Chapter 51

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He saw Doug enter the restaurant. Immediately he knew all his preparation was to no avail. He was reacting at the mere sight of him. Doug made eye contact and walked to the booth.

“Hi,” he said extending his hand.

In Randal's mind he took the proffered hand and smothered it with kisses, licking between the fingers, sucking each one in turn. In reality he merely shook the extended hand, swallowed hard, and said, “Hi.”

The meal passed pleasantly. Randal was totally distracted by the man sitting across from him. He couldn't have recalled one word of the conversation if his life had depended on it, nor what he had eaten. But, his memory of the meal was one of complete satisfaction.

It was seven o’clock when Randal followed Doug’s car as they drove to his house, parked and walked in the front door.

“Wine?”

No, I shouldn't.Randal thought. “Yes, please,” he said.

“Red or white?”

“Red.”

“Merlot or Shiraz?”