Chapter 5

Felix did a backbend over the bar, showcasing a slice of taut, tan tummy, and then straightened up in his seat with another bottle of bourbon. Shep held his finger toward the weighted bottom of his glass toindicate he only cared for a sip, smiled when Felix honored the request. Felix poured an inch over the two ice cubes in his own glass, and then raised it for a clink.

“Let me ask you something, Sheppy.”

Shep laughed. “Is it ‘May I call you Sheppy?’ Cuz the answer is ‘Heavens, no.’”

Felix waved away this concern, leaned in close. “How come you’ve never told me I’m handsome?”

Shep’s heart sank. He was funny, he had good taste in movies, even seemed to have a little bit of a sarcastic streak. And apparently he’s every bit as self-centered and insecure as every other wannabe L.A. dipshit. How disappointing.

“I don’t know,” Shep said. “I guess I figured you must know by now. Doesn’t everybody tell you you’re handsome?”