Ian feels he has not been blessed with good looks, and his treatment from others lends weight to these beliefs. From a child, where he is teased about his big nose, to his twenties, where his best friend, the handsome Zack, seems to get all the attention, Ian is made to feel inferior. The resulting insecurity means he won't look in a mirror unless absolutely essential.<br><br>Then one night at Zenith, the local gay club, he locks eyes with Brad. He likes what he sees, but so does Zack. As Zack approaches Brad, Ian's heart sinks. However, there is a small chance Brad will tell Zack to take a hike.<br><br>Is Ian's life about to change for the better? Will he finally get a chance at love? Or will his so-called best friend Zack ruin everything? Could Zack really be that cruel?

Ugly

Ian tried to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat. It wasn’t often anyone paid him any attention. And tonight, he thought that was all going to change. Tonight, he thought he might be the one to take someone home with him. He brought the glass of wine to his lips, but realised he didn’t want to drink any more.


Then something occurred to him. Perhaps the man had told Zack he wasn’t interested. Perhaps he was asking Zack about his friend. But when he glanced back at them, it was quite clear that neither of those things had happened, nor would they. The two men were kissing. And Zack had the palm of one hand pressed against the man’s crotch.


Defeated, Ian put down his drink and made his way to the door, squeezing by the throngs of people still pouring into the club. Doing his best to fight back tears, he stepped out into the night and started the short walk home.


Chapter 3