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

“Do you come here much?” asked Brad.


“Occasionally,” lied Ian. He didn’t want Brad to think he was some kind of club slut. Not that anyone would believe he was. Not with his looks. Or lack thereof.


“And do you mind me asking how old you are?”


Ian felt a small crease develop in the space between his brows. “Thirty, Just turned. You?”


“Thirty-nine,” said Brad and grinned. “Too old for you?”


His smile made him appear even sexier and Ian felt a little tingle inside his chest.


“Good, that’s why I asked. Thought I’d get that out of the way up front.”


There was a lull in the conversation. Finally, Brad swallowed the last of his beer, filling Ian with panic. Was he bored? Had he caught sight of Ian as a flash of disco light illuminated his face. Had he realised the mistake he had made?


Ian smiled nervously as he tried to think of something to say to keep the conversation alive. To keep Brad’s attention.


Chapter 5