A Shell of A Man

"Sure. Go ahead." I said taking another sip of wine.

"Are you gay?" she asked.

I almost chocked on my wine. I couldn't believe that after all of our conversations and my blubbering that she thought I was gay. Needless to say, it shattered my confidence and I immediately went on the defensive.

"No, no, I'm not. I'm not gay. Why? Why would you think that?"

"It's okay to be gay. Don't get upset" she said.

"But I'm not gay. Absolutely not gay, seriously"

"It's just that, I never see you with anyone." She responded.

I could see how easy it was for her to make that assumption about me. Unfortunately, it was an image I was determined to shake.

"Yeah, I know. I just moved here four months ago. I'd like to meet more women," which wasn't entirely true, as long as I had her, I didn't want to so much look at any other woman.

"awww! I know what it is, you're shy. That's so cute!" she chuckled.

"Yeah. I kind of wish I wasn't. I sometimes wish I was like those guys I see you with." I admitted.

"Oh? Really?....are you sure you're not gay?" she teased

"No, no, I'm not. I just.... see you with them and I'm jealous of them. They are so confident and out there. They can talk to you and not get nervous."

With that, she reached out, grabbing the back of my head, pulling me into her face, kissing me hard on the lips. This happened so suddenly and so unexpectedly, I didn't know what to think. Then, just as suddenly as it happened, she broke contact, forcefully pushing me back.

"Babs, that was ama—"

SLAP! She smacked me across the face hard. I fell back clutching my face, looking up at her like a frightened turtle. 'what kind of sick game was she playing?'

To my surprise, she started to laugh. A playful, innocent laugh.

"I like little sweeties like you. So docile and easily manipulated.... Honeybunch, I'm going to devour you tonight. I hope you're ready"