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

Steve held a menu with both hands, arms stiff. This wasn’t his usual relaxed self, and he hardly said a word. Josh wanted to break the silence, but nothing came to mind besides the Tuesday approaching. He didn’t want to think about it now.


Finally, Steve said something. “Nice shirt.”


“No.” Steve gestured to Josh’s cuff. “It’s purple. How could it clash?”


Steve took off the suit jacket and lined up the starched white sleeve with Josh’s arm. “My shirt looks purple too.”


Though white, it did look purplish to Josh. “Everything looks purple in here.”


“Even the food sometimes.” Steve laughed. “I don’t recommend the coleslaw.”


Steve’s shoulder touched his, and Josh’s chest swelled in the purple shirt. “I’ve never worn it before. It caught my eye in the closet. Must have been the color.”


“It’s nice on you.” Steve’s fingers brushed his neck as they straightened the collar.


Chapter 37