Nerve Endings Firing Away

Whilst returning from Piedmont Park, Ash and I decided to have coffee at a nicely lit coffee shop at the street corner. Books, coffee, and nice comfortable environs decorated with low hanging lights beckoned us inside. The coffee was surprisingly cheaper than Starbucks as I looked around to see a nice collection of books and magazines that you could read while sipping your coffee. As Ash paid for the coffee, I took our cups and found ourselves a nice comfy spot near the window, waiting for Ash. I noticed a sign that said Free Wireless sponsored by XYZ, Inc. I was beginning to like this place but at the same time felt a bit weird. I smiled at the guy sitting opposite on a comfy looking sofa. But strangely I sensed something different. People seemed; errr; wee bit different. Then I spotted it; right on the glass window, written so boldly that I was surprised we had missed it — OutWrite, Atlanta’s Gay and Lesbian Coffee Shop and Bookstore. I nearly froze as if caught smack in the middle of the highway with an oncoming car with glaring headlights. I looked around and suddenly regretted smiling at the guy. I didn’t want to give anyone false hopes nor wanted to be hit on.

I am a vocal gay rights supporter but here I was, freaking out majorly in “their territory”. I just wished Ash would hurry up and join me at the table. She was merrily browsing through some magazine at the counter in the distance. I merely twiddled my thumbs and sat nervously without wanting to look at anyone directly. Ash returned soon after with a gleeful expression and asked me if I knew what kind of place this was. I was relieved to see her back though. I gradually got more comfortable as we leisurely sipped our coffee and talked in pure Hindi about the experience of sitting in a gay coffee shop. It is tough; not sitting in a gay coffee shop but talking in pure Hindi without using English. It felt weirdly different; not revolting or anything disgusting but simply discomforting.

Gosh! Am I a homophobe waiting to come out of the closet? (that pun doesn’t quite work to my advantage, does it?) I guess not. I just hate being given a jolt of surprise. If I had known it was a gay coffee shop, I still would have gone in. Ash, however has now expressly instructed me not to. Damn! There goes my free wireless.

PS. What were the magazines that Ash was browsing through?; Damn!