#1

The service center looked much as Reed remembered it. His eagle-eyed inspection didn’t miss much as he made his way around the crowded cubicles. Some workers weren’t as attentive as others and he made note of them.

Glancing up, he caught sight of a man entering a cubicle at the end of the aisle. Their eyes met and a shock of recognition hit Reed like a tidal wave.

No. It couldn’t be. Could it? Oh, God, let it be him.

The Filipino gave the barest nod of recognition and disappeared behind the wall of his workspace and just like that the years melted away and their night together seemed like only yesterday.

Reed’s heart beat fast and hard. Foolishly, he wondered if Babyboy felt the same electric charge that he did. Wishful thinking. More likely, the Filipino remembered him as just another encounter from the distant past. Did Reed want to find out? Yes, he needed to know. Reed took a few deep breaths and pulled himself together. It would be wrong to show too much interest in an employee. He forced himself to continue his tour and when he reached the man’s cubicle, he looked inside. The nameplate on the desk said Joseph Castro.

Joseph Castro had his headset on, apparently helping a customer. Reed stood transfixed, watching the Filipino at work. Joseph spoke calmly in slightly accented English that seemed to caress each word. It had been years, but Reed found himself getting hot just thinking of how that voice had whispered dirty talk in his ear.

Joseph ended his call and looked up. “Hello, Pogi.”

The words were so soft, Reed wondered if he’d really heard them. He mouthed back. “Babyboy.”

Joseph sighed, but didn’t speak another word. They stared at each other and it felt like a scene from a cheesy movie, where the room fades to a blur while the two heroes connect in a powerful silent dialog. Despite the intervening years, the emotions that washed over Reed were familiar. Caught in a time warp, Reed felt as if summer had finally arrived after a long severe winter.

#2

Nervous and tense, Reed tried to loosen the kink in his neck. He twisted his head one way

and then the other. Suddenly, Joseph reached over and caressed the tendons in the back of his neck. Reed flinched and pulled away. “What if someone sees us?”

Joseph seemed taken aback. “But we are enclosed by the canopy.”

“Still—”

“Are you ashamed to be seen with me?”

“No, it has nothing to do with you personally, but it’s not a good look. I’m your boss, after all. I can’t show favoritism.”

“So, it’s not about being gay?”

Reed sighed. “Well, that too. Look, I’m a very private person. My family doesn’t know I’m gay. And as far as business, well, it’s not a good idea for a man in my position to go around shouting, I’m gay from the rooftops.”

“Of course not, but if someone found out would it be the end of the world?”

Reed found himself getting irritated. “It could be the end of my business. Some of my associates are very conservative.”

“So you’re never able to be yourself? Living a hidden life is toxic. Believe me, I know.”

“It’s better this way. My sexual preferences are nobody’s business.”

There was a long pause as the two men looked warily at one another.

Joseph attempted to break the silence. “This is your choice. I accept it. Can we enjoy the sunset now? I know a private spot.”

Shaking his head, Reed recovered himself with an effort. “We’re here. We might as well.”

Joseph directed the kalesa driver to a secluded spot and looked to Reed for approval. Reed looked around the deserted area and nodded. Finally, he allowed himself to enjoy the sunset. Reddish-gold hues filled the sky and he found himself responding to the beauty. “Thanks for this. I don’t often get a chance to appreciate a sunset.”

Joseph stared at Reed with his irresistible chocolate eyes. “You can travel the world, but sunsets in Manila are the most beautiful.”

”Maybe so, but I think it might be the company.”

Joseph licked his bottom lip with the tip of his tongue. “I think you’re right, Reed. As beautiful as it is, I can’t stop looking at you.”

Heat curled in Reed’s belly. He wanted to fuck this man, he wanted it bad, and they had yet

to share a kiss. This was his opportunity, but he was still reluctant to take it.

Joseph made the first move. Leaning in close, he took Reed’s face between his hands and brushed his lips over Reed’s in a gentle kiss.