They were both from large families—Dan raised on a farm, Damion in New York City. Dan was the youngest of six, the only brother with five sisters, Damion the last of five, all boys.
As Dan drifted off to sleep, he wondered how he, Damion, Lad, Lady, Chauncey, and Brute would all fit in the same bed. Maybe they’d have to get a king-sized, Dan thought. Then he realized he might be putting the cart before the horse. He hugged Lady and fell asleep.
* * * *
Dan walked into The One Trick Pony. He wondered if Damion had picked a restaurant with an equine name for their first meeting on purpose. Dan liked the idea that he might have.
“May I help you?” the ma?tre d’ asked.
“Yes, I’m meeting someone. I don’t know if he’s arrived yet.”
“Name?”
“Damion Simons,” Dan replied.
“Ah, yes, Mr. Simons. Follow me please.”