Chapter 25

“Why? It’s nice out here, isn’t it?”

“Of course, but it’s nicer in the bedroom.”

They slept a little late the next morning, then had a light breakfast. The first thing Chris did was to drive them to the office of the city health department.

“What are we doing here?” Mickey said.

“We’re going to get tested for HIV and ask them to expedite the results.”

“But what’s the rush?”

“Because my parting gift to you before I go under the knife will be one that I won’t be able to give you afterward.”

“Oh!”

Chris spent the rest of the morning showing Mickey the parts of the neighborhood that he hadn’t seen on his previous trip. And a little after noon, he pulled into the parking lot at Richard’s.

“What’s this?” Mickey said.

“This is lunch. We’re going to experience what I’m told is the best Camel Rider in town.”

“What’s a Camel Rider?”

“Follow me and find out,” Chris said.

They entered the restaurant and placed their orders, then carried their food to a table.