Chapter 15: Substance
Blake, Nina, and Roy have seemed to transition into the crowd comfortably, chatting with guest, laughing, and dancing to the low-played Tevin Campbell setting the mood in the air. Kennedy has even relaxed a little. I guess I never realized the stress of having these people in his place would be, but everyone is enjoying the atmosphere and things are peaceful so it worked out.
Deciding that things were not going to be any better and it would be perfect to leave; I raise up to grab my things and leave when I feel my arm being brushed from behind. I turn to find a tall, chestnut tone brotha with stature of a Greek sculpture and a low fade asking for my name.
“Jackson, but everyone calls me JJ. And yours would be?” I quizzed.
“My name is Nathan. Are you from here?”
“I’m from Kentucky, but I live and work in Jackson, Mississippi, “ I started. “How did you catch wind of our little mixer for Roy?”
“Blake invited me through Black4Boys.com. I usually never use it, but I do have a few business associates that use it for leisurely conversation.”
I laughed at the thought of business men leisurely conversation on the site during business meetings and held back comments.
“Were you leaving? I would love to talk to you if you don’t mind.”
“No I have no plans after the party, just wanted the night to end right.”
“Well how about you stay and talk to me, and we can see how it ends.”
Nathan engaged me in conversation for two straight hours. I didn’t even notice the slow leak of people starting to leave, mostly of which were people I invited headed to their hotels. I could not believe under the surface of that glossy physique he had a mind that made me feel the pulse through my fingertips.
“So Nathan, what is wrong with you.” I asked. “You have great things going for yourself. You have a great career in medicine and you are mobile, without kids and a wife, not on the D.L., and have a house. Why haven’t you found a companion?”
“That’s just it. Everyone is not looking for a companion. They’re looking for hook-up buddies. I’m trying to find someone for me, that’ll be there when I need them and want to be around just for my company.” he said. Then he started to hesitate.
“What’s the matter?” I could sense his resistance.
“People usually are attractive to me, because of the way I look,” he began, “They just want sex. That’s how I used to be, but not anymore. JJ I’m HIV positive.”
I could not believe it. He looked so healthy. I mean he looked like someone I would take in a back room and have all types of ways with. Then I started to think on his words. Did I fall in the category of people who were looking for quick body-fix? Did I want more?
We talked for another hour about life and goals. All the while we talked I could not help but appreciate his honesty, it made me attracted to him even more. He had dreams and plans for the future and had a very nurturing spirit.
He then stood up and I followed suite and we said our good-byes to the guest. I reassured Nina, Roy, Blake, and Kennedy I was not going to do anything, and would call once I got to my room since Nathan offered to take me to the hotel.
I would say I learned this night how to look past the surface to see the substance. Now the night ended right!
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