“What’s that?”
“You, Bo. I’ve felt strongly about you ever since that kiss in Shirlington. I’ve been preoccupied with it for years now.”
“Aw,” said Bo. “Look at that folks, I have a stalker.”
“That’s not—”
“I’m just kidding, Ralph. I’m as guilty as you for letting that kiss linger. And I still think about it too. We’re all human here. But at least youseeit now for what it is. And, honestly, I don’t think it’s that big a deal. I think you were on a long drive and got a little caught up...in your head.”
“Maybe. I hope you’re right. Which leads us to—”
“—tonight. It seems a little more than a coincidence, don’t you think?” Bo asked.
Ralph nodded. “What was the word you used earlier? Inevitable?”
Bo stood and walked over to the window. He parted the blinds, looking out at the falling snow. “When two fronts meet... whammo.”
“I hope it’s more than just tonight.”
“Well, you’re not going anywhere, anytime soon.” He gestured with his thumb to the window. “Not in this.”
“And it is the weekend,” Ralph said.
“And we have plenty of food...”
“And beer...”
“And a fireplace...”
“And a bed...”
Bo grinned. “Where’s that tequila?”
11
“Had I known you were bringing this I would have got some limes and maybe some salt,” Bo was standing in his boxers in the kitchen, pouring them both a shot of Patrón. Ralph joined him on the den-side of the counter.
“Don’t need ‘em. That’s a reserve. I’m paying for that taste.”
Bo grinned. “We’ll both be paying for it in the morning.”
“The way I feel right now, here with you, I don’t care.”
Bo handed Ralph a shot glass, then lifted his in the air. “Here’s to—what?”
Ralph thought about it. “To prospects,” he said.
They clinked their glasses together and drank.
“So,” Ralph said. “Now, you know about me and all my problems. And I know about you and Dale, and you having stayed with him maybe longer than you wanted to.”
“Yes. We’ve pretty much come clean.”
“Not quite.” He came around the counter and into the kitchen to be closer. “I also told you about the feelings I’ve been harboring for you since that kiss years ago.”
“Feelings that you’ve admittedly compounded with fantasy over the years.” Bo chuckled.
“You’re guilty of that one too, mister. But spank-banks aside, how do you really feel about this... about me?”
