Read Microsoft Word - MeantForEachOther.doc for Free Online Page B

because—
    As soon as the thought crossed his mind, even though he didn’t allow himself to finish it, he knew it was true. He had chosen Andrew because something about him reminded him of Craig. Oddly, the realization did not cause him any guilt. Instead, it poked at a loss he had long since buried; one he didn’t want to face.
    He wouldn’t allow himself to complete the thought. When dinner was ready and the two were seated with food on their plates and the flickering yellow orange glow of the candle light setting a romantic atmosphere, Andrew peered into Jeremy’s eyes. “I have another surprise for you.”
    Jeremy couldn’t believe how the night was turning out. First he came home to Andrew, which usually never happened. Andrew had prepared a romantic dinner for the two of them. Now he was getting another surprise. “What is it?”
    Andrew took a bite of pasta and shrimp. “I started searching for a new condo for us. I got a realtor and we can start viewing places until we find something we can buy.
    We can finally own property in this city.”
    Jeremy’s mouth dropped open. Damn. The hope Jeremy had been clinging to slipped away. He had been right all along. This evening wasn’t about celebrating a promotion. It was about changing their lives. How many times did they need to have this fight? “Andrew, I thought we agreed not to move anywhere for now. Shouldn’t we have discussed this before you made the decision to get us a realtor?”
    “Aw c’mon, baby. I wanted to surprise you. With my new salary we can afford an awesome place right in the heart of midtown. I found a couple of places with an amazing view over Central Park. You love the park and…” Andrew tilted his head to the side, a sly smirk crossing his face, “we can even get that dog you’ve been pestering me about for years now.”
    Jeremy had to admit the idea sounded appealing, especially living by Central Park.
    The running paths and dog parks would be ideal since he loved nature and animals.
    “All of this sounds amazing, but how am I supposed to contribute to this condo? You know I can barely afford the rent here and we have a pretty damn low rent.” Andrew knew how he felt about this issue. Why was he doing this?
    Andrew put his utensils down and stared across the table at Jeremy. “How many times do I have to tell you not to worry about the money thing? Maybe you can’t afford it, but I can. We’ve been together for eight years. Do you think I consider my money just mine?”
    Jeremy didn’t doubt Andrew’s sincerity, but the fact was, Andrew’s money was his own. “I know you don’t mind spending the money, but I do. I don’t want us to be on unequal footing. You’re already carrying the lion’s share of our financial commitments.”

    20

    D.H. Starr

    Meant For Each Other
    Andrew took Jeremy’s hand and let out a sigh. “Why does this have to be such a big deal? Can’t you let me spoil you and take care of you?”
    Jeremy had picked this fight, drawing from a perpetual argument they had over the years. “What, now you want me to be a kept man? I suppose the next thing you’re going to ask me to do is quit my job.”
    “You know I wouldn’t do that. I respect how much you love teaching, but now that you’ve brought it up, I don’t understand why you won’t consider moving to the public sector. Don’t they make something like three times the salary you make working in a private school?”
    Jeremy exhaled. “I knew it. This is about you wanting me to change so I can contribute more money to our lives. I’ve explained why I don’t want to move to the public sector.” He ticked off the reasons on his fingers as he spoke. “The mandates restricting teacher flexibility and creativity, the lack of funding for the classroom, the overcrowding. I love my school, the students, and the families I’ve grown connected to over the years.”
    Andrew conceded the point. “I get all that, but why won’t you consider