Hello friends and neighbors!
It has been a while since I've given any updates on me, or posted any Gym Hottie installments.
Well, are you in for a treat tonight!
First, I spent last weekend in Sedona and Phoenix with the lovely, charming, and always awesome
lil_1337. I had a wonderful time, and got some nice shots of the gorgeous desert scenery. Once I get things sorted with my photos, I plan to do a post on my Dream Width account, since LJ has decided not to support the photo sharing sites I use. When/If I make any posts there, I will drop a note here.
Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be absolutely horrible, cold and rainy, but I shall not let my spirits be dampened. It is once again time to go see Shen Yun, the wonderful Chinese ballet.
This year I am attending with a coworker, as my mom forgot we had tickets and double booked her Saturday. My coworker has never seen Shen Yun, and is very excited about it, as am I.
Sunday I am free to either play on DW or write more. Depends on how the day goes.
But speaking of writing...a little more Gym Hottie pour vous!
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You can't hurry love
No, you just have to wait
You gotta trust, give it time
No matter how long it takes
But how many heartaches must I stand
Before I find a love to let me live again
Right now the only thing that keeps me hanging on
When I feel my strength, yeah, it's almost gone
I remember mama said
You can't hurry love
No you just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
It's a game of give and take…
Niall tossed a few coins into the buskers’ hat as he moved down the subway platform.
As it turned out, he and Liam had set up their mid-day meet up via text, so Niall hadn’t actually spoken to the other man in a few days. Liam had picked an art-house movie theater for the matinee, and Niall hoped he wouldn’t end up having to sit through some indie film that would no doubt be as depressing as it was incomprehensible.
Niall stepped on the train and grabbed a seat across from a woman who was chatting loudly on her mobile phone and a young boy who was presumably her offspring. The boy was picking his nose and staring at the floor.
When the boy started wiping his prospecting fingers all over the seat, Niall got up and moved to the other end of the car. There were certain standards Niall had, even for the New York subway.
~*~*~*
Niall arrived at the theater a little early, and was greatly relieved to read the titles of a few old Cary Grant films on the marquee. That he could deal with. His mother had always been a big fan of the handsome actor, so Niall had seen the movies before, but they truly were classic in that they could be enjoyed more than once.
Just as Niall was getting ready to purchase the tickets, Liam appeared. He looked particularly good, wearing a lightweight, cream-colored sweater and just-tight-enough blue jeans. He smiled and waved at Niall as he approached.
“Good to see you,” Liam said brightly, extending his hand.
Niall shook it, smiling back against his disappointment that Liam hadn’t gone in for a hug, not even a manly, one-arm-around-patting-the-back quasi-embrace.
“Just in time,” Niall said. “Which film do you prefer?”
Liam gazed up at the marquee.
“I think I’m in a ‘Charade’ mood today. I love Audrey in that one as well.”
“Excellent choice.” Niall motioned to the employee in the booth for two tickets.
Later the men were at a small diner around the corner from the theater, enjoying burgers, fries, and some pleasant conversation.
“I love the scene with the oranges,” Niall was saying. “It’s just sexy enough, and a ton of fun.”
Liam nodded.
“You know, Gary Grant didn’t want to do the movie at first. He thought he was too old a love interest for Audrey Hepburn.”
Niall snorted.
“Since when has a big age difference between a leading man and leading lady been a problem in Hollywood?”
“Well, they obviously convinced him otherwise, and he did an amazing job.”
“He could still get it.” Niall sipped his soda. “Older or no.”
Liam laughed.
“I think so, too. Speaking of Audrey, what’s your favorite film of hers?”
“Well, is it heresy to say not ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’?”
Liam shook his head.
“The racism makes me cringe.”
“Me, too. And, it’s rather boring to be honest. I’m going to go with ‘Roman Holiday’.”
“That one is fantastic. Plus, Gregory Peck in his prime.”
They grinned at each other, and Niall could have sworn he felt a tiny jolt of electricity.
“I hear they have tours to Italy that follow the sites the characters visit in the movie.”
