Page 47 of Still Bruised
Foster laughed. “That’s your real job. Touring the world for the best orgies, hmm?”
“Maybe. Are you going to come to the next one I’m invited to?”
“I just got sucker punched,” Foster said as the elevator doors opened. “I think that’s the universe trying to tell me I didn’t belong.”
But what if I could see him again?
Even as his face ached, the idea of having another night with the guy sparked inside his mind. The pain just might be worth the pleasure he’d experienced. He still saw stars in his vision, and that wasn’t from the punch.
He might take the punishment if it meant he’d get another chance at paradise.
Jude climbedup the stairs to his apartment, his legs like rubber under him. Anton tread behind him, refusing to go home and leave him alone.
“I’m gonna take a shower.”
Anton nodded. “Kay.” He lowered the bag from the Filipino joint two blocks over onto Jude’s coffee table. “Hurry up before this gets cold.”
“Yeah,” Jude said, not feeling hungry.
Once he hit his bedroom, he slipped off his clothing, leaving a trail behind him as he marched toward the bathroom. He turned on the water as hot as he could stand it and then notched it upa little more, letting the burn chase away the numbness inside. Lifting his head, he moved until the spray washed over his face. After a couple of minutes, he pulled out the soap and scrubbed at his skin.
He reached for the knobs but stopped inches from them. He lifted his other hand, wrist up, and stared at the scars on both.
The water was wrenched off. His gaze jumped to find Anton standing at the opening.
“Get out,” Anton said, offering Jude a clean towel. “Dinner’s getting cold.”
Jude took the towel and followed Anton out of the bathroom.
“I found a pair of pajama bottoms in your drawer,” Anton said. “They’re on the bed.” He paused at the door. “I expect you out there in no less than five.”
Jude bit his tongue, the backs of his eyes burning.
“It’s going to be okay,” Anton murmured before walking out.
Jude wasn’t so sure. He dried the rest of the way off and pulled up the pj bottoms. After tossing his fingers through his hair in some semblance of brushing it, he made his way to the living room and sat down beside Anton, who watched television. The usual suspects were analyzing the final preseason games that had taken place before the final Raiders-Cardinals one that started late because of the west coast time difference.
Anton silently handed him a full bowl and a fork. A cold beer sat open and ready for him.
Jude had so many things he wanted to say to Anton but couldn’t find the words. What he’d ever done to deserve a friend like that, he wasn’t sure.
What had he done? He’d ruined Anton’s night. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for what?” Anton asked before shoving a forkful of pancit between his lips.
“All of it. From giving you shit about the neighborhood and all-around making your nerves worse to making you feel like you couldn’t stay. Which you could have, just saying. I didn’t need a babysitter.”
Still, he was thankful for Anton’s presence. The quiet might’ve messed him up.
“Bros before… wait, what’s the gay version ofbros before hoes?”
Jude chuckled. “I don’t know.”
“Mates before dates?” Anton asked.
“Dudes before nudes,” Jude tossed out a few seconds later.
Anton laughed.“Nah… I got the one.Crew before screw.”
