Castro Bridge Mix #11: Finesse

The Lookout on Market Street, Castro

“I’m sure that I’m the last person that JT wants to see.” Lyrick leaned into the side of Dereck’s arm as they both peered out over the heart of the Castro from their perch on the Lookout bar’s outdoor balcony.

“You saved his life, Lyrick. I don’t get why you always put yourself down.” Dereck noticed the way that several other men on the balcony and even from down on the sidewalk were captivated by Lyrick.

Lyrick pulled away and sipped a glass of mineral water. He very rarely drank alcohol. Especially at bars. “You’ve got the winning hand, Dereck. Looks. Education. Pedigree. You should be with someone who can build your political career. I can’t do that for you.”

Dereck felt like the floor was being pulled out from under him. “I don’t need a political future. I just want someone special in my life.”  Dereck paused as he realized that there was an urgent text on his phone. “Excuse me.” A body had washed up from the Bay. It was initially presumed to have been a suicide off the Golden Gate Bridge, but it matched up with an out-of-town businessman named Charles Hawthorne who had been missing for a few days. It looked like a homicide.

Lyrick realized that something was wrong by the look in Dereck’s eyes. “What’s the matter?”

“Work stuff.” He turned to Lyrick. “Let’s get dinner.”

Lyrick squeezed Dereck’s arm and hugged him. “Not tonight. But we’ll get together again soon.”

Copyright © 2013.  Will Morrison.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.