Chapter 61

Since I wasn’t that hungry, I had some toast and tea and then soaked in the tub for a while. By the time I lay down in bed, it was almost midnight, and I hadn’t even turned on the TV. Exhausted, I fell asleep within minutes, only to dream of Lance and his devil-may-care grin.

* * * *

I arrived at Tony’s with minutes to spare. I was a little nervous, mainly because this was my first anythingwith a man in years. Work typically consumed my days and nights, unless Paula could drag me away—kicking and screaming—to do something fun. My jeans were stiff with newness, and my long-sleeved shirt still smelled of the store where I’d bought it. I’d even gotten a haircut that afternoon.

Paula and Bevin came up to me at the bar. “Jim, you actually made it!” She gave me a big hug, and Bevin shook my hand.

“Nice to see you, man. You’re looking good—nothing new there,” he said.

“Back atcha.” Bevin was always a joy to be around. He was the perfect foil for Paula, and vice versa.