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

“Stop calling me ‘kid’. I’m twenty-three.”


Tanner shrugged. “You’re a college kid. Whatever.”


“You know, this whole tough-guy-deflection thing you’ve got going on is getting old.”


“You like me becauseI’m a tough guy.”


Paul squatted in front of Tanner, his golden hands resting on Tanner’s legs for balance. “Tough means being real with your friends, opening up. Tough means talking.”


“I’m just trying to understand you. Please.”


Tanner leaned back, angling his hips upward. “You didn’t mind me not talking last night.”


“That’s different. This is for real here. Talk to me.” 


“There’s nothin’ to talk about. I don’t swim, you tried to make me, end of story.”


Chapter 5