“Hello?”
“Hola, papi. You near?”
Hearing Paulo’s voice after so long still warmed him. “Almost.”
Gabriel focused on the people cycling in and out of the facility. He excitedly exited the rental and scurried through the grass, remaining out of sight.
“Can’t wait to see you. Hurry.”
Gabriel crept up behind Paulo, whispering, “This fast enough?”
Paulo spun around. They embraced before kissing.
“Let me look at you.”
Gabriel stepped back, both men taking each other in. Paulo sported a pair of dingy dungarees, construction boots, and a faded T-shirt in contrast to Gabriel’s suit. Both were a littleheavier, grayer than the last time they’d seen each other, but the thing that mattered most hadn’t changed a bit, their feelings for one another.
“How long have you been back?”
“Three weeks.”
“It took three weeks to call?”
As Paulo responded, Gabriel shushed him with a kiss. He was only joking. They hugged again before Paulo grabbed Gabriel’s hand, leading him down the sidewalk.
“Hungry?”
“Always.”
“Good. Got your favorite sub.”
Gabriel recited the ingredients. Paulo nodded.
“You remembered?”
“Of course.”
They stopped at an old truck. Paulo reached through the passenger window and retrieved a cooler. Inside were two subs, sodas, and a bag of chips. Pulling down the tailgate, they sat and ate, while catching up on lost time.
“Did you miss me, Mr. G?”
“Sure did.” Gabriel rubbed a finger over a deep scar on Paulo’s cheek. “What happened?”
“Guatemala.”
“Was it that bad?”
He changed the subject. “You found another?”
“Absolutely not.”
Paulo grabbed Gabriel’s hand, touching the gold band. “What’s this?”
“Look closer.”
Examining it, Paulo smiled. “Mine.”
“I had it resized.”
