Chapter 12

“Including that.”

* * * *

Am I really going to go through with this? Mark wondered, as he began dressing to meet Angelo.

They’d picked a small restaurant halfway between where they each lived, agreeing to meet there at eight. At the time, the idea of going out together had sounded like fun to Mark. Now he was staring at the mirror and wondering if he shouldn’t just call the whole thing off.

It’s been a long time since I’ve dated anyone. He seems like a nice man but I barely know him. Of course I can’t getto know him if I don’t go out with him. Hobson’s choice, I guess. Do it or don’t do it. And I’ll do it. I’ve got nothing to lose and perhaps something to gain. A friend, if nothing more.

With that thought, Mark finished dressing, checked the mirror again to be certain he passed muster, then gathered up his wallet and keys as well as his topcoat and went down to the lobby to wait for his cab.