I bite my lip, then stare out the window, my eyes glowing in wonder as the huge buildings and crowds on the streets fly by. The sun is setting, and nighttime is slowly taking over the city. Lights are popping up all around us, flashing and buzzing and crackling with energy. A whole new sense of thrill and adventure has seized me and won’t let go.
I can’t believe I’m actually here.
“I’m picking up a bit of southern in your accent,” he says. “Are you from Texas? I have to guess.”
Oops. Did I drop a G somewhere? I’ve been trying to hide it. “Kansas, actually.”
“Ooh, a Kansas boy. The accent is even deeper when you say ‘Kansas’. Aww, what’s that look for?” He nudges me. “It’s cute! Don’t be embarrassed of it. Some people have a thing for country boys.”
Despite his soft, husky voice, he exudes a kind of encouraging confidence that is strong, yet still friendly. “Alright, alright. If you say so.”
“Oh, I say so.” He runs a hand through his perfect hair. He smells so good. “I’m from here, like my father—you know, the one I was desperate to get away from this weekend,” he adds lightly as an aside. “My mother is from a little town outside of Hong Kong.”
“Ooh, I love Chinese food!” I exclaim at once, then stuff a foot in my mouth. “Uh, wait, was that dumb to say? Sorry, never mind.” I hide my face.
He’s already laughing. “No! It’s okay, it’s okay. The food in actual China is probably … not quite what you’re used to, Kansas boy. Wow, you’re so adorable. Are you sure you even belong here? I mean, this city has teeth.”
I bite my fist, then let go and shoot him a look. “I’ve only been here ten seconds and already know this place is exactly what’s missin’ from my life.”
He studies me for a bit, curious and thoughtful.
I stare back into his eyes, lost in them.
Why is my heart racing like it’s gunning for some finish line I can’t see?
The car pulls to a very sudden stop by a curb.
And just like that, we’ve arrived.
“No, no, the ride is already paid for,” he tells me when I reach for my wallet.
I gape at him. “But wasn’t this out of your way, bringing me here? I cost you extra money and time. Your destination’s on the other side of town.”
He smirks. “And it was worth every penny.”
I purse my lips and fight off a smile, blushing for the tenth time since meeting him. “Thanks.”
Soon, I’m on the sidewalk with all my luggage, and a five-story building with multicolored brick and countless windows stands in front of me. The front steps are covered in chalk drawings—and their culprit is crouched among them, a teenager with glitter in his bush of red, curly hair, coloring away. Nearby against the window of a café on the corner, a pair of shirtless men make out, oblivious to the world. On the other side of the apartment building, a sex toy shop flashes its latest sale through the window. Across the street through a noisy haze of rumbling engines, chatter, and throngs of gay men strolling about, I spot a bar called Dames & Dudes with a glittery hot-pink high-heel for a logo.
I stare at my surroundings a moment too long.
This sure ain’t a sight you see in Kansas.
I snap out of it and face my friend, standing now outside the Uber, patiently awaiting me, arms crossed over his chest.
I suddenly wish the car ride had been longer.
“Well, it’s been fun!” I exclaim. “Thanks for lettin’ me share your Uber … and for paying. I—”
“I want your number.”
I blink, startled. “Oh, right. Uh, yeah! We can totally do that. Cool.” I pull out my phone.
He takes it from my hands at once and taps his lightning thumbs on it. A moment later, he hands it right back. “I texted myself so we have each other’s numbers. I’m Alan, by the way.”
“Connor.” A sudden laugh wiggles its way out of me. “I guess we kinda did this backwards, huh?”
“Oh, you mean by introducing ourselves just before parting ways? It’s surprisingly common.” He flashes me the handsomest smile I’ll remember for days. “I’ll catch you later, Kansas boy Connor.”
I blush. Again. “You too, Alan.”
With an assured nod, he slips back into the car, and with a purr of its engine, he’s off.
I notice the pair of horny men have stopped kissing and are now staring at me, giving me a very thorough once-over from their spot by the window.
I give them a quick wave hello.
They return to making out, having clearly lost all interest in me.
The doors to the building burst open at once. A tall, gorgeous, thickly-muscled black man in a tight white t-shirt and jeans appears. “Did I not tell you last time what would happen if I caught you drawing on my steps again with those—Hey!” The teenager has already taken off running. “Get back here! Who’s gonna clean this mess up?? I know your father!” He growls. “Damned kid.”