Page 82 of Rhymes with Metaphor
“Seeing you happy makes me happy.”
“But how can you be happy when you never get off?”said Joel.“It’s unfair.”
“I’m not complaining.”
“It’s unfair tome,” said Joel.“You’ve done so much for me and never asked me for anything back.”
“Only for your company.That’s no small thing.”
“But Iwantto do this for you.It would feel good for me too.Why won’t you let me?”
“You’re young—”
“I’m an adult.”
“You’re a teenager.”
Joel sighed heavily, crossed his arms, and looked away from Reg.
“I can see you’re frustrated.Do you want me to do something else for you?”
“You know what I want.”
“You told me once that you would do anything for me,” said Reg.“Remember?”
Joel looked at him.“Name it.”
“I want you to wait untilI’mready.Will you do that?For me?”
Joel looked at him consideringly.“All right.”But it was clear he was only temporarily mollified.
Chapter 20: Tying Off a Loose End
The next day, Reg droveJoel to the supermarket.
“It’s cold in here,” said Joel.
