Week 9: Linked Vignettes

I'm standing in in a fairly long line at the Phoenix Airport. It's hot and the noon day sun is slamming down on my shoulders like a hammer; my friend Julie had tried to warn me about the difference in temperature, to dress in lighter clothing but here I am roasting to death in my black Niki hat, t-shirt and jeans. Though I take some comfort in seeing some of my fellow travelers, other members of my charity organization I assumed. Glancing out into the flat expanse of the desert I began to zone out a little, caught up in my own thoughts when a voice from the front of the line.

"Hey! Hey you! You with the hat!" I of course look around with the others in line, myself being the only guy happening to wearing a hat. Finally the proverbial light bulb pops up over my head and I point to myself and look at the man calling from the front.

"Who, me?"

"Yeah you! That shirt your wearing...what does it say?"

I glance down at my shirt, the Areo Postal logo blazoned across my chest in a tan tribal style "It's Areo Postal...it's a clothing company."

"Oh.." was my only reply as the shuttle pulled up and we all began to board.

***********

Now I'm at the hotel, standing in line to be registered for the charity event. I've been on my feet for almost four hours now between the airport and waiting to get my room booked then waiting in line, but at least there is the blessed miracle of air conditioning. With a sigh I start to flip through my paper work one last time but am interrupted by a quick poke at my shoulder. With a grunt I turn around to see who it was and found myself looking at the man who called to me about my shirt at the airport.

Now that I have a better look at him he seems nervous, his slicked hair and fashionable glasses he was actually dressed for this weather in a dark blue polo and white cargo shorts. He grinned at me and offered his hand.

"Hi! I'm Scotty, I didn't mean to freak you out back there at the airport."

I took his hand and shook my head a little, I didn't want to have the poor guy feel embarrassed just because he liked my shirt.

"Nah, no worries man. I was just surprised is all."

"Oh! Well that's good.." the guy, Scotty fidgets a moment then continues in a rush "Well I thought you were kinda sexycuteandareyougay?"

I blink.

"Um...no. No, sorry dude.." I was a little taken aback, not that I mind being asked the question or anything, it was just the first time anyone had asked me in a serious sort of way.

"Not even a little?"

Again I blink and shake my head "Nope, totally straight." To which Scotty smiles and shook his head.

"Damn shame that." And off he wandered, leaving me a little perplexed.

*************

For the rest of the charity event Scotty and I ran into each other a few more times, it's kind of hard not too while staying at the same hotel. It wasn't horrible or anything, mostly we'd just laugh about it or wave to one another in that sort of mutely awkward event sort of way. Later on I was chatting with a group of friends near the pool area and Scotty trotted by with what had become his usual greeting:

"Still sexy!"

With a slightly embarrassed smile I gave him a faint wave then turned to regale my friends with the interesting, if slightly awkward tale, of Scotty.