The Taste of Connection

Eggs, flour, sugar, meat, potatoes, cold cuts, paper towels, candy, a bottle of rosé wine.

It’s Friday. The day Simon allows himself to indulge. He plans to bake a cake when he gets home and enjoy the warmth from the oven while he prepares dinner in his large, bright kitchen, savoring the taste of the cool rosé.

He pulls into the parking lot in front of the grocery store, turns off the engine, and gets out. There are quite a few other cars there already, but none that he immediately recognizes.

Simon lives in the countryside. There’s almost always a neighbor or someone from the small village who greets him at the grocery store.

Today, though, he’s more focused on quickly getting the groceries in his cart and heading back out. He’s in a good mood, looking forward to his Friday night filled with delicious food, cake, and candy while watching a movie on one of the streaming services he subscribes to. Tonight, he plans to watch "The Sound of Music." It’s so wonderfully sentimental, and Christopher Plummer as Captain von Trapp softens his heart every time he sees the film. A handsome man who stands by his decisions and gets married—well, he marries Maria, played by the beautifully singing Julie Andrews, but in Simon’s world, he takes the role and marries von Trapp. It’s the most beautiful gay wedding imaginable.

“May I squeeze by here?” a deep voice says behind him. Simon realizes he’s been daydreaming by the refrigerated section with his shopping list in hand. He’s probably in the way of some pensioner.

“Yes, of course, sorry, I was just going over my shopping list to see if I remembered everything,” he stammers as he turns to see who it was. There’s something warm and soft about the voice, so he has to look, even though he still thinks it’s probably one of the many retirees who shop here daily.

“It’s alright, but I need to restock the fridge here, so I’m glad to get through.”

Simon now recognizes the man. It’s John, who works at the grocery store. He’s maybe five years younger than Simon and has the sweetest smile, which Simon has often returned with an equally sweet smile. They’re on “hello” terms but never talk otherwise. Now there’s a chance for more, if Simon can get the words out.

“Hi John, oh, it’s you. Well, of course, you can get through; we don’t want you getting frostbite from those frozen packages you’re holding.”

“Hi, uh, what’s your name again? We’ve never properly introduced ourselves!” John replies.

“My name is Simon. I only know your name because you smile so sweetly on the employee board by the entrance.”

“Hi, Simon. Nice to put a name to the face. Do you have everything on your shopping list?”

“Yeah, almost, I just need to go to the wine section and find a good rosé to toast myself with tonight.”

“I can come with you and maybe recommend a good bottle if you wait a moment while I finish stocking these items.”

Simon watches as John quickly stocks the fridge. He wonders if this is a flirt or just customer service. John is a good-looking guy and seems a bit shy. He could be into guys, but Simon wouldn’t bet on it. John looks pretty masculine.

“Alright, let’s go check it out,” John says, finishing his task.

They browse the wine section, and John suggests a Portuguese rosé, which he’s had several times and says is very good. “Yeah, I’d actually love to drink a glass of it with you; it’s that good!”

Is he inviting himself over? Simon wonders. Hmm, interesting. “Well, why not, but not right here in the store.”

“No,” John laughs. “I’m off in five minutes, so if you tell me where you live and aren’t busy, I’ll drop by.”

Simon feels butterflies in his stomach. He gives John his address, rushes to the checkout, pays, and packs his groceries.

He hurries out to his car and sees John heading to his car as well. They smile at each other, and Simon hops into his car after loading his groceries and returning the cart.

He drives. He wonders what this might turn into.

John follows in his car. They drive the short 5 kilometers and pull into Simon’s property.

A little later, they stand in Simon’s kitchen with all the groceries. Simon can’t help but look curiously at John.

“I’ve never done this before,” John admits. “But you seem like a nice guy, and maybe we can have a pleasant evening together. I don’t have anyone waiting for me. Do you have anyone coming over for dinner?”

“No, I don’t. I was just planning to relax by myself with some rosé and a movie.”

He skips baking the cake; there’s no need for it now. Dessert will be something entirely different, he thinks.

John hands him a glass of wine, and their hands touch. John lets his hand linger, and Simon gives it a little squeeze. They smile at each other.

“You’ve surprised me today,” Simon says. “I’ve noticed you so many times and thought you probably weren’t into guys, and suddenly you’re the one making a move on me. It’s wild.”

“Same here, Simon. I had to muster all my courage today when I saw you; I wanted to connect with you, and so far, I don’t regret it.”

They toast and stand for a moment, looking into each other’s eyes. Then their faces draw closer, and their lips meet in a gentle kiss.

“This won’t be the last,” John says.