Chapter 7

Stone had always wanted Lance and Tender to have an affair, basking in each other’s skin like the youthful characters in Riley’s Pearls of Vixen. But maybe Lance couldn’t handle Tender that way, fearing that Tender might use her tai kwon dieon him, afraid to live with the woman on a full-time basis, a nonparticipant in sharing romantic affections with her. Maybe Lance kept a distance from the plump warrior because they made better friends than lovers. But, if Tender decided to put the moves on him, which Stone clearly doubted happening, it could have been a scene of romance for Lance, or a death wish comprised of street fighting techniques. Who knew?

Ending his visit at Turn the Page Books, Stone carried his box of twelve paperbacks and the limited copy of Robert Riley out of the store, calling over his right shoulder, “I do know you, Tender. Trust me when I say you will be missed this evening. If you change your mind, join us.”