand new day.

I'd driven back to Los Angeles and the closer I got to home, the better I felt. Not completely wonderful, but better. I knew sending Eric to the sexual dysfunction clinic was a good thing and I began to doubt my actions a little less.I wanted to feel normal again.

So I did something, something that may have been a little stupid, but I did it anyway.

I invited JD Clein over for drinks. He'd never seen the house and Eric was away. I wanted some company and since Greg was still off on his bizarre 'I'm not Gay' journey...well, enough said.

*****

"You guys have great taste," he said as I showed him the house and yard. JD looked great this evening. It had been a hot day which turned into one of those gorgeous, cool, California nights. I'd planned dinner outside, nothing much, some seared Ahi Tuna, grilled vegetable pasta, fresh sourdough bread-and some great Chardonnay.

"I wish my wife had this imagination. Unfortunately, our house looks like a magazine layout-no originality, no style. I mean, the furnishings are great, we just need a little help throwing it together."

"So, JD..." I said, after we had some more wine and relaxed a little, "What's up with this whole marriage thing? I mean, you just don't seem-well, I'm sorry, but you just don't seem that 'straight.' Forgive my bluntness."

"I am," he said, and swallowed some more wine. "Drew, I'm pretty private about Jess and I. I mean, I feel very close to you...but I'd rather not talk about it. Is that okay?"

I told him it was fine, that it was none of my business anyway and when he did feel like talking about it, he should just say the word. I mean, JD had been so supportive of me in the last months, that the least I could do was return the favor and be there for him.

But in my mind, I knew he was covering something up. I knew something was going on at home, and that it was a big problem, but I didn't push. Instead, I went to check the marinade for the tuna steaks.

He followed me to the kitchen and offered his help."Yeah, turn the vegetables on the grill. Thanks."

I watched JD with the vegetables and couldn't help but notice his great butt. I almost cut myself, staring at him. He turned around and caught me.

"All real, too," he said and smiled. "No tucks here." He laughed.

He was flirting. JD Clein was definitely flirting.And so was I.