Chapter 42

So it’s with a pounding heart that he clicks on the chat client icon on his desktop a second time. He erases the old screen name and types in something new, a string of letters that mean nothing in particular but which are odd enough that no one else has chosen it for a login. His password is simple—password1, and he ignores the program when it tells him that isn’t a safe choice. It isn’t like he plans to use it again. When the program finishes loading, he types Ritchie’s username into the search box

His boyfriend is still online.

Without letting himself stop to think about it, Doug clicks on Ritchie’s name.

kalidkdn: hey whats up?

The cursor blinks, waiting for Ritchie’s response. Part of Doug prays he doesn’t answer—what ever happened to that old adage about talking to strangers?

Apparently Ritchie has never heard it or, if he has, he doesn’t follow its advice. A thrill shoots through Doug when his lover responds.

richcamboy: nothin much u?