Stanford Blatch was not known for taking risks. In fact, he was known by his friends for his anxious and sensitive personality. He loved style and class, and bad taste offended him. But Stanford was learning that not all risks were in bad taste. Marrying Anthony had seemed like one of them.
Now, he'd kept his former nemesis close long enough. He'd thought the loving embraces they'd shared after learning of Big's death were indicative of the change they'd long needed, a resounding reminder to be kinder. They weren't. The arguments had continued to ensue, the pettiness back within hours after the event was over.
And Stanford knew, if death couldn't keep them on the same page long enough, it was time for him to go.
Filing the divorce papers felt like a long time coming. An unspoken player in their many arguments. But now, it was real. Stanford was relieved, the merry go round coming to a much-needed halt.
Divorce in America was now as common as the act of marriage itself. But this wasn't just a divorce with his husband, Anthony, but with New York itself. His memories were everywhere here, like that relentless slime Charlotte's girls loved to play with.
The city had treated him well when it came to friends and fashion, bringing the most beautiful of things into his life. But the dating scene had been anything but. Stanford was not your conventionally attractive gay man. He knew this and worked harder to find kind men to pursue. Anthony had been a surprise, what seemed like a pleasant one, but had worn away at his joy.
He thought of telling his friends of his impending choice to divorce, but they'd just try to talk him out of it, keep him 'safe Stanford.' But he needed this risk, one his kind but married friends may not understand. Plus, Carrie had gone through so much, he didn't want to bring her down anymore. No, it was best to leave quietly and let the chips fall where they may. They could speak again when things calmed down.
The opportunity had come seemingly well timed. A young Tik Tok star that would take him all the way to Tokyo. The platform had long proven its ability to produce talent, so Stanford was willing to see where this new adventure took him.
Tokyo would be a fresh start. He knew some about its entertainment industries after having coordinated so much talent. There would be new food, cute men and plenty of fashion. Thankfully he'd been practicing his Japanese to keep his mind limber. He could do this.
He needed a change. A second chance at who Stanford could be. He'd always wondered who else he could have become had a he not settled into this life, and it was time to find out as frightening as it was. What lay before him if he stayed was worse, crushing monotony. And with the New Year approaching, it was as good a time as any.
Author's Note: Rest in Peace Willie Garson. And Happy New Year to my readers.