8 Silver Herrings

St. Monica Avenue

I watched him walk into the restaurant, looking like an angel from heaven. And in that instant, every sense of reasoning I had left me.

Jacob had just been posted to the Anglican church around St. Monica avenue to assist Reverend Brown run the youth academy. The former assistant, Jack Begkruft lost his wife in a car accident, so he had to be redeployed. He had served here loyally for 6 years that his absence was going to be deeply felt. We wondered two fold: how was he going to cope without the unwavering support and love of his wife. And how were we going to conduct the youth team in such a professional but friendly way as he did.

There was a lineup of activities for this particular academy season and we feared that we might have to postpone everything pending when Jack would return, or when we find a competent replacement. Then we got the announcement that a replacement was underway. I cared less about who it was going to be. I only knew that whoever it turned out to be, he wouldn’t be as hot as Jack, he wouldn’t kiss me the same way Jack did, and he wouldn’t make love to me in the confession box. Jack had been my partner before his wife’s demise. I didn’t see it as infidelity because my relationship with him didn’t affect his marriage. He’d be with his wife when he had to be, and when he’s back, I’d have him all to myself.

When i heard of Jacob’s arrival and the scheduled meeting for that evening, i decided to go there and just while away some time. I sat inside the cathedral restaurant waiting for my lunch when a man that fits the description opened the door. I watched him walk into the restaurant, looking like an angel from heaven. And in that instant i knew that he was gay and he was going to be my new Jack.

Leonell