New Friend: Leo

     So here is a long overdue fun post. A post that is completely drama free and all about my first big city friend. A friend I am going to introduce to my blog as Leo. Yes, he is very much a Leo and he knows it, and it fits him well. Leo.... probably one of the biggest reasons I stayed in Saint Louis after my break-up.
      So after Jefferic and I broke up, I figured I should probably branch out and meet some other people. I had already downloaded all of the apps during our brief and apparently misunderstood open relationship phase, so I edited my profile and began talking to strangers. Living very closely was the young man, Leo. His profile picture didn't show his face, he was fully clothed, and he had his back to the camera, sitting at the top of what looked like a stairwell.
     What he had written was friendly enough and while I knew it said he had a partner, I couldn't quite tell what he was looking for. His profile seemed interesting and I liked his back, I am a shoulder guy, and he has them, so I messaged away. He replied, and we began a brief online acquaintance, getting to know each other from two blocks away.
     One day I was over it, and suggested we meet and walk our dogs in the park. He agreed and we did. He finally sent me a face pic so I would know who to look for and yeah, he was cute. Here I am walking my now nervous butt up to a young, friendly, and great looking dude with this stunning pit bull, sitting on a park bench. We walk the dogs for a lap or two and get to talking. A couple hours later we drop off the pups and head down on Grand to find some food, not just talking, but taking steps to create one of our first real memorable moments together.
    We went for pho, and chatter came easily enough. After the food was gone, we got our separate checks and as he reached for his wallet, he realized he had left it at home. Oops, awkward. So hesitantly, I agree to pay for his food, sweating bullets because at the time, I didn't have much money to my name.  He understands and offers to pay me back when he gets home. Well, knowing I didn't have much money, I pushed for us to leave the place as quickly as we could because I couldn't afford to tip the waitress. We get up to leave, and make it out the door, when she comes up behind us, and excuses herself, before asking "Did I not serve you well? Why no tip?"... like, no shame, just bold as all get out.
    Mortified in general and embarrassed in front of a new friend, I explain to her that I didn't tip because I could not. I literally spent my last money on the meals. I was appalled when she did not accept this answer and seemed put off. Finally, Leo, reached in his pocket and pulled out a dollar bill. He explains it is all he has on him and offers it to her. She takes it, but looks like she was still disbelieving, and walks off.
    We spent the next half hour of our walk, discussing how awkward and funny the situation was. We were both understanding that she probably needs the tip money, but to chase people out of a restaurant and insist on a reason, was just too much. She couldn't know what our lives were like that she should just assume we were trying to be cheap. Pho on Grand got a bad name with us that day.
    We went back to the park and sat down. We talked, and talked, and talked. I learned his home is just outside of Nashville, and that he was also still fairly new to the area, and looking to make friends. I learned he and his Love were in a closed relationship and had known each other for quite a while. I told him about my moves, my break up, my family back in central Kansas. We shared so much that day, and when we finally went our separate ways, I knew I had met someone pretty remarkable.
    He and his partner, Canada, proved how remarkable this friendship would be when they learned I would be alone for Thanksgiving. They opened their home to me, and the three of us spent the afternoon and evening sharing experiences, smiles, and great food. I left, cherishing the fact that this beautiful couple opened their home and hearts to an awkward and struggling guy in a big city. The next time we spoke, Leo told me Canada could tell I was crushing hard on Leo. I told him it was not untrue. I was crushing, but I also know how to respect a relationship and before long the crush would subside and our friendship would be one to be proud of.
    In the year that followed, I spent holidays, random evenings, and a few nights out with them. I learned how to play a Canadian board game called Crokinole, that Leo is an artist and brilliant young man all around, and that Canada is a loving and supportive partner who has a varied taste in activities, hobbies, and vast knowledge in being a gentleman with an open mind.
   Now Leo is one of the two best friends I have the pleasure of knowing here. We have our moments of "What are you thinking" when it comes to tiny things, but he, along with Pup, have become two great influences and inspiring young men I am honored to know. Saint Louis has not been an easy place to live and learn.
    Leo, Canada, thank both of you so much for the mental, emotional, and social support over the last year and a half. My life here may be nonexistent without that help and I will forever cherish both of you for being there while I struggle to find my feet here.