Love Against The Odds

By Manuel Mata

This is a story of two men, Victor and Steve, from vastly different backgrounds, who find themselves in a world that is anything but kind. Their journey is one of love, passion and science fiction, as they struggle to survive in a turbulent society in London.

Despite the many obstacles that they face, they find hope and excitement in their relationship, and it is this bond that keeps them going through the toughest of times.

The story explores the themes of diversity, acceptance, and the power of love to transcend boundaries. It is a gripping novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you follow the twisted journey of these two remarkable men.

Author's note: All characters depicted in this work of fiction are 18 years of age or older.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Manuel Mata
• Release date: Jul 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215595381

Manuel Mata

-Author of "Overcome your fears and reach your dreams", "¡Reinvéntate! Guía para cambiar tu vida profesional", " Diario de un infotunio", "Land of smiles", "Regreso a Barcelona", " El Nuevo Mundo".-Teacher and tutor.-Writer in several websites as QueAprendemosHoy.com, El Rincón del Coach, Gestiopolis, etc. about these topics: Personal Develoment, Self-help, Career Coaching, Executive Coaching, Life Coaching and Professional Life.-Certified Coach by Coachville Spain-Tisoc in Personal Coaching.-Award in Education and Training by Pearson, UK.-Master MBA by Business European School INESEM-Degree in Business Administration by the University of Barcelona UAB

Book preview

Introduction

Welcome to Love Against the Odds, a riveting tale of an extraordinary love that endures despite insurmountable challenges. In this unforgettable journey, you'll be introduced to Victor and Steve, two imperfect yet relatable characters who, like any of us, make mistakes and yearn for a meaningful connection.

The story invites you to experience events through Victor's eyes. And as you follow the intertwining paths of Victor and Steve, you'll discover their unique personalities and the circumstances that bring them together. Their romance blossoms against all odds, as these two remarkable men break boundaries to create a love for the ages.

However, the course of true love never did run smooth. Our protagonists must navigate a world in turmoil, witnessing disturbing events and the birth of a seemingly utopian New World free from poverty and unrest. Amidst these changes, they grapple with the distance that separates them and the obstacles that threaten their love.

Love Against the Odds unravels the complexities of love, drawing you into the evolving relationship between Victor and Steve. Will they triumph over the adversities they face? The answer awaits you within these pages. Prepare to embark on a poignant adventure where love strives to conquer all.

1.Expectations

The warm, balmy night air of London in July 2023 was punctuated by the persistent wail of ambulance sirens in Acton. Although I had grown somewhat accustomed to the sound, it still elicited a sense of unease that made my stomach churn. Yet, despite the perpetual chaos, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope as we slowly crept back towards a semblance of normality.

After months of solitary confinement during the spring lockdown, the cacophony of traffic noise had once again returned to the streets of West London. Finally, we were granted the freedom to meet up with friends and family again, even if it was only in outdoor settings. It was a small step forward, but a step nonetheless, and after the seemingly endless period of isolation, it felt like a breath of fresh air.

At that time, my greatest aspiration was to find that special someone. Even amidst a period of confinement and physical distancing, I refused to surrender my quest for love. Dating apps appeared to be a promising avenue to meet potential partners, and I was eager to give them a chance.

However, simply swiping through photos on social networks and dating apps didn't offer me the comfort level I sought in a partner. Despite this, I remained optimistic and willing to try my luck. Same as gay bars had worked for me in the past, although they weren't always my preferred setting.

One evening, while lounging in my bedroom, I decided to write a message to an interesting guy. It was a routine activity since chatting with multiple guys online had become a part of my daily routine after downloading the renowned dating app, GuyDate. Initiating conversation with a simple Hi was straightforward enough. However, a sudden realisation ignited a spark within me, pushing me to seek clarity.

Víctor: Haven't we met yet?

Josh: Yeah, now that you mention it… your face looks familiar to me.

Víctor: Hahaha, you would talk to many guys.

Josh: Hahaha, wait! We met at the Meetup in Soho. At the basement of Rupert bar, I think. And we talked a lot… I miss a night out so much!

