Chapter 3

“What you need,” Randy said, “is a steady boyfriend and regular sex. Then, even if things are shitty at work, you won’t even think about it. That’s how it is with me and Charlene.” His sappy smile said it all. Randy and Charlene had been married for twelve years and had three kids. I’d seen all the pictures. Repeatedly.

“Not all of us are as lucky as you, man,” I replied, my mind, unfortunately, taking that moment to wonder who Jerry was screwing right now. He tended to come over to my place a couple times a month, and I had no delusions about what he did the rest of the time—at least I didn’t, anymore. I really needed to figure out how to say “no” to the bastard.

“Hey, man, the right guy is out there for you. And no, Jerry is not it.” We’d had this discussion before. “Be patient and don’t sell yourself short. Any man would be lucky to have you, and I mean that sincerely.”

I smiled. “You always know how to make me feel better. Why couldn’t you be interested in men?”