Angel

“That’s funny!”

“How did you even know I’d be here?” Paul asked. “It’s almost 9:00 p.m.”

“You have that thingy on Wednesdays.”

“You could have called and I would have picked you up.”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“Well, congratulations. I’m surprised. How much have you had to drink?”

“Don’t be mad.”

“Why shouldn’t I be?”

“‘Lead us not into temptation’, right? That’s fine for you because you’re not tempted by anything.”

“How do you know what I’m tempted by?”

The edges of Ian’s lips curled slightly upward. His hair tumbled onto his flushed cheek as he tilted his face down. He bit his lower lip and then looked up with only his sea-green eyes. He opened his mouth as though he were about to speak but instead bit his lip again and gazed back down at the floor.

Paul rubbed his index finger and thumb over his eyes until they came together at the bridge of his nose. He waited, but Ian did not say whatever it was. “What were you about to say?”

“What are you tempted by?”

“Don’t do that.”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“Yes, you are.”

“You’re the one who said it. Tell me. Tell me what you’re tempted by.”

“No.”

“Why should I listen to you, then?” He inched closer to Paul, leading, as always, with his hips.

“You’re drunk.”

He shook his head. “Doesn’t change anything.”

“Go home and come back when you’re sober.”

“What if I don’t come back?”

Paul felt a brief, involuntary moment of panic. “What?”

“What if I don’t come back?”

“You will.”

“What if I don’t?”

“Well, I hope you will.”

“Why?”

“I’m not having this conversation with you tonight.”