Insurance claims officer Ricky Farr is a nice guy. He's single, charming, fun, and responsible. At thirty-eight, his life is going well. Things are nice these days, and comfortable. Then all hell breaks loose. Ricky asks his coworker (and frenemy) Jamie Oakley to do him a favor and help him move some boxes. What Ricky knows about Jamie is simple: he's blonde, beautiful, and mean. The stud isn't nice to anyone. Not to Ricky. Not to his boyfriends. No one. When Ricky confronts Jamie about being mean, the two have a hellacious argument. Ricky ignores him for a week, but something strange happens. Jamie claims he misses Ricky, and promises to be nice to him. Is this the beginning of a changed relationship -- and romance -- between the men? Or is Jamie just being his usual mean guy self, leading Ricky's heart astray?

Mean Guy

I still like him, though. Always have. Even if he drives me crazy. Of course, I mind when he crosses a line by being an asshole in front of me. Of course, he embarrasses me in front of others. Jamie’s difficult like this. Always. A nuisance. Temperamental. Rude. Vulgar. He’s the type of guy who makes you shake your head and whisper to your best friend, “I’m glad I don’t know him.”


But, none the less, he’s my friend. Even if he causes me to roll my eyes. Even if he is trouble in my life. Even if he’s annoying as shit, way too into himself, and doesn’t give a damn about anything else. The guy’s my friend. Someone I have learned to hate. Someone I have learned to like. Someone I can deal with in doses. Small portions only. Maybe it’s true friendship. Maybe it’s not. I’m not sure. Can anyone honestly determine if it is?


Chapter 3