Flip Me Baby!

In the latest TONY, I discovered a fun new way to meet someone. This should make subway rides much more bearable...and what a fun way to begin... http://flipmedating.com/

And the Rockets Red Glare

Phil and I decided to stay in NYC over the July 4th holiday. Ruby was off to Fire Island sans Chloe, as she insisted that she HAD to work citing the overwhelming tips that she would receive, despite my thoughts that Manhattan empties out over the holiday. I had not trusted Chloe for quite some time and the entire Pride debacle, sealed my low opinion of her. Though this is Ruby's romance and all I am able to do is give her some advice if asked.

I met Phil on Staten Island on Sunday. We were heading to his grandmother's house for a barbecue. A lovely, old colonial on the waterfront was just the respite I needed from the busy city, as I had been trying for the past few weeks to move on and find another gig in publishing as this road to being a career administrative assistant was not one on which I wanted to continue. This was the day on which I was meeting the entire family...all of 'em. They were all welcoming and we had a great time. Phil simply seemed extremely attached to his family and their legacy.

While enjoying a Heineken Light and watching the fireworks burst in the dark night sky, Phil mentioned his dream for the future, "I would love to live here in this house one day."

"Oh, so you intend on living in Staten Island for your entire life or would you ever move away and then move back?", I asked.

"Well, staying here would probably be easiest if I want to live in this house. If that is my goal it would probably be best to keep my eye on the prize while staying close.", he answered.

"That is a wonderful goal, to continue your family's legacy by owning such a beautiful house and building your own home from within." I said, wanting to be supportive.

"Well, what do you think about that? I mean you said it's a great idea, though how do you feel about it? Like, I guess...hypothetically if we...I don't know...had a future together?", asked Phil.

OK, so I have an honesty problem, meaning I am completely unable to lie...or sugarcoat...I try for tact, though it does not always happen that way. I wanted to tell him, "EWWWW, Staten Italy? Forever? YIKES! NO WAY, NO HOW! I am leaving as soon as possible." Though refrained and went for a more objective, "Like I said, it's great that you want to support a family legacy and this is a beautiful home. There are not many places on the Island like this; in the middle of what forest is remaining, on the beach. This is a beautiful location, though the rest of this Island is shot. We both complain to each other about the low caliber of the residents who now inhabit this place. I mean, personally, I am not looking to return to this place in the future, in fact, I feel like I want out of New York City. Perhaps move closer to my dad in Florida or out West. This simply is not the place for me any longer."

He looked like someone burst his big, happy bubble which contained his future. I really did not want to be an asshole and thought that this was a fair way of telling him that his plans were great, though I was not down for a long haul back to Staten Island.

"Oh, well...", he began though could not find the words to finish.

I tried to undo a bit of the damage that I obviously caused, "Come on don't look so glum Phil. I like you, you like me. This is not a big deal. Life changes every day, take it as it comes. We can share our dreams with each other. It is not like everything that we plan will happen tomorrow."

"Yea, you're right. Want another beer?", he asked.

"Sure", I replied, hoping the rest of the evening would not be painful. Jeez, I had such a big mouth. Though why would I hold back; is that not what dating is about? Getting to know the person who you date, not planning your entire life together.

Phil and I did enjoy the remainder of the evening and he returned to Manhattan with me to spend the night.

After picking up a six pack and some chips at the local deli, we were walking along 23rd Street and bumped into Chloe...who was holding hands...with a woman who was not my dear friend.

We exchanged strong stares, both unable to speak until I felt the corner of my mouth curl into a satisfaction filled, you're caught smile and managed to say with a tilt of my head, "You ladies have a good night." As Phil and I made our way around the couple and down the street at a fast pace, Chloe caught up, and breathlessly pleaded with me not to tell Ruby.

"Chloe", I said, "I could kick your ass right now, though am certain that Ruby will find greater pleasure in kicking you to the curb. I am not yet too sure how I will break this to her and burst her bubble, though you can bet your ass that she will know upon her return home."

Phil and I left a teary eyed Chloe in the middle of the sidewalk.

As we walked, I said to Phil, "I apologize."

We both knew that it was an apology beyond what had just transpired and there was no need to explain and he replied with "It's ok. I understand."

After heading into the apartment we began kissing, fooling around, and like bursting fireworks, we had sex for the first time that evening...with no apologies. --Frankie