Chapter 36

“Why, then? Why that night? Why with me? Why at all?”

“It just…happened.” The words whispered out, forced by will alone.

“I don’t accept that. I can’t.”

Still fighting for a way to explain, Dean chose honesty. “Neither can I.”

“The big talk isn’t going so well.”

“I don’t know what to tell you. I have no idea what to say.”

Jay sniggered. “Neither do I.”

Dean tried a direction change. “I’m sorry I haven’t called.”

Jay fiddled with his wine glass. “Can’t say as I expected you to. Not right away. Anyhow, you’re not the only one who knows how to pick up the phone. I suppose I needed time, too.”

Dean hadn’t even questioned why Jay failed to call. He’d assumed anger. So…they were both at fault? Funny how that didn’t make him feel any better.

“You’ve…” Jay flushed, sipped from his glass. “Have you…done it before?”

A moment passed before Dean’s brain caught up. “Anal sex?”

Jay, still examining the carpet, nodded. “With women, I mean.”