Falling in Love the other side of 50

Jack is one of my longstanding friends and he and I both moved from the old country to London around the same time way back in the late 80s. And while I was happy to live in Zone 2, Jack wanted to be near all the action and moved to Zone 1 and remained resolutely there. The advantage for me in this, was that Jack was a mine of information on the best bars and eateries within the central zone. In fact, Jack introduced me to many a fine place in WC1, SW1 and nearby postcodes. Without him, the Blues Bar, Ramen, Swallow Street, the Dutch Bar, The French House, St Christopher's Place, Marylebone High Street, Charlotte Street, Lamb Conduit Street to name but a few, would have remained untried and undiscovered by myself. In the 25 years or so, that we have been larking around the Piccadilly Line, Jack has had three partners of significance as well as countless nights of love with temporary and transitory figures but none led to lasting commitment. In fact, he resigned himself to an uncommitted existence and declared that he cherished his freedom, just like a tom cat.

Back in May, Jack invited me to try a new Thai place he had discovered in Covent Garden. He told me that evening over dinner about the flat he had just bought out in Zone 3. It’s on the ground floor, he declared, thinking of the future. The French windows open out onto a communal garden and the block is small and well tended. It’s time I moved to a less frenetic zone and lifestyle he sighed, a touch wistfully, I thought. As we parted that night I wished him well in his new place and hoped that the move would go smoothly for him.

Jack rang me two weeks after that Thai dinner. How is the new place I asked him. It’s fine, he brushed me aside quite quickly. He then informed me breathlessly, I have met someone. Four little words, I have met someone. You know when you hear those words that someone, is much more, than just anyone. Someone, is absolutely significant. Someone, is life changing. Well, take my breath away. Resigned Jack, that I had dinner with a few weeks earlier had gone, and hello to excited, life-loving Jack, down the phone line. The transformation was simply executed. The very day that Jack’s flat purchase was completed he was having a quiet drink in his local gay bar, when in walked Nils: they have barely been apart since.

Last night was the first time I could prise Jack away from Nils and we met up in town for some Tapas and Rioja. I am glad to report that Jack’s as in love three months on as he was at the outset. The tom cat has been tamed and is purring with delight. It just goes to show, that when you least expect it, love can walk in the door and take you completely by surprise. What’s more, being the other side of 50 is no barrier either. On the home front, Jack has scarcely spent a night in his new flat in Zone 3. Nils, as it happens, has a great place. And, yes it is in Zone 1. So, here’s to Jack and Nils. Be happy, you two. Purrr...