Can a spoiled little dog bring two strangers together? The first time Jacke sees him, it’s a happy accident. He’s taken refuge in a quiet corner of the park, decompressing after a difficult day at work, when the man, dressed in a fancy suit, passes by him walking a spoiled little dog. As the days pass, Jacke notices the adorable pair several times. He’s unable to take his eyes off the man whose first priority is the dog, even over his own comfort. And one day, when circumstances are right, Jacke takes a chance and speaks to the man. David. David’s personality is as adorable as his outward appearance, and a short walk in the rain results in mutual attraction and a promise to see each other again. A second meeting in the park turns into a date, and Jacke starts longing for something he thought he’d never have; a partner. But does David feel the same? Will a chance meeting in the park turn into love?

They Met in the Park

“I’m giving her a huge tip,” David says.


The look on his face at the first sip is pure bliss. He sets down his mug and gestures for me to continue.


I could pick something lighthearted, I guess, to return to the earlier, easy banter. But his confession struck a chord with me, and I enjoy this deeper turn our conversation has taken. “I know all about feeling like you have to hide part of who you are.”


I nod. “Being gay was a mortal sin where I grew up. Probably still is. I haven’t been back since I fled when I was eighteen, so I wouldn’t know. They woulda beaten the shit out of me if they’d ever found out.” I suspect my parents somehow knew, though. We’d talked on the phone now and then after I left, but they never said anything about me coming home for a visit. Over the years, the calls have gotten fewer and fewer, and now it’s down to once a year, on Christmas.


Chapter 10