The Best Man

From the moment I met Andrew eight years ago on my first day of college, I had a feeling we would hit it off. He came walking into my dorm room shaking my hand introducing himself as my roommate. I was immediately drawn to his auburn eyes and wavy brownish blonde hair. Also, could see how his tan chest and six pack perfectly hugged his shirt with the way he flexed his tall body.

As we got to know each other in the weeks and months that followed he was completely unphased that I was gay and he was admittedly straight. I swore to myself I would not fall into the same case of unrequited love but over time I could not help myself.

We both graduated. Me. A degree in communications. Him. A business degree. After ending our college career we said we would stay friends until we lost touch until my cell phone went off sitting at my desk working as an associate reporter for my city newspaper. I looked and surprisingly saw his name appear.

“Long time no hear from, Andy,” I said.

“Hey, how goes the writing?”

“Mostly puff pieces unfortunately.”

“Hey, don’t worry,” he replied. “I am actually in town on business and while I am here I wanted to see you to ask you a big favor. Can we meet?”

“Sure, there is a bar up the street. I will text you the address.”

“Perfect.”

At the end of my day, I walked over to Joe’s Bar although I knew the owner’s name was Frank. I sat in a booth greeted by a college age waitress asking me what I would like to drink. I ordered a Miller Lite that came in a tall schooner. Once after I took a sip enjoying the foamy coldness, I looked up seeing Andrew walk in looking just as handsome as he ever did in college.

I stood up where he embraced me in a manly hug patting me on the back.

“Wow, how long has it been?” he questioned, sitting down.

“It’s been a few,” I said, sitting across from him. “but life gets in the way when you are busy making other plans.”

“So true.”

The waitress came back where he ordered the same thing I did taking a healthy swig when it came.

“So you said you had a favor?” I asked, raising my eyebrows.

“Oh yes. I’m getting married!”

“Really? That’s wonderful.”

And watch myself and others die a slow death due to a broken heart.

I was a master at hiding how I really felt. I was extremely happy for him genuinely but inside I was depressed.

“The thing is I still don’t have a best man and would like to ask you.”

“Best man?” I asked, taking another big gulp. “No other takers?”

“Nope, you are the only one I felt like asking because being an only child you are as close to a brother as I’ve had. Plus would really like for you to meet her. Her parents are throwing this big Hamptons wedding. Whole week of stuff. Will you come?”

“I’d be honored to be your best man,” I said smiling. “Of course I’ll come.”

“Thank you. I’ll E-mail you the itinerary.”

As soon as I walked in the door late I speed dialed Grant, my best gay friend, and fellow reporter at the paper.

“Hello,” he said, groggily.

“Grant, wake up!”

“I’m awake. You know that I have to get up early. What is going on?”

“You remember my friend from college?”

“You mean your roommate? The same one that you have had a man crush on forever?”

“That’s the one,” I replied. “He’s getting married and he just asked me to be his best man.”

“Well what did you say?”

“I said yes. Apparently it’s in the Hamptons.”

“That is exactly what you need. One incredible week in the Hamptons. Just make sure to tell Jeff. You know how much of a stickler he is.”

“Right, it would be good to get away for a couple of days. I’ll go and have fun and watch my best straight friend get married.”

God help me get through this week. I’ve never been there before. I’ve heard so many great things. What could possibly go wrong?