Page 47 of Call Me Sir

“I called you a bunch and sent you a million texts.” He doesn’t sound angry, rather relieved. “Usually you text me back in a minute or less.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

I try to remember where my phone is. When did I have it last?

Something falls in my bedroom behind me and it makes me straighten upright like a board.

“Is Danny here?!”

My mind reels. What made him think of Danny? Didn’t he see me leave with the boss man?

“I…”

Anthony rolls his eyes. “He’s treating you well? I know this is what you’ve wanted for so long.”

I know I’ve complained regularly about Danny but has my desperation been that obvious? I don’t recall saying anything to that effect.

I nod. “Yeah, it’s been a really good weekend.”

“You deserve it.”

He holds out his fist and I bump it.

“Thanks, man.”

“Okay, I won’t keep you away from your man anymore.”

I should tell him the truth. He’s my best friend.

However, Sal is our boss. Admitting we’ve had sex more than a few times could get him into some serious trouble. I bet it could undermine his work and mine.

Besides this is only a one time thing.

I can pretend it was Danny.

“Bye.”

“Bye.” I wave and he turns to leave.

Suddenly, I feel queasy. Lying to Anthony was not something I planned on doing, ever.

I push the guilt away, close the door and lock it.

When I open the bedroom door, Sal is reading a book wearing his thick framed glasses.

“Are those readers?”

Closing the book, he doesn’t answer my question, but grimaces.

“It’s not a big deal, people use them all the time.”

He removes them, sort of answering my question. Did I hurt his feelings? They look hot on him.

“Your neck…”

Oh. His glasses are not what he’s making that face about. Realization dawns on me and I race to the bathroom. My neck is covered in red marks.

“Oh god!”