Without Inhibitions by Eva Hore Page A

Party.”
    “He was really rude remember.”
    “He was drunk that night. He’d broken up with his girl, remember. He was lonely and thought the alcohol would give him courage to ask you out. He didn’t know you were gay too. He’s apologized to you many times, just get over it.”
    “He’s not going to try and hit on me again is he?”
    “No, don’t worry. I set him straight about that,” she laughed. “He just wants to be your friend. He feels bad about what he did, so please try and have a good time, he’s gone out of his way to find interesting places for you to visit.”
    “Really, like what?” I was intrigued now.
    “I don’t know,” she said smiling, “give him a chance to make it all up to you. He said he’s got something in mind that you’ll love.”
    I could see nothing amusing about last year’s outburst and really didn’t want to go with him. The last thing I needed was him trying to come on to me. It had been a disaster at the party and I was still smarting over some of his remarks which were not at all his business.
    “He’ll be fine, I promise. He’s here, now don’t keep him waiting,” she said.
    She waved out the window and I saw him sitting in his convertible at the curb.
    “Don’t forget your bag now and relax, you’ll have a great time.”
    “Hey, nice to see you again,” he said, as I strolled to the car.
    “Yeah, you too.”
    We made idle chatter and before long I did indeed relax. He was attentive this time, seemed really interested and not at all as obnoxious as he’d been last time.
    He took me to lunch at Nick’s Seafood Restaurant in Darling Harbor. The food was amazing. Tasmanian Oysters and Rock Lobster. He really was making a good impression and paid the bill to boot.
    The day was beautiful. After lunch and having shared a bottle of Chardonnay I was completely at ease. He pointed out different things of interest and I was really enjoying his company.
    “There's a beach I think you'll find interesting,” Mark said.
    “Oh,” I said, not really paying much attention. The wind was swirling through my hair around my face and I was enjoying the scenery.
    “It's at Watson Bay Cliffs,” he said. “Ever heard of it?”
    “No,” I said.
    “Really? I thought perhaps Julie might have mentioned it to you.”
    “No, she didn’t.”
    “I’ve got to scoot back to the office for a few hours.”
    “Oh, I’m sorry. You should have told me you’re busy.”
    “No, that’s okay. No trouble.”
    “Just drop me somewhere and I’ll get a cab home.”
    “No way,” he said. “I’ve got a cooler in the boot and a blanket. You could spend a few hours there just relaxing.”
    “How thoughtful of you,” I said. “I’d love that.”
    I was surprised at his thoughtfulness. Julie had said he really wanted to make amends and today he was being nothing more than a really good friend and companion. A few hours to myself to reflect on things was just what I needed.
    So, after retrieving the cooler and blanket he dropped me off at the beach, telling me he’d pick me up later. He said I’d really love it and, to be honest, the blast of sea air was intoxicating as I made my way down the sandy dunes. A woman sat at the edge of the sand demanding I pay two dollars.
    “What? Why should I pay?” I complained.
    “This is a private women's beach,” she said. “No men allowed. All women have to pay a nominal fee.”
    No men allowed. Well that was certainly worth more than two dollars. I paid my money and sauntered down. Wow. It was a nudist beach. Every woman here was naked. My mouth dropped open. Was this why Mark said I’d really love it? Was this his way of making up to me, by accepting the fact that I was gay and bringing me here where I could be myself with no guys around?
    Of course he hadn’t needed to tell me he was bringing me here. There was no need for bathers and he’d brought the cooler, towel, and blanket for me. I couldn't wait to slip out of my clothes and