A cute charade
Cute was seated on the balcony looking out at the evening sea from over the top of the trees and other smaller buildings that dotted that part of Lamma Island. He had a can of beer next to him, his first. Richard, who was seated opposite him, was on to his third.
Cute noted that most of the furniture was made of iron and had been painted white to match the paint on the walls of the two-storied building. The whole unit reminded him of a small villa on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. He had never been to such a place, of course, only seen it on TV.
“So you own this place?” Cute asked, hoping to find out if Roger co-owned the place.
“Yes, I do. Well, I haven’t bought it. I just rent it.” Richard adjusted the cushion on his chair and settled down into a more comfortable position.
“Why haven’t you bought it? It’s a good investment.”
“I prefer buying a new flat somewhere in the city.”
“Why do you live here then, so far from the city?”
“Peace of mind. Calmness. It’s far but I like it here.”
“What if you need to party late night in Lan Kwai Fong?”
“I usually stay over at a friend’s,” Richard said.
“What about Roger?” asked Cute.
“Roger doesn’t like Lamma Island.”
“Why?”
“I love the village setting, the people, the tiny shops, the food, the boats, the scenery, the beaches, and everything I can think of. He doesn’t.”
“How often does he visit you then?”
“Once or twice a month. I like being on my own, so I don’t mind.”
“Doesn’t he miss you?”
“He does, sometimes, I think. But we meet for lunch or dinner often.”
“I see.” Cute finished the can, finally. He set it on the floor next to the tower Richard was building with his.
“Do you want another beer?” asked Richard.
“I’m good. Thanks.”
“Do you like this place?”
“Lamma Island? I like eating at the seafood restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan.”
“Good. So you haven’t been to the beaches yet?”
“I can’t remember. Last time I was here, I was twelve or something.”
“Oh. That wasn’t long ago.” Richard winked at him. “Do you wanna eat seafood tonight?”
“Are you cooking?”
“Nay. We could head down to one of those restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan.”
“Okay.”
“Are you sure you don’t want another beer? Let me get one for you.”
“Okay.” It wasn’t close to dinner time but Cute knew he’d be hungry soon. He wondered where Fred was. That guy was a mystery. He hadn’t come online for a few days. Maybe he was on a business trip. But then, he could have informed Cute. He hadn’t. Maybe he had found someone else and didn’t want Cute any more. Cute was angry. These men weren’t taking him seriously at all.
Richard returned with two cans. He opened both up and passed one to Cute. Cute took one sip and put the can on the floor next to his chair.
“You don’t look happy.” Richard said. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s tough,” Cute said.
“What’s tough?”
“Life is. I want someone to take care of me, to spend time with me. Someone who would believe in me and stand by me.” He sighed. “But all the guys I meet are either taken or straight. It’s an unfair world.” He drank some more.
“You’re a good-looking boy,” Richard said. “Intelligent. Smart. Funny, even. I’m sure there’ll be someone special in your life very soon.”
“Thank you. But there’s nobody who can really understand what I feel. I want to be loved. I want to wake up in somebody’s arms every morning. I want them to cook me some good meals. But everybody just thinks about himself and not about me. Of course, their life is important. But I’m part of nobody’s life and that’s what I hate most.” Cute sighed heavily. It was working. Richard looked uncomfortable.
“That’s not true. There are many people who’d love to do all that for you.”
“Who are they? Can you find me one? Can you do it? Can you take care of me?” Cute asked Richard through teary eyes.
“I do care for you, Xavier.”
“No, you don’t.”
“How do you know that?”
“You love Roger. He’s the one you like. He’s the one you care for. He’s your boyfriend. Not me.” Cute kept up the charade.
Richard kept quiet. He didn’t seem to know how to react.
“Maybe I should leave now. I don’t wanna create any trouble for you.”
“What do you mean?”
“I can’t explain to you. You’ll never understand.” He stood up and went inside. Richard got up and followed him.
Cute picked up his bag and started walking towards the door, slowly. He was waiting for Richard to intercept him. He did.
“Hey, don’t leave. I’m sorry. I don’t know what I’ve said or done to make you feel bad. But don’t go.” Richard blocked his way.
Cute acted as if he were trying to get past him. Richard grabbed one of his hands.
“What do you want?” asked Cute.
“What do you want?” asked Richard.
“You.” There was silence. Richard looked very confused and then he smiled.
“Oh,” he said.
“But you have Roger already. You don’t need me. So I’m leaving now. Please don’t call me again.” Cute continued his drama.
“Hey, come on. We can solve this problem. Okay? Don’t run away because that will not help,” Richard said.
“Then what will help? You don’t love me. I’m just wasting your time here.” He made a sad face and acted as if he were trying to struggle free.
“No, you are not. Come to me.” Richard picked him up in his arms just like a man picks up his child. Cute took the opportunity to drop his bag and wrap his arms around Richard’s neck. He wrapped his legs around Richard’s trunk. Richard’s warm breath hit his face. It smelled of beer. Yuck. Cute smiled and closed his eyes in anticipation of a kiss.
