Chapter Three: Breaking the Mystery

Chapter Three: Breaking the Mystery

            Michael tossed his bags into his fridge and ran back out the door.  He caught the subway downtown then walked several blocks to a small coffee shop.  He went in but the person he was meeting wasn’t here yet.  He looked at his watch and saw that he was almost twenty minutes early.  He ordered a hot chocolate and sat at a round table by the front window, so his friend wouldn’t miss him.  His watched the people walk by, mostly in a hurry to be somewhere, such is New York City, but he didn’t really see anyone.  He was caught in a whirlwind of emotion and panic.

            “We’ll take it slow,” he had said.  Take what slow? And he never agreed to anything with him.  But he remembered his warmth and it was better than any hot chocolate.  He laid his head in his hands and held in an exasperated sound.  He heard the small bell on the door and then felt a cold hand on the back of his neck.  He sat up quickly and heard Ellie laugh.

            “If you wore your hair down, I wouldn’t have such easy access to your bare skin.”  She laughed as she sat her bag down in the chair opposite him.

            “If I wore it down I’d attract far too much attention.  You know the girls love the long hair.”

            “Haha that is true,” she said, digging out her wallet, “I’m going to order a latte then we’re going to talk.”  She gave him a serious look before she walked up to the counter.  He took a deep breath then a drink of his cocoa.  This was a bad idea, he thought.

            She was back before he had time to run away and said, “So, tell me everything.”  He hesitated, hiding behind his drink.  “Come on,” she said, tapping his arm, “Let’s hear it.”

            “Okay,” he took a deep breath and sat down his cup.  “Please let me get through all of it before you say or ask anything.”

            “Okay, deal.”

            He started slow, a little embarrassed about what had transpired but when he started going, a flood happened, he was almost tripping over himself trying to tell the story.  He spilled all of what had occured, including all the touches and emotions.  He was out of breath by the time the story was over.  “I don’t even know this man, but I feel like he’s part of me, how can that even be possible?”  He was flush and excited.

            “Wow,” she said and paused for a second, thinking.  “Firstly, you did like it, didn’t you?”

            “I suppose so,” he said, blushing.

            “Alright, secondly, it seems to me that Lukas also enjoyed it, he practically sought you out, or at the least he didn’t ignore you when he saw you.  So, that’s a good sign.”
            “Sign of what?” Michael asked.

            “That he is feeling the same way you are.  At least he’s not doing this to bully you or make you uncomfortable.”
            “I never even thought of that,” Michael said.

            “Well, good, now keep it out of your mind.  I think the first thing we need to do is learn a little more about him.  We’ll filter through your emotions as we go, but what are you feeling now?”
            “I feel great and very confused at the same time,” he answered.  “If he were a girl I’d be delighted but he’s obviously not and that’s where I’m stuck.”

            “I think that if it were a girl you could just ask her about herself.  Have you thought about that?” she asked him.  “He did say he wanted to know you and gave you his number,” she pointed out.

            “I don’t think I like men in the same way I like women.  I’d have a whole different plan if it was a woman and I…”

            “Were trying to score?” she said, finishing his sentence.

            “Yeah.” He said weakly.

            “I think this is a good thing, it has you so cunfuzzled that you are actually taking time to analyze and understand.  And I think that will make the relationship, whatever it ends up as, stronger.”  She smiled and pulled out her phone.  “But!  First things first, let me call my friend, he’s in criminology and he may have a way to help us get some background information.”  She dialed a number and waited.

            “Hey! Justin!” pause, “I’m doing great and you?” pause, “awesome!” pause, “Hey, I have a favor to ask.” Pause, “Oh haha, I’m not that needy!  But really, its important.” Pause, “I need you to look up someone for me all I have is his first name but I’ll text you his last in a few.  He’s a play-write, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find him.  Its Lukas and I’ll text you the spelling as well.”  Pause “Alright! I owe you one, thanks!”  she hung up smiling.

            “So… who’s Justin?” Michael said, jokingly.

