Jonathan turned, “Are you talking to me?”

“Yea, who else would I be talking to? It’s just you and me in this entire apartment.”

Despite the dimness of the room, I could see him roll his eyes, “I don’t have a story,” he said.

“I’m sure you do,” I probed, “I mean, is this normal for you? Not to get an erection?”

I decided that being straight-forward and blunt was the only way that I might get an answer out of him.

“Do you make small talk with all your clients?”

“Not all the time, but I usually do when there’s something that I want to know that’s not being said.”

“Right, then perhaps you should just can it and let me have some rest. I didn’t pay you to ask me ridiculous questions,” he said, turning his back towards me again and pulling the comforter around him tightly.

I was so taken aback by his answer. How could this wise-ass be so rude to me!

“Fine, whatever,” I replied, opening my book and trying to find where I had stopped.

After a few moments had passed, I suddenly heard his voice whisper, “Look, I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.” I put my book away and lay on my side, facing his back as he turned towards me, “You said you wanted to know my story, right?”

I nodded, “I just want to know if it’s me…or…”

“Believe me, it’s not you,” he replied, sitting up and putting his head to his hands, “It’s me. I think I’m gay.”

My eyes widened slightly, “You’re what?”

“I think I’m gay.”

Now I was officially confused. The guy was gay?

No wonder he wasn’t attracted to me!

“So why did you hire me again?” I asked.

“Whatever I’m about to tell you is confidential.”

“Don’t worry,” I assured him, “Whatever is said in this room, stays in this room, you have my word.”

He sighed and looked at me, “My name’s not really Jonathan, it’s Jarrod and I work as a Public Prosecutor. I’ve never really been intimate with any woman in my life. It’s been hard for me because of my position in society and people just expect me to be a certain way. But for me, I’ve always known that I was attracted to men.”

I smiled, finally understanding his predicament, “So why did you decide to come and see me?”

He laughed, “I wanted to see if I could, you know, do it. As I said, I’ve never had sex with a woman before and I was afraid that if I had gone out with a woman from my social circle and the same problem had occurred, word would get out and, well, my life might end up in shambles. You know, those ladies who lunch.”

“I know what you mean,” I replied, “Women love their morning, afternoon and evening gossip sessions.”

We smiled at each other with renewed understanding.

“By the way,” I said, “My name’s Helena. Helena Peabody.”

He extended his hand towards mine and shook it, “Jarrod Westwood; I hope you don’t mind but would it alright if I still stay the night?”

“Of course,” I said.

“Great. Thanks, Helena, you’re a really wonderful person.”

“You’re not too bad yourself.”

“And for the record,” he added, “I think you’re beautiful.”

He smiled at me before lying down underneath the covers again and falling asleep.

I guess there was something special about sharing a secret with a complete stranger, it was like a release of inner demons.

As the saying goes, the truth will set you free.

I finally understood that even someone like Jarrod had to hide behind a façade; the same way I did with Bette, my family and those who were closest to me.

As I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep, I wondered when I would ever find enough the courage to set my own truth free.