Allen Riley came home from work totally exhausted. He thought about heading to a pub for a couple of pints but knew if he did that, he’d more than likely wind up staying all night. Not that he had any problems with staying out all night. The problem would be going to work the next day. Allen’s sister, Lucy always reminded him of the time that she and Allen had done something similar a few years before, meeting up with old friends at a bar and staying way too long. Allen would drink a few, then start looking for drugs to help maintain an even keel.

No Allen decided it was best to go home. There’d be no one to bother him or tempt him, unless he went online. He made a couple of sandwiches and sat in front of the television and watched the news which was all bad. He glanced over to a stack of Dvd’s and they were all things he’d seen before. Disgusted he put on his coat and walked outside. The streets were not too crowded as Allen walked down the sidewalk. Lot’s of people in the restaurants on Sixth Street. Nice restaurants, good prices and the smell of curry wafted onto the street.

Across Second Avenue a cab pulled to the curb and stepping out of the car was Peter. Allen and Peter had gone out many moons ago, nothing really clicked. Peter was dressed as impeccably as ever, nice pinstriped suit, silk tie and black shoes polished to perfection. Unfortunately Peter was a Republican and that was a major stumbling block in the relationship. Allen was a Democrat, but always fell for a nicely dressed guy, and nine times out of ten, those nicely dressed guys were Republicans. ‘Why can’t Democrats dress as nicely’ he said to himself as he walked across the street.

‘Hello Peter’ Allen said. Peter spun around surprised to see Allen. “Allen! What are you doing here?’ ‘Uh, I live around here Peter. Remember?’ ‘Oh yeah, you live right off ‘Curry Row’. I guess you’re still there, huh?’ “Yes, Peter. I still live there. What are you doing down here? The Upper East Side too dead for you?’ ‘Well Allen, I was supposed to be at a function down on Wall Street, but decided against it. Don’t know why I had the cab stop here, though.’

‘Well I’m just walking around, nowhere in particular. You’re welcome to join me if you want.’ ‘That sounds good. Did you eat yet?’ ‘Not really. I was hoping to build up an appetite by strolling around.’ ‘Ok. Well which way do you want to go?’ ‘Oh I don’t know. This way.’ And they started walking up Second Avenue towards St. Mark’s Place.’ Allen hoped he wouldn’t run into anyone he knew, and Peter felt the same way. ‘So how have you been Peter?’ Allen asked, reminding himself not to get into any political discussions. Last time they met up they got into a huge row over many things, but mainly how could a gay man like Peter be a Republican?

Peter didn’t know how to tell him it was for the wardrobe and how it attracts men like Allen.