“Well, now. Who do we have here?”
I whipped around to face Mal Jones.
“Wow, I didn’t see this coming,” I said to myself, or so I thought. Mal heard me loud and clear, though.
“I bet. So, what are you doing here, Tobie?”
“I…just hanging out, sir.”
“Call me Mal, Tobie. No need to be so formal outside of work.”
“Do you come to this club often?” he asked.
“Uh no, sir, I don’t. I just wanted to celebrate a little tonight. I’m usually too tired to go anywhere but bed after work. Speaking of which, I see my ride coming down the street. See you tomorrow.” I moved away, but Mal stopped me.
“Hey, hold up as a second. I don’t mean to be forward, but are you gay? I mean, this isa gay club, though not everyone who comes here is bent, I suppose.”
“Is this in any way related to my job, sir?”
“Of course not. I was just curious. I’m gay and new to town. I heard this was a cool place to hang out.”
“You’re gay?” I blurted, then stopped abruptly. Christ, my mouth.