Víctor: Sure, I do remember it now. It was at Rupert bar where we met in person. Although I recall chatting quite a lot, certainly I can't remember about what, hahaha. Do you? Anyway, that was a good sign, ¿right?

Closing my eyes, I recalled how attractive I found Josh that day. He had blonde, short, straight hair, blue eyes, and a tall, beefy build. Through GuyDate, I discovered that Josh was a handsome twenty-seven-year-old, originally from the south of England and called the popular gay borough of Clapham his home

On the first day I met Josh, we were in Rupert bar in Soho. Although the popular borough of Soho remained a sought-after destination, its exorbitant residential prices were beyond reach. Soho's allure, a favourite among Londoners and tourists alike, lay in its reputation as a hub for nightlife and gastronomic delights.

That evening, I didn't get the impression that Josh was looking for a relationship. I assumed he just wanted to have fun. The thought that crossed my mind about him looking for sex with another guy after our chat at Rupert bar was memorable. Possibly, my inebriated state prompted such thought. No doubt he was good-looking, but the magical moment of physical attraction was probably fuelled by the hive and drinks.

When we crossed paths again, I couldn't discern Josh's intentions. Did he want to engage in a casual chat or something more intimate? Perhaps, on our first encounter, neither of us had been looking for anything beyond enjoying the moment. The memory of the electric sexual tension that simmered between us that night lingered in my mind, exciting me.

Josh: Actually, we met several times before that day.

Víctor: Really?

As I stood there, lost in thought, I felt startled at the revelation that Josh had noticed me long before our chat at the bar. Memories flooded back to me, and I wondered if our brief encounter had left as much of an impression on him as it had on me.

Despite my initial impression of Josh as a typical hookup guy, I began to question my assumptions. Was it possible that he was open to something deeper? My mind conjured up images of us flirting at the bar, our bodies swaying to the rhythm of the music. I couldn't remember every detail as vividly as Josh seemed to, but the memory of our chemistry was still palpable.

It was a humbling reminder that sometimes we forget the moments that others cherish, and we may not even be aware of it. As I carried on chatting with Josh, I realised that there was more to him than meets the eye. A chance for something real between us, something beyond a casual hookup, could be possible after all?

Josh: Don't you remember what we talked about?

Víctor: Kind of…, but really, I don't know at this moment…

Josh: About those fluorescent pendants. We did a bit of a joke with that.

Victor: Yep, I remember that now. Lol.

Josh: You asked me if they were good for anything else outside the bar, hahaha.

Victor: Really? … Oh yes. I remember now. How could I dare to say that? I guess those many drinks made me talk nonsense.

Josh: No worries. Actually, it was funny.

Víctor: That's a good sign, isn't it?

Josh: Of course!

I cringed at the thought of how much I must have rambled that night, but Josh reassured me that it was funny. I wasn't sure what he meant by that. Was it a sign that he was interested in me? As I couldn't shake off the feeling that the conversation at the dance floor was what intrigued him the most, I wondered what his real intentions were and if he was just looking for a casual fling.

Fearing that I might end up disappointed, I refused to get my hopes up too much. It's not rocket science that having high expectations could often be a waste and leave you with bitterness later on. Besides, I needed to get to know Josh better before I could determine if I genuinely liked him and where things might go from there.

Victor: In this heat, what I really want is to be lying in a park. Do you like spending time at parks?

Josh: I love it :)

Victor: Would you like to meet some time?

At that time, the government had allowed outdoor meetings, but a social distance rule of at least two metres apart was in place. However, very few people were following that restriction when meeting friends or family. It felt unnatural to keep such a distance back then, and it was challenging to resist the urge to hug or shake hands with loved ones.

Josh: What park?

Victor: Well, I don’t have in mind any in particular. Wait a sec…Why don't we go to Hyde Park, which is about in the middle of the two of us?

Josh: I think it's a great idea. When are you free?

Víctor: What about this Saturday evening?

Josh: That works well for me.

In the past, I had invested countless hours chatting with countless guys online, but alas, they all seemed to fizzle out without any real-life meetings. However, with Josh, everything was different. Despite only chatting on the app for a mere week, I felt a connection with him that was rare. Nonetheless, a small, niggling doubt lingered in my mind: would he actually show up to the date or would he bail at the last minute?

