Josh, a lonely trapeze artist, thinks he’s cursed. It’s an old family superstition. He can’t have sex on a day he flies or he’ll fall. Maybe that’s why he’s never had a steady boyfriend, though sometimes he dreams of one. In his show, a strange melody plays in the background. It follows him and surfaces from time to time on the street. When Josh’s uncle hears about the music, he tells his nephew to bring the old ring, passed down from generations since the time of the curse. Steve is a realtor who always reaches his goals, in sales or otherwise, and he moonlights as a dancer in an all-male review on The Strip. All his friends his age are married, and his best friend’s wife Genie wants to see him hitched, too. He’s a little bit challenged in the relationship department, though. He has some growing up to do, or maybe it’s his problem in bed, where he’s somewhat one-sided. Steve and Josh meet one crazy night when Josh breaks all the rules used to protect him from the curse. After that, he runs. If it wasn’t for Genie’s matchmaking, Josh and Steve might never see each other again. Though not yet ready for a boyfriend, Josh does need a realtor. What a good way for he and Steve to get to know each other, while Josh works up the courage to tell Steve about the curse. Still unaware of Josh’s problem, Steve falls in love with him. When Steve finds out about the curse thing, it’s a big disappointment, but he wants Josh anyway. There’s no doubt Josh is worth the wait. Maybe the curse isn’t real after all. Can lonely Josh overcome his fear of it? Can horndog Steve handle a curse? Is the answer in the ancient ring?

The Curse of Flight

Josh waved from his bike. “See you tomorrow.”


Steve’s hand returned the gesture instinctively, but he held back from flipping Josh off. Steve waited on the patio until the bike disappeared down the street.


It bugged him, but he wasn’t giving up. He checked the door and secured the key in the lockbox. He’d take his time. Goal-oriented and competitive, he always made his sales numbers. A challenge suited him. Josh presented one. Steve’s navel stretched with his finger. His lips pursed. He would close this deal. 13


The wheels rolled up on the driveway, and Josh’s heels landed on the cement. Steve wasn’t there yet and usually arrived first. This unexpected tardiness raised concern. Maybe he should let Steve pick him up next time, better waiting at home than on the street.


The helmet was hot, so he took it off, got up, and stored it in the side compartment. Then he straddled the bike again and waited.


Chapter 23