Lying back in the warm, grainy sand of the beach in Streeterville, I watched as the fireworks above Navy Pier bloomed and boomed in the sable sky, streaks of sparkling light burning bright before dissipating gracefully into a pale blue smoke. The toe of a boat shoe tapped my shoulder, and I craned my neck to see who it belonged to.

“Alright,” I decided, taking in the stranger’s strong body and square face.

As I stood up, I smoothed my Bush shirt and linen pants then followed him toward the hulking structure at the end of the beach. It was understood what we all came to Streeterville for, so I saw no need for conversation. I was glad he didn’t either.

He worked his way down my body as soon as I’d leaned my shoulders against one of the pier’s many support beams. He was good, and I attempted to burrow my fingertips into the splintering board of wood behind me while he sent shocks of electricity through me. The din of the crowd gathered above me rang in my ears as flashes of light from the fireworks illuminating the night coaxed open my eyes even when I wanted them closed. The stranger finished me off, and I considered not reciprocating, as I rarely felt compelled to do so. The sticky, hot air coupled with the energy surrounding us filled me with a desire that didn’t typically take over, and I dropped to my knees, ready to please.

When the deed was done, I wiped my mouth and avoided his gaze, wanting to go as quick as I had come.

“Joshua Green,” he greeted awkwardly, holding his hand out for a shake.

“This seems backward, Joshua,” I stated, clearing my throat as I zipped my pants. “Seeing as how we didn’t find it necessary to establish introductions beforehand, I don’t think we need to at all.”

“Okay,” Joshua nodded. “Some guys are looking for more nowadays, so it was worth a try.”

“I’m not that guy, but good luck finding him,” I said honestly.

Sex was easy to get, but a relationship between men that held greater depth was a challenge I didn’t want to know anything about.

Giving him a slight wave, I climbed up the embankment to the pavement above, weaving through the hordes of people crowding the street. The sweet scent of cotton candy, carried by the balmy summer breeze, found its way to my nose and had my mouth watering. Deciding to indulge for the second time that night, I made my way to a small booth at the end of the pier, handed the man behind it a nickel, and received the cloudlike confection.