Lyin’ Ryan

Chapter 1 “You’re wearing that?” I looked at my boyfriend Donovan, who stood only a few feet away, watching me get dressed. We were going to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field and, according to the weather reports, the temperature was supposed to drop into the forties that night while we were at the stadium, so I’d grabbed a scarf from my closet to wear. The scarf, a gift from a former boyfriend (though I’d never told Donovan this), was camel-colored cashmere and I loved it. Aside from looking great, it also kept me warm and, living in Chicago, warmth was often hard to come by. “What’s wrong with my scarf?” I asked. “I’ve worn it a thousand times.” “Yeah, but not to a Cubs game,” Donovan said before scrunching up his face. “It looks…gay.” I sighed and rolled my eyes. “Well, then it’s perfect since I am gay and, guess what, so are you!” Donovan frowned. “Come on, Matt. You know what I mean. I’m not looking to get into a fight over this.” Too late for that, I thought, as I looked at the scarf in my hands. “I just want to go to the game and not have any trouble,” Donovan said. I considered just choosing another scarf from my closet, one that would meet his approval, or just picking a heavier jacket to wear to the game to keep me warm and skipping the neck ware altogether, but I didn’t. I’d had enough of Donovan and his rules of civility. I tossed the scarf onto my bed. “I can’t do this anymore.” He looked confused. “What are you talking about?” “I can’tI won’t keep jumping through hoops to be with you. We’re done.” He was silent for a few seconds before asking, “Are you breaking up with me?” “Yes.” “Because I asked you to change your scarf?” “It’s not about the scarf. It’s about you.” Donovan Clark, the man I’d been with for two years and thought I’d be with for the rest of my life, looked at me for a moment before hanging his head and quietly saying, “Please, Matt. Don’t do this. I love you.” “I love you, too, but I’ve had enough.” And, with those words, our relationship ground to a halt.