            “An old friend,” she said, with fake offence.  “I’ve known him since we were toddlers, our mothers were best friends so we spent a lot of time together as kids.”

            “mhmmm.” He said with a smile.

            “Hey, right now we are worried about your love life not mine!” she laughed.  They finished up their drinks, “We are first going to the library, if he’s as good a writer as you say, they will have printed copies of his work.”  They gathered their stuff and left the coffee shop.  There was a library only a few blocks from where they were.  It took them very little time to find one of his first works.

            “Oh look here!” Ellie said with excitement.  After that they found several more and took to one of the tables to read.  Ellie texted her friend with is name: Lukas Sanders.  She assumed that even if that was a pen name, Justin could use it to get them some information.  They each took half the plays and sat in silence while they read.

            After a few hours of reading, Michael broke the silence, “What do we hope to learn from reading these?”

            Ellie looked at him in disbelief, “You should know the answer to that, being a writer yourself.”

            “You assume way too much about Lukas, just because most authors put part of themselves, even a character shaped like themselves, does not mean that Lukas does the same.”
            “No, even if he does not intend to do so, he does.  I’ve noticed a pattern in all of these stories.”

            “Yeah?” he asked, surprised, clearly having missed it.

            “Yes.  In every one there is always a pair, even if they are a background set of characters, that end up happily in love.  They always fit each other perfectly and fill in each other’s faults.  It shows that he either had that or is searching for that.  Maybe he has found that in you but doesn’t realize it.”

            “Hm… Now that you mention it, in all of the ones I read had a couple that fit the same description.  But that is just a sign of a well-rounded, talented author.  No matter the content he always fills every niche in each play.” Michael said.  “And I don’t believe we have spent enough time together for him to have found me his matching pair.”

            “I’ve never read another writer that has every ‘niche,’ as you say, filled in every work, even you, with your amazing talent, leave some out sometimes.”

            “Are you saying that what he writes is what he wants?  He wants a fulfilled life, like each of his works are complete and his life isn’t?”

            “Exactly!”  Ellie said.

            “When did you become a psychologist?” Michael asked, surprised by her insight.

            She laughed, “I took some psychology classes during my undergraduate time.  I loved it almost as much as I do bio, so I got a minor in it.”

            “Oh wow, you really are smart, aren’t you?” Michael asked, complimenting her.

            “I try very hard.” She joked.

            “Well, it shows.”  They gathered up the plays, “What next?”

            “We’re going to look up show times!” she said, clearly having a lot of fun play detective.  “Call Yuuki, We’ll make it a date!”

            “Yuuki will never let me live it down if I ask him to come to a play with me.”  He said as they left the library.

            “That’s why I said, we’ll make it a date.  He and Sarah have been hanging out a lot lately, I think we should encourage them.” She said with a smile.

            “Oh really?  He did tell me he had plans this week but didn’t tell me what they were, that little snake.”

She pulled out her phone and looked up show times.  “Oh! Look at that!  There is a showing at seven tomorrow, with several tickets still available.  I can stop by the theatre and get the tickets on my way home.”

“Alright, I’ll call Yuuki.” He pulled out his phone and called.  “Hey, what’s up man?”

“Nothing much, eating some grub, you?” Yuuki said, his voiced mumbled.

“Nothing much here, just hanging out with Ellie,”

“Oooooohhh, Ellie, huh?”

“Yeah yeah, get it out of your system.”

“I have a good eye, don’t I?”

“You know it was nothing but luck.  You saw someone you liked and you needed her friend out of the way,” Michael said, winking at Ellie.

“Oh, that makes me sound cold!”

“Anyway, are you and Sarah free tomorrow after sixish?”

“Sarah and I?”

“Yes, I know, don’t play dumb, Ellie told me you’ve been hanging out.” Michael said.

“Oh! I was going to tell you, but I didn’t want to distract you from your work.  Apparently, I was mistaken in thinking you were working.”  Yuuki said, laughing.

“Hey now, I have been working.  But back to the point, can you guys come tomorrow?”

“I’ll have to ask Sarah, but I’m up for it.

