Page 58 of Tell Me What You Want

The question surprises me.

“With people from work,” I finally say.

Eric comes back to the table. He sets down a beer and a Coke with lots of ice, then sits beside me.

“When are you coming to Jerez?”

“In a few days.”

“Damn,” he says.

Uncomfortable with Eric watching me, I respond, “Enjoy yourself. You know you don’t have to wait for me.”

Fernando sighs.

“I’ll enjoy myself when you get here. You know a vacay without my fave hometown girl isn’t much fun.”

I laugh. Eric looks my way.

“Go on ... Don’t be silly, Fernando. You have a good time, and when I get there, I’ll give you a call and we’ll hang out, OK?”

After we say goodbye, I close my cell and grab the Coke. I’m so thirsty. For a second or so, Eric watches me drink.

“Who is Fernando?”

I put the glass on the table and pull back the hair from my face.

“A friend from Jerez. He wanted to know when I’m going home.”

“A friend ... a good friend?” he presses.

I smile when I think of Fernando.

“Let’s leave it at friend.”

The marvelous man at my side nods and looks off to the horizon.

“What, you don’t have friends who are women?”

“Yes ... I have sex with some of them. Do you have sex with Fernando?”

If I could see my own face, I’m sure I’d look a little foolish.

“Sometimes. When we feel like it.”

“Do you like having sex with him?”

This incredibly intimate question strikes me as totally out of bounds.

“Yes.”

“As much as with me?”

“It’s different. You’re you and he’s him.”

Eric stares at me.

“I think that’s great, Jude. Enjoy your life; enjoy your sexual adventures.”

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