Page 3 of The Woodcarver's Model
“Of course not. I liberated it and twenty-three of its friends from the grimy hands of the oppressive ruling class.”
He smiled. “Who knew the oppressive ruling class drank Wheel Rat?”
“Yeah, I know, right? So, I hope the trip went without a hitch.”
He stopped smiling. “As hitchless as a trip can go.”Why worry her with the details?
“So…any hot guys there for you?”
Here it comes. The lecture.She did this every time.
“Well, there was Abdi, but I think he was just interested in my money.”
He heard her sigh on the other end of the line. “Is it too much to ask that you find someone and settle down? How long has it been?”
“We’re not going down that road. Not now.”
“I just want you to be happy.”
“I am happy,” he said.In my own little screwed-up way.
She wasn’t giving up. “You know what your problem is, don’t you? You’re terrified of commitment.”
“That’s not true.”
“You avoid any chance of it.”
“How do you figure that?” he shot back a little too quickly.
“Well, for starters, your only close friend’s a girl, and we both know I don’t have a chance, but you don’t have any guy friends at all… I mean, to increase your odds of a successful relationship, you have to start somewhere.”
“Don’t be silly. I have plenty of guy friends.”
“Name one.”
He struggled for a moment before coming up with, “Carl at the gym.”
“The towel guy? Do you even know his last name, or maybe where he lives, or whether he’s a dog or a cat person?”
“Last names among gay men are not necessarily…necessary.”
“Do you haveanyguys you’re close to?”
“Why would I need to? I have you.”
She shot back, “I think you’re using me as a shield so you don’t leave yourself open to meeting a guy you could fall in love with.”
“Wha… That’s crazy talk.”
Rob wasn’t ready for this conversation. Why did everyone assume that he needed a relationship? He didn’t need anyone to get in the way. And as for any physical needs… Well, if he couldn’t handle them himself, he could easily find someone who could. Like Carl from the gym. Whatever his last name was.
“Sorry, hun. I’ve got a call coming in that I have to take,” he lied. “Dinner later this week?”
“Of course. Love ya.”
“Love you too.”
“Now, if only you could learn to say that to a guy.”
