"Hey sir? Sir? Sorry to disturb, but I just wanted to tell you that you're a very attractive man," Benny Trenmore nervously compliments a man sitting across from him. The two men happen to be opposite each other in a nearly vacant subway at 3am. Benny's flashy scarf and giddy eyes radiate positive energy but the tangled sea-weedy mop on his head robs him of his credibility.
The other man, Jeffrey Magnum, has looked up but shown nothing but animosity. His lip is slightly curled, suggesting disgust. But the golden-skin and baby-blue eyes of the pretty boy continue to dazzle poor Benny.
"Like in a m-movie star way," Benny stumbles. "Are you from something? You do modeling at least, right? You must. What were you in?"
Silence. Jeffrey continues to grimace at Benny as if war's been declared between them. His athletic build has begun to intimidate rather than impress Benny Trenmore, who hopes the sweat stinging his eyes won't catch the light of the train car's fluorescent ceiling.
"I'm not even gay! Pinky swear!" Benny holds out his pinky and then stares at it in fear. Throwing the guilty hand behind his back, Benny shakes his head and unfortunately, continues to elaborate:
"I don't mean any trouble. I promise you. And really, I don't have any feelings for you. This is a macho, totally straight, man-to-man discussion, however one-sided it may be," Benny giggles nervously, "In two stops, I will be leaving this train and you can go on with your life. I'm sorry." Benny buries his face in his hands and starts cracking up due to embarrassment and sincere, ashamed amusement. "What is my problem? I'm so awkward. I shouldn't even leave the apartment anymore." Benny removes his hands and his eyes have that faint red glint to them that suggests tears are on their way or were very narrowly avoided.
Jeffrey stands up while the train is still in motion, but locks into every step. Claiming a spot directly beside Benny, Jeffrey drops one arm around the anxious man, and calmly utters the single, comforting word: "Thanks." Jeffrey exits the train.
From now on, Benny knows not to assume anyone's thoughts or actions before they're given a fighting chance.
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