Oh God.
Derek wasn’t a stripper—he was aporn star.
The shower shut off and Patrick gasped, slamming his laptop closed. He hurriedly crammed the pamphlet to the far back of one of the desk drawers, stuffing it beneath the contents of the drawer. He left the desk, his legs shaking and heart stuttering in his chest.
A porn star…
Tears burned his eyes and he fought them back as he heard Brian moving around in the bathroom. Why was thiscrushinghim? He hadn’t even planned on meeting Derek for the date. It was all going to end tonight anyway. And yet… he felt like he’d beendeceived… lied to. But Derek hadn’t lied to him. Patrick didn’t ask what his job was.
Would he have told the truth?
A part of Patrick believed he would have.
What difference does it make? It’s done and over with—especially now.
Patrick felt sick. He hugged his gut and lay down on the bed, suddenly wishing Brian wasn’t here. He wanted tocryand didn’t know why.
The bathroom door opened, and Brian walked out.
Patrick struggled to pull himself together—keepit together.
“That felt good,” Brian said as he finger-combed his wet hair. He halted, looking at Patrick. “Hey… you okay?”
Patrick thought he might puke. “I-I don’t feel so good. I don’t think that pizza sat too well with me.”
“It got pretty warm out there,” Brian said. “Maybe you got too much heat. I’ll get you a cool rag.” He returned to the bathroom and came back with a damp washcloth and pressed it to Patrick’s brow.
“Thanks.”
“You’ll be all right. Just take it easy and rest.”
Patrick closed his eyes, wanting to rest, tosleep—but afraid of the dreams that would come to him. “You don’t have to stay,” he whispered. “I’m not going on the date. I promise.”
Brian sat on the edge of the bed. “I wasn’t hanging out so I couldguardyou.” He smiled. “I just wanted to be here for support, you know?”
“I know. But I’m probably gonna go to bed early tonight. Hopefully, I’ll feel better by morning, so I don’t miss church.”
“Okay.” Brian didn’t move. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay? I don’t mind.”
“I’ll probably just fall asleep.” Patrick smiled weakly.
Brian stood. “All right. But I’m going to let your mom know you’re not feeling well, so she can check on you.”
“Okay.”
“Feel better.”
“I’ll try.”
“I’ll pray for you.” Brian smiled.
“Thanks. Much appreciated.”
“Anytime, my friend.” Brian walked to the stairs. “I’ll text you later and see how you’re feeling.”
“Okay.”
“See you tomorrow.” Brian trotted up the stairs and the door closed behind him. Moments later, Patrick heard muffled voices in the kitchen.
