Carl
We went to the diner where we met the first time and sat at the same booth. I sat looking out the window at the passers by and sighed.
"So Mr writer what would you do if your book becomes another movie?"
"Are you a producer?"
"No but I know someone who is. My sister said your book was amazing and would pay just to watch it on TV. So what do you think?"
"Well already three are movies yes it won't be bad to have a fourth one but Joy said people might want to a book two which I can't guarantee won't be as soon as they might think."
"Is it about the best friend of the main character."
"You've read it?"
"Yeah it came out yesterday online. I read the whole book actually. So does the gay guy get a happy ending?"
"I can't tell."
"But he had a good chemistry with that handsome stranger who disappeared after three weeks of being together."
"Well I..... I don't know."
"Come on you have to know. I want to know what happens to him."
"Well that is if I get a lot of email about the book."
"Why don't you start now? I can even help you."
"Ugh that's not necessary Dan. I can handle it. So why did you want to see me?"
"Yes I spoke to your sister and told her I like you and I want you."
I chocked on the water I was drinking and looked at him bewildered. He did not just say that. I must be dreaming.
"You aren't dreaming cutie."
"But I'm not gay. We aren't best friends or even close to being friends. We met like just two days ago."
"I know. I don't mind and I don't care."
"You're crazy right. How can you want someone you just met? That's insane. What if I don't say the same about you."
"Well I can say I tried and we can be friends right? I mean I know you aren't gay and all but can I at least try to win you over?"
I looked at him like he was going crazy. I felt like strangling him but I thought otherwise. I just found out I didn't know know anything about this guy.
"I don't know anything about you and so do you. I'm sorry but this can't work out."
"Oh I didn't know that was necessary to be in a relationship."
"That's what you think? I need to know whoever my partner is and their world. I want to know no I need to know if I can fit into that world of theirs. I need to know if they need me."
"I am.....I don't know what to say. I didn't know you.....now I know why I fell for you."
"Dan seriously stop this. We barely know each other. So I'll advice you to find someone you really are into."
"I'm into you."
"Dan please. I don't go out and I have zero experience on being in a relationship."
"Oh so you want to go out with me"
"Look I really have to go okay. It was nice talking to you."
I got up to leave but he grabbed my hand and looked into my eyes for the second time today.
"Look cutie. I really meant it when I said I want you. I need you. I couldn't get you out of my mind the first day I saw you. Can you at least give me a chance?"
I looked at him and sighed. I nodded and he hugged me.
"Thanks cutie."
"Well you're welcome I think."
Daniel
I dropped Carl at his place and drove back to my place making sure no reporters were following me. I got home and met my sister reading 'Eve's love'. That's the book that Carl wrote and I smiled.
"Hey Dan. You back. Where were you?"
"I went to meet him."
"You went to meet the Carl O'Brien?"
"Yeah. Why? What's wrong?"
"You like him don't you?"
"Oh come on Eve. I don't..... Well maybe a little."
"I knew it. No wonder you are always in a hurry to read his new book. When did this happen?"
"Um...last year. Look I need your help. I want to date him. I want him to be mine."
"Then ask him. Its not that hard."
"I did but he turned me down. He told me he's not gay and that he doesn't know me"
"What?! Don't tell me that Carl doesn't know the lead actor of 'Lost in love' was you?"
"Well technically yes. He doesn't know me. I'm actually surprised myself that he doesn't know me."
"Maybe he knows his books have become movies but never watched it or know who acted them because he already know the story or he doesn't seem interested in them"
"Yeah maybe. But I don't want him to be surrounded in my world. He doesn't do well in front of the press."
"Is he being chased too like you?"
"Yes. They asked his sexuality on his book launch."
"The nerve of these people. I thought you said he's not gay?"
"He is Eve. Like come on I don't know why he's hiding it. His parents are homophobic and kicked his sister out of their lives for being bi and they hate his manager cause she's a trans."
"In summary he's scared he'll be the death of his parents."
"Yes. I think I'm falling for the guy. I want to spend more time with him"
"And allow the press to chase him around no not a chance. You have to tell him who you are."
"I don't want to freak him out that I was the one the press was after that day after I came out as gay and Collins broke up with me."
"Dan. He also needs to know okay. He's not a nobody. He's one of the best writers in the country."
"Eve its not that simple. I want him to know me for me not my social status."
"You are Daniel Reeds. The best movie actor of the year. He needs to know before it becomes too late."
"Okay I'll try."
She hugged me and I hugged her back. Now all I could think of was how to get Carl O'Brien to be mine.