“We did that once,” Liam said, then glanced away and cleared his throat. “I mean, I did that once.”
“Must have been very romantic.”
“It was,” Liam admitted, then he sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “Listen, Niall, I have to be upfront with you.”
“You want to go back to your ex.” Niall guessed. His hamburger suddenly felt like a rock in his stomach.
“No,” Liam said firmly. “No, that is one thing I know for sure I do not want. But…I’m just not sure about anything else right now. I like you a lot, Niall, but I’ve still got some heavy stuff to sort out, and I don’t want you to miss a real opportunity while I’m trying to get my head together.”
Niall sat up straighter and looked Liam in the eyes.
“Maybe you don’t know what you want, but I know what I do, and that’s to spend as much time with you as you’ll let me. I want to hang out, go out, talk and listen, until you feel like you can trust me, and you know me well enough to decide whether you want to be with me or not.”
Niall had surprised himself with such a frank admission, but he knew it was how he truly felt. He didn’t mind waiting for Liam. And if Liam ultimately rejected him, then at least Niall knew he’d been honest with the investment broker and given it his best shot.
“I do trust you, Niall, and I appreciate how open you’ve always been with me. I wish…” Liam trailed off and sighed again. “I wish things could be simpler.”
“But that’s not life,” Niall pointed out.
Liam was about to speak again when his phone alarm started buzzing loudly. Liam quickly pulled his mobile out of his pocket and checked the screen.
“Shit. I’m sorry, Niall. I promised my sister I would pick her and her family up at the airport. That’s why I wanted to see you during the day. It seems like I’m always running out on you, but I really have to get going.”
“No worries.” Niall almost flinched at himself when the words left his mouth.
Liam gave a half-smile, then slipped out of the booth.
“Hey,” Niall called after him. “You play basketball. Meet me in the park tomorrow at the courts, if you’re free.”
“Text me the address,” Liam said before ducking out of the restaurant.
~*~*~*
The weather was beautiful Sunday, perfect for a game of hoops in the park. It had been a great idea when Niall suggested it, but, unfortunately, it seemed like every other guy in the vicinity had the same thought that morning.
Niall and Liam had been waiting for nearly an hour for space to open up on one of the courts, but it didn’t look like any of the games would be winding down any time soon.
Niall sighed and kicked at some rocks in the grass.
“Sorry about this,” he mumbled.
Liam took a swig from his water bottle.
“It’s certainly not your fault.”
Sylvia appeared, having just finished a yoga class on the other end of the park.
“Still waiting, huh?” She hung her towel around her neck. “They’re going to open the tennis courts up now that aerobics classes are over. Don’t suppose either of you play?”
Both men indicated they did not.
“Well, you could try Evans Park. It’s a bit of a hike, but you might have better luck there.”
“Or…” Liam pursed his lips in thought. “We could…I mean, if it wouldn’t bother you…”
Niall raised an eyebrow at him.
“There is a basketball court at Harry’s building.” Liam reminded, then added quickly; “He won’t be there.”
“That’s right, he’s still in Japan, isn’t he?” Sylvia removed her headband and shook out her hair.
“How do you know that?” Niall narrowed his eyes.
Sylvia gave him a warning look.
“I have permission to use it whenever I want.” Liam piped up. “I’ll drive.”
Niall wasn’t thrilled at the idea of getting in a car with Liam again, but, even if he would only admit it to himself, he’d been dying to check out the rooftop court ever since he’d learned of its existence.
“Sure thing.”
“Would you like to come, Sylvia?” Liam offered.
She shook her head.
“I need to get home. I’ve got cupcakes to make for my art class. Ever since I brought cookies the first week, I’ve been the designated treat-provider.”
“Save some for me?” Niall gave her puppy eyes.
“Always, kid.” Sylvia waved at them and headed off.
“She’s great,” Liam said.
“Most people don’t deserve her.” Niall couldn’t stop himself from uttering the jab.
Liam ignored the implication.
“Let’s go.”