Page 56 of Sweet T

“Let me guess. You’re afraid it’ll happen all over again. Wash, rinse, repeat.”

“No one stays here, Evan.”

“You’re a paradox, Tucker Shepherd. That’s what you are.”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you guys ever go further? Other that hand jobs and blow jobs, that is?”

Tucker shook his head.

“Have you ever been with another man that way?”

He shook his head again.

“That makes you a virgin–in my book, anyway.”

Tucker’s face reddened. Tears brimmed.

“Don’t be ashamed. I think it’s charming. What I meant by paradox is that you’re a man, mature in most ways. You’re big, handsome, own your own business. You found me, patched me up, and now you’re taking care of me. Yet emotionally–” Evan pointed a finger to his temple, “–you’re still a teenager. I’m the opposite, so my parents say. I shirk responsibility. I’m broke and I quit school, chasing dreams. I get tattoos and have spontaneous sex with random strangers.”

“You were raped, Evan. He took advantage of you.”

“I don’t think so, T. I wanted it—started it, anyway.”

“He beat you and took your money.”

Evan sighed, bringing his hands to his face and palming his eyes.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.” Tuckered motioned for the waitress to bring the check.

“No. It’s OK.” Evan opened his hands, his eyes finding Tucker’s. “I’m glad we know each other better. What was that nickname of yours... Sweet T? Takes on a whole new meaning now.”

Twelve

The following day, Shelly, Ben, Tucker, and Evan all arrived at the tavern at four o’clock. As Tucker was unlocking the back door, Shelly spoke. “Hi, Evan. I’m Shelly, and this is Ben.”

Evan shook hands with both of them. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I understand I owe you both a great deal.”

Shelly waved him off. “You don’t owe us nothing. That you’re alive and well is thanks enough. When we found you, I thought you were dead. It scared the shit out of me.”

“Yeah,” Ben said. “It was dark and rainy. We almost walked right past you.”

“Can you show me where I was?” Evan asked, and Shelly walked him over to the far side of the trash dumpster.

“Right here. You were sitting, leaning against it. And, as you can see, it’s gross and it stinks. Only a drunk or a dead man would be found there.”

“Or someone beat senseless,” Tucker said, joining them.

Evan looked around and into the dumpster.

“Don’t bother,” said Shelly. “I’ve looked everywhere. No sign of a backpack.”

“I believe you. I just thought I might see something that would trigger a memory.”

Shelly walked up to him. She grasped his chin with a hand still cool from her car’s air conditioning, turning his face from side to side. “You heal fast. You wearing makeup?”

“Yeah. Tucker thought it would be best to play things down.”

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