Page 102 of Call Me Sir

Sal is busy cleaning every nook and cranny at my order. I’m not usually a neat freak, but tonight I want every cobweb dusted, as if we had a house cleaner.

He’s also got some excellent bachata music playing, and it takes me back to the first night we shared together here.

I shake my head at the memories. I need to focus. Now isn’t the time to think of Sal swaying with me to the music.

A nervous energy has overtaken my body. I’m sure Sal can tell, he’s been tiptoeing around me all day and obediently doing anything and everything I ask.

Dipping the fish filets in batter, I fry them on the stove. Once they’re frying, I take the opportunity to cut up the cabbage, onion and carrot.

In another pan I begin to saute those with a pinch of pepper and salt.

Once the fish is all fried and battered, the essential ingredient being beer, I place them in a dish to stay warm.

The tortillas are warmed then kept in a container especially designed for them and everything is placed on my high top table.

A knock at the door sends panic shooting through my body.

Last, I cut up cilantro, lime slices and mix my special dipping sauce and put them on the table as well.

Washing my hands, I join Sal at the door and resist the urge to screw with my styled hair. Sal helped me style it to the side and to my surprise, he told me to keep my current outfit on. He said this isn’t a fundraiser, yet.

Standing at the door is the actual ‘it’ couple of Bayfront. Thank god, they’re dressed semi-summer casual as well.

“Hey guys!” Jesus I hope I sound as casual as I wish I was. “I’m Cole and this is Sal.”

“It’s nice to meet you in person,” Oliver says. “This is Ace.”

The shorter guy, Oliver, looks so similar to me, it’s uncanny. Is that why Ace is looking at us so strangely?

I lean in and give them both hugs.

Oliver tries to hug Sal but he offers his hand to them both.

“Come on in,” I say.

We bring them in and they remove their shoes.

Oh my god there are millionaires with stocking feet in my apartment.

Regret pools in my chest as I realize we should have done this at Sal’s place.

Oliver and Ace follow us to the living room and we all take a seat.

Ace wraps his arm around Oliver’s shoulder as Sal offers them each a glass of wine. They accept and sip from their drinks.

Sal sits in my big chair and I sit on the floor between his legs. I’m not sure if it’s proper etiquette, but they seem super informal.

“Did you grow up in Bayfront, Oliver?” I find myself asking.

“I did. I love it here. I looked at other schools out of state, but I couldn’t find anything that was as appealing as here.”

I nod. “It’s got a lot to offer.”

We both smile.

Ace and Sal are silent but it’s fine. I didn’t expect much from Sal. However, it’s entertaining how similar Ace seems to be.

“So, what exactly do you do for work?”

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