“Yes, I’m not sure if he’s an angel or demon, and he hasn’t really told me. Do you know the difference?”
Xavier smiled. “Are you a man?”
“Yes,” I said after some hesitation. Was that a trick question?
“And are you a good man or a bad one?”
“A good one, I hope, but I’ve made some mistakes.”
“We all make mistakes, but that’s not what I’m asking about. I believe the immortal, like us humans, are defined by their actions.”
“So… he’s both?” Xavier smiled. It seemed that was all he intended to say about it. “How old are you?” I asked.
“I’m thirty-two. And I have some experience with these beings.”
“I think that’s why he recommended you.” I wanted to ask more about Xavier’s past jobs, but I didn’t want to pry. “Do you know my Henri?” It felt so good to say that,my Henri.
“I don’t believe so,” Xavier said, but it seemed like he was holding back.
He offered me a tiny sandwich with the crusts cut off, but I passed. My stomach was in knots. He took one for himself, nibbled one end of it, chewed and swallowed before continuing. “So, tell me about him.”
“I’ve known Henri for a while. Since I was six years old.”
Xavier’s head tilted with interest. “That long?”
“He thinks I might be a medium or something. When I was a kid, I could see him too, but not anymore.”
“And now you’re of the age where you want to consummate your relationship?”
My face got really hot. I felt like I had a fish bone caught in my throat.
“No need to be embarrassed,” Xavier said gently. “We are having an honest discussion.”
I composed myself and tried again. “Yes. We tried a couple of times with other bodies, but it wasn’t… right.”
Xavier nodded sagely. “Was it you or he who thought of this arrangement?”
“It was both of us. I wanted him to come with me, but he said I had to do it alone.”
“He wants you to choose this,” Xavier said.
I wasn’t sure if it was a question or a statement. “I never thought of it like that. I figured he was just being a pain in my ass.”
Xavier chuckled. “You had to call me and schedule a meeting, put on that nice suit, fix your hair, find your way over here, and knock on my door. Your angel wants you to come to him with intention.”
“Is that good?”
“Most of the immortals I deal with want obedience. Their greatest desire is to be worshipped unconditionally and serviced with only their pleasure in mind. Your angel sounds almost… human.”
“He’s a pretty nice guy.” You were to me at least. I glanced up at Xavier. “He’s very respectful of his hosts’ bodies.”
“That’s reassuring. You have some idea of the arrangement?”
“Oh, right.” I sat up in my chair and pulled a folded piece of paper from my pocket.
“You made a list?” Xavier looked surprised.
“We didn’t want to forget anything.”
