Chapter 14

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Ernie stood in the shower letting the warm water cascade over his body. He distractedly lathered his chest and arms as he stared at the tile in front of him, oblivious to the other patrons who were showering close by.

He asked me to go out for coffee. He asked me to go out for coffee! he repeated over and over as if trying to convince himself he’d actually heard Butch correctly. Why would he do that? He can’t be interested in me. But why else would he ask?

Ernie realized he’d been standing in the shower for some time and that he had a hard-on from contemplating the intent of Butch’s invite. He looked around, embarrassed by what his fellow showerers might think. But by this time the guys who had been in the room had departed, leaving him by himself. Ernie breathed a sigh of relief, turned off the water, and walked to the doorway. He wrapped his towel around his waist to hide his state of arousal.