I took Gage's perfection and rubbed it until it glowed, shining in the moonlight like a new coppery penny.
The candlelight makes him look gorgeous. I never noticed before. If someone keeps their cards close then you can't read them, obviously, and he's got the best poker face of all, it seems.
He takes a sip of whiskey and then holds it out. For courage.
Why do we need courage?
Because I went from feeling like the big man to being afraid of you.
Why would you be afraid of me?
If I screw this up my landlady will kick me out. He laughs.
No she won't. She's kind and she understands this is hard. She's probably wondering if her tenant will still want to stay when he finds out what kind of person she is.
I doubt it. What do you see in the mirror, Bridget?
A thief, a liar and a cheat. A hopeless case. A horrible wife.
Your mirror must be aimed at someone else. That's not what I see.
I take the whiskey and drink the rest. Go ahead, I know you're going to start piling on the compliments now.
Naw. I told you this night is of no consequence. If you allow it, I hope it's wonderful and memorable. If you don't, I hope I didn't fuck up a friendship I treasure above everything.
It's not too late, Gage.
Having second thoughts?
Second? Hell, I'm up to ninth or tenth, here.
But you're still...here.
You're better looking than Schuyler.
He throws his head back and roars with laughter. If nothing else comes of this night then that is enough for me.
Is it?
Is this where I make my gentlemenly exit?
It is, I'm afraid.
He leans down and kisses my cheek. Another time.
Maybe.
This feels better than being the subject of your regret.
Don't think you aren't exactly that.
Love you, Bridget.
Love you too, Gage.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?
Let's be normal and not weird, though.
Coming from you that's a horrible suggestion.
The candlelight makes him look gorgeous. I never noticed before. If someone keeps their cards close then you can't read them, obviously, and he's got the best poker face of all, it seems.
He takes a sip of whiskey and then holds it out. For courage.
Why do we need courage?
Because I went from feeling like the big man to being afraid of you.
Why would you be afraid of me?
If I screw this up my landlady will kick me out. He laughs.
No she won't. She's kind and she understands this is hard. She's probably wondering if her tenant will still want to stay when he finds out what kind of person she is.
I doubt it. What do you see in the mirror, Bridget?
A thief, a liar and a cheat. A hopeless case. A horrible wife.
Your mirror must be aimed at someone else. That's not what I see.
I take the whiskey and drink the rest. Go ahead, I know you're going to start piling on the compliments now.
Naw. I told you this night is of no consequence. If you allow it, I hope it's wonderful and memorable. If you don't, I hope I didn't fuck up a friendship I treasure above everything.
It's not too late, Gage.
Having second thoughts?
Second? Hell, I'm up to ninth or tenth, here.
But you're still...here.
You're better looking than Schuyler.
He throws his head back and roars with laughter. If nothing else comes of this night then that is enough for me.
Is it?
Is this where I make my gentlemenly exit?
It is, I'm afraid.
He leans down and kisses my cheek. Another time.
Maybe.
This feels better than being the subject of your regret.
Don't think you aren't exactly that.
Love you, Bridget.
Love you too, Gage.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?
Let's be normal and not weird, though.
Coming from you that's a horrible suggestion.