At the same time that the date drew nearer, I found myself pondering whether this rendezvous was simply a happenstance or if it was fate that brought us together. I was thrilled to see where our connection would take us, especially since this time, the date was real, not just virtual.

But as excitement mounted, so too did my anxiety. Suddenly, I began to feel uneasy, lightheaded, and restless, as if the weight of the world rested on my shoulders. What if we had nothing in common? What if we weren't compatible? Or what if there was simply no spark between us? These thoughts gnawed at me, for subconsciously, I yearned for the date to be perfect, a flawless match made in heaven.

2.Until twilight

Eagerly waiting for Josh at Marble Arch tube station, right in front of the iconic Hyde Park, I felt the thrill of meeting a guy that you like, while you contemplate that he could be the one. Although that was not the first time we met, and this time was planned and anticipated, my excitement was not less frenzied. As I stood there, my eyes were drawn to the magnificent arch towering above me, with the sky staring at me.

Suddenly, my attention was diverted to the turmoil happening nearby, reminding me that we were living in a bewildered world. With the human existence led to a halt, the new normal was confronted with dissidence in the form of a group of passionate demonstrators gathering next to the archway, brandishing protest banners and voicing their opposition to the government's latest lockdown rules:

Stop lockdown

Lockdowns kill

Freedom

Etc.

Despite the chaotic scene unfolding around us, I remained focused on my upcoming date with Josh. The prospect of spending more time with him was thrilling, and I couldn't wait to see where our connection might lead. As he emerged from the crowd in casual attire, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in my stomach.

Josh was wearing a bright blue t-shirt, grey shorts, white sneakers, and a medium grey backpack slung over his shoulder. His easy, laid-back style was both attractive and reassuring. We greeted each other with a simple Hi! before making our way into the park, away from the noisy protest.

The sight of so many people after twelve weeks of quiet isolation was overwhelming. It reminded me of what life was like before the new normal. Some had come from the demonstration, while others were simply enjoying the park. Josh and I were among the latter, ready to spend a warm summer day together.

Checking the weather forecast on my phone, I saw that it was a comfortable 25 degrees Celsius. It was a typical English summer day, though not quite as hot as I was used to in my hometown of Barcelona. Nevertheless, the warmth of the sun on my skin made me feel happy to be outside, enjoying the company of someone special.

Lying on towels on the grass, we talked for an hour, getting to know each other better. For me, meeting in person was essential to getting the full picture of someone. Virtual interaction was simply not enough. Under the pleasant sun, we discussed a range of topics, from the specific to the general. Luckily, Josh had brought some cider cans for us to enjoy, which helped us stay hydrated and relaxed. The cider was a bit too fizzy for my liking, but it tasted sweet and refreshing.

As the sun began to set, I felt content in Josh's company.

"Have you met many guys on GuyDate?," I asked, looking at his placid eyes.

No, because we couldn't meet in person until recently.

Certainly. How about before the lockdown?

Back then, the breakup with my ex-boyfriend was still too fresh, Josh replied with a muffled voice.

Oh! What happened if I may ask?

He didn't respect me enough, so I decided to break up with him. To me, respect is paramount in a relationship.

Do you mean he cheated on you? I asked, my heart feeling heavy for him.

Josh let out a deep sigh:

Yeah, a few times. He denied it, of course, but I found too many clues. I finally told myself, ‘Enough, this is a toxic relationship now.’ So I became single at the start of the lockdown. Those were very tough months for me.

I could see the pain in his eyes while he spoke, noticing from his cheerless tone of voice that he had suffered. It's never easy to end a relationship, especially when you've invested so much time and emotion into it. But Josh had made a brave decision to leave a toxic situation behind, and I admired his strength. In the end, doing the hard thing can also be the most rewarding, as it can bring a sense of inner peace and a deep sense of integrity.

The lockdown had made everything even harder, as we were all struggling with our own battles and had limited support from others. Living in a world that had become surreal and decadent due to the pandemic had taken a toll on my mental health. The lockdown had turned my life upside down, and I struggled to make sense of what was going on. Abruptly, Social Distancing was the norm, and physical contact was considered inappropriate. Wearing masks had become mandatory, and