When Armand happens to look down into his new neighbour’s yard one night and discovers him lying on his back, staring up at the night sky, he doesn’t know what to think. It doesn’t happen every night, but it happens often enough for Armand’s curiosity to be piqued.<br><br>When they finally meet, Armand falls instantly in lust with Ben, a dentist with an interest Armand can only describe as out-of-the-ordinary. As they get to know each other, Armand’s feelings towards Ben blossom into love. Yet Ben reveals he has recently come out of a six-year relationship and isn’t quite ready for anyone special in his life. Armand is disappointed but learns to live with the fact he and Ben might only ever be friends.<br><br>But the future is a strange and wonderful thing. When Armand starts to show a fondness for Ben’s unusual interest, it leads to more than one surprise event.

The Sky at Night

Ben joined him on the deck, and once they got through the usual get-to-know-you question and answer session, the conversation flowed smoothly and easily.


“After separating from my partner,” said Ben, “we split everything down the middle. Apartment, money, everything. I moved back here—”


“I grew up here until I was about thirteen, then my parents sent me to boarding school in the city. Graduated and went straight into uni to study dentistry. Worked in the city for a while and met Tim, my ex. It was a great six years, but sadly, it got complicated and unpleasant. I took my share of the money, went into business with Dimitri over at the Dental Centre, and had just enough money left over to buy this place. And here I am.”


“Yeah. It’s always sad when things don’t work out.”


Ben refilled their glasses with merlot. “How about you? Anyone special in your life?”


Chapter 2