“Can we go?” Jacob asked, shaken.
“Of course.” Joe whispered. “What happened?”
“Just a bad experience I hope.” Jacob responded.
“I mean I did just get us two drinks if-” Joe said holding up the drinks. “Thanks. You’re the best.” Without waiting, Jacob grabbed one and
downed it in one gulp. Joe simply looked at him aghast for a moment
before smiling and complying.
“Okay then- bottoms up.” Joe responded by bringing the drink to his
lips and finishing it just as fast as Jacob. “Let’s go.”
“Let’s go.” Jacob said as he left, wondering if Thomas was out there
still watching.
18
Cortado.
The club had been deafening, but the night was surprisingly peaceful. The cool air on Jacob’s skin was sweet. He held tight to Joe as they quickly made their way back.
For a long while neither said anything. Joe seemed to have something else on his mind, but so did Jacob so the walk wasn’t uncomfortable, but still had a strange tension. After a couple blocks Jacob finally spoke.
“Sorry- I just needed to get out.” Jacob sighed.
“Did something happen?” Joe asked.
“Yeah…Thomas kind of came at me in the bathroom. It was intense…”
Joe frowned.
“Thomas? Your friend Thomas?” He enquired.
“Yeah- from trivia.” Jacob shrugged it off, but Joe stopped walking
entirely.
“But…Isn’t he straight?” He asked.
“Apparently not.” Jacob sighed.
“A lot of that going around lately.” Joe chuckled. “You must really be
something.”
“Oh, I’m something alright.” Jacob frowned. That guilty feeling settled
in. He tried to ignore it- he was normally so good at repression - a benefit
of being white- but now…
“Are you okay?” Joe could see how upset Jacob was.
“I…I’m really not sure.” Jacob responded. “I just want to get home.” “Yeah, of all the times not to have your emotional support bird.” Joe
