Chapter 9

As they sat at the table, Henry said, “There’s something I need to tell you.”

Jimmy looked at him, smiling. “Okay. Shoot. I’m all ears.”

“Yesterday when you asked me about myself…there was something very important I left out.”

At Henry’s serious tone, Jimmy’s face sobered.

“I had a partner for eight years. His name was Jeremy. Two years ago he died of cancer.”

Jimmy reached out and laid a hand on Henry’s forearm. “I’m so sorry.”

Henry covered Jimmy’s hand. “It’s okay. I’m at peace with it.”

They sat for several minutes in silence. Then tentatively Jimmy spoke. “I know it’s none of my business, and you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, but…was the cancer related to…?” His voice faltered.

Henry had anticipated this question. In fact he’d hoped for it. It told him more of where Jimmy stood with regard to him. He’d been trying to think of a way to make sure Jimmy knew.

“No. Jeremy had leukemia. It wasn’t related to HIV. He wasn’t infected. Nor am I.”