Mitchell Tanner is trying to live the straight life. Three years out of prison, he's working a regular job, living in his sister's basement, and doing the occasional side job for some connected guys up in Chicago. But, he's flailing in a relationship he can't quite figure out. Paul's a cute kid, right? A college guy so he's smart, but if he's so smart, what's he doing with Tanner in the first place?<br><br>An afternoon at the lake turns into a chilly confrontation, and Tanner struggles to get the whole human relationship thing. Can he figure it out before Paul gives up in disgust? Or will he go stag the rest of his life?

Stag

“It was pretty cool.” Clark said. “I’m gonna go change.” He grabbed his bathing suit and headed toward the restrooms. Around them, the crowd at the beach screamed and splashed water, threw Frisbees and played boomboxes.


“Thanks for picking him up, Paul. I ‘preciate it.” Kathy fluffed out the towels, and the odor of bleach wafted around them. She spread them out on the sand. “Shoot, these have holes in them. I used too much bleach. Never mind. Was Ray there?”


“Ray stayed for a few minutes. He says ‘hi’.” Paul edged over to Tanner and bumped against his shoulder. “How ya doing, old man?” 


“Better now, pretty boy.” A faint sheen of sweat sparkled on Paul’s neck. Nice.


“Uncle Paul!” Brianna cried. “Gimme a kiss.” She reached to him, arms wide. Paul swooped her up and over his head. Bri squealed, her legs pumping in the air. “Play angel with me, make me an angel!” Paul kept her aloft, trudging through the sand, balancing.


Chapter 2