Chapter 42

The server returned. “Everything going all right, gentlemen?” the handsome young man asked for the fifth time.

Must a been a slow night, Derrick thought from his position on the back of the chair. Lookin’ to increase his tip

“All’s well, Nate,” replied Ned, using the man’s name which he had apparently seen on his name tag.

Nate made his exit. Ned watched him go.

“Nice ass,” he said seductively to Cooper, who was sipping his wine.

“What?” Cooper responded.

“The waiter…nice ass…don’t ya think?”

Cooper looked in the direction of the departing server. “Yeah, I guess,” he said in a flat, disinterested voice.

“Coop, you didn’t die. Rick did.”

Cooper’s eyes flashed with what looked like anger. Derrick smiled again.

“Hey, look I’m sorry,” said Ned. “But, man, life goes on…you’re still alive.”

Cooper relaxed a bit. “Sorry, but…I don’t know…it’s just that…” He looked away and bit his lower lip. “…I loved him so much. He was my life and without him…I…”