Chapter 46

Alonzo was sitting on one end of the bench, as usual. Garner seated himself in the middle, within arm’s reach. There was no reaction from Alonzo, and when Garner looked over at him, he saw the familiar, profoundly still profile. Garner felt both amused and thrilled at the familiar behavior Alonzo was demonstrating. And he could feel that wonderful sense of self-containment and composure the man had. He had to resist a powerful urge not to grab hold of him, both to secure him from disappearing and from a simple desire for physical contact. But he reminded himself that such behavior was not the way to win Alonzo’s heart.

When, after several minutes, Alonzo still did not move, Garner broke the silence.

“Well,” he said, “here we are again.”

After a short pause, Alonzo turned his head and looked back at Garner. After another pause, he asked, “How are things with you?”