“So, that’s it. You’re taking your clothes and a frying pan. That’s all?”
“No,” Bo said, turning. “This is what I’m takingnow... to get away from you before I do something I regret. You see, you’re a retail manager, Dale. That’s verywhite-collar... and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I’ve been in construction my whole life—at least, until I went independent a few years back—and that’s veryblue-collar.”
“I don’t understand the analogy.”
Bo leaned in, his face inches away from Dale. His brown hair and beard were unkempt, eyes now red and burning with anything but sadness. “Because if I don’t get away soon I might punch you in the face, you cheating asshole.”
Dale stepped back.
Bo smiled. “That’s better.”
Bo went into the bathroom off of their bedroom and found his toiletry kit underneath the vanity. He grabbed his toothbrush, paste, floss, and deodorant. He looked in the mirror, briefly eyed his beard, and removed the trimmer and its charger from the left drawer. He tossed all the items into his kit and gave the drawers and cabinet another once over before zipping it and returning to the bedroom.
“So, I guess this is it?” Dale said. The resolve was settling in, and he didn’t seem as surprised now as before. Instead, he looked as if he’d swallowed something without chewing.
Bo studied him, weighing whether he needed another reality-check, or if he had accepted their relationship was over.
“Yeah. Pretty much.”
“And you’ll let me know when you’re coming back to get the rest?”
“Maybe. Sure. I’ll text you. If you’re not here, I’ll leave the key on the counter when I’m gone... along with my half of the month’s rent.”
Dale’s eyes widened. His face paled.
“Yeah,” Bo said. “Starting next month, this place is yours alone. Better get Chip in here fast, or you may be hurting more financially than you anticipated. Life lessons are tough, and you’re not that much younger than me, Dale. We’re miles apart on a generational scale though.”
Dale looked at him, confused.
“Don’t hurt your head. It’s not worth it.”
Bo unzipped the duffel and squeezed the toiletry kit in with the rest of his stuff. He zipped it back up and then took it and the frying pan and headed for the front door. On his way there, he had a slight change of heart. Dale had fucked up, no doubt. But was it his place to judge and sentence him so quickly?
It’s not all him and you know it.
He opened the front door and turned, finding Dale still behind him, deflated and stunned. He felt a tiny pang of guilt for having hijacked the situation to his advantage. Stagnation may have crept into their relationship, and he could have easily broached the topic had he wanted to, maybe even before Dale’s eyes had wandered.
Too late now. This train is leaving the station.
He reached out and touched Dale’s chin. “If it’s any consolation, I’ll miss your face. Just not the dopey expression you’re wearing right now.”
“Honestly, Bo... I had no idea I was pulling the pin on a grenade.”
“Now, that’s a good analogy. And I’m serious about the rent. I’ll get it to you before it’s due. That’ll buy you a little time before you need to scramble.”
“I appreciate it. I’m sorry it came to this. I’m going to miss you.”
“That ain’t all you’re gonna miss,” he said, backing his way toward the truck. He gave his crotch a solid squeeze. “You’re gonna miss this too. Now, say bye.”
“Bye, Bo,” Dale said, managing his first substantial smile of the day.
Bo turned, waving over his shoulder. He didn’t look back.
3
Ralph pulled into the driveway of his home in Falls Church running later than he’d planned. He took a shower and walked into his cavernous closet, looking through his wardrobe for something suitable. He hadn’t been to the dry cleaners at all this week, and the options were limited.
What the hell,he thought. It’s Friday, let’s go casual.
