“Oh, he’s gorgeous, Benjy.” I traced their features with my fingertip, and could almost feel the joythat they radiated to the photographer. What a great way to remember your lover.
“Thank you,” he replied as I handed the picture back to him and he placed it next to the lamp.
“Has the pain lessened over the years?” I asked.
Benjy sighed. “Time has helped. I still have the memories.”
“As well you should. That’s the best part, isn’t it?” I looked up at him, searching his face, wanting to give him comfort.
“Definitely,” he replied, smiling down at me. “But even better, is finding someone new to spend my life with, eventually. I like you, Cisco, and I think with time, we could grow into something special. But I’m a cautious man. You need to know that.”
“I understand. Blue balls are okay with me, to a point. As long as I know the end is in sight, then everything’s okay.” I tried and failed to pinch his leg, the muscles there refusing to yield. Benjy gently cuffed the back of my neck.