“Okay, Ellie is going to stop by and get the tickets tonight so let me know.”

“I’ll call her right now and send you a text.”

“Alright, sounds good, I’ll talk to you later.”

“See ya!”

Michael hung up and told Ellie that they were in.  “Great!  Come to my place before the show and we’ll do some more digging, maybe find his facebook or other stuff.  I’m sure there’s an interview or two out there with him.  And by then my friend may have some juicy details to share with us.”

“Okay, I’ll be there by two?” Michael agreed.  They rode the subway together until he got off, she had a little further to go.  “I’ll see you tomorrow and thanks a lot, Ellie.”

“You’re welcome,” she said smiling and waving as he got off the train.

He went home for the evening and turned in early.  He couldn’t sleep but he felt a lot better after talking to Ellie.  He was even excited for the play tomorrow.  He couldn’t remember when he had had this much excitement in his life.  He tossed and turned and just gave up and stared at the dark ceiling.  What was he going to learn about Lukas and why was he even taking it this far?  Did he actually intend to meet up with him again and did he plan on forming some sort of relationship?  He didn’t know the answers to those questions and he was up a lot time mulling them over.

His alarm rang at ten.  He didn’t even remember falling asleep but when he tried to go back to sleep his stomach protested so he got up.  He made his way to the kitchen and fried up some eggs and loaded them with ham and cheese.  He sat down on his couch and turned on the TV.  As he ate he watched the news.  Nothing good was happening and it seemed the snow was going to increase today.  He watched the rest of the news and the program that came on after it.  Talk shows were not his favorite but he did get a kick out of some of the hosts and it lightened his day a little after the regular news.

He got in the shower at about half past noon.  He enjoyed heat of the water and the shampoo in his hair.  He stood under the shower head for several minutes.  “Today is going to be a good day,” he said to himself as he got out and for once he believed it.  He brushed his hair and got dressed, he picked out something he thought was a nice outfit, rather than his normal jeans and t-shirt.  He wore his newest pair of jeans and pulled on a black polo shirt.  He stood before the mirror tussling his hair.  He normally wore it up because it was to his shoulders and he didn’t really know what to do with it otherwise.  He looked through his stuff and found an old bottle of serum a girl had left a while ago.  He ran it through his hair, which was soft already and it left it shiny and calm.  He decided to wear it down and as soon as he did he heard Ellie’s voice making a smart comment, “working on a look to impress Luka? Woohoo!”  He palmed his forehead and made sure he grabbed a hair tie just in case.

He slid on a pair of boots and his winter coat and headed out towards the subway.  “I wonder if she needs me to bring anything.”  He thought out loud and got out his phone, sending her a text.  She responded quickly telling him to just bring himself.  He made his way to where Yuuki’s house was then to the club they had visited.  He remembered that her apartment was only a few blocks from Denny’s but, he couldn’t remember which one.

He called her. “Hello?” she answered.

“I think I’m on the correct block, but I can’t remember which building it is.”

“Okay, give me a second.” He heard rustling then the sliding of what he thought was a door, then, “Hey!”  he heard her voice coming from the phone and from somewhere above him.  He looked up and saw her standing on the balcony of the fourth floor.  “Look at that, you did have the right building!”  she said and then into the phone said, “I’ll buzz you in.”  She left the balcony and shut the door.  He walked up to the main entrance and heard a weak buzz come from the box next to it and he pulled it open.  He walked the stairs to the fourth floor and saw her standing in her door way when he came out into the hallway.  “Welcome back,” she said as he made his way to her.  She let him in and he was hit with the smell of baked apples.

“What smells so good?” he asked.

“I’m attempting to make apple crisps,” she said.  “Attempt being the key word.  When they are done, you’re welcome to try one and tell me how it tastes, honesty is required.”

“Okay.” He said with a smile.  He took off his coat and boots and took a step into the living room.

“Woah!” she said, stopping him, “What’s going on here?  You’re looking dasher today.  Who are you trying to impress?”

“I knew this was a mistake,” he said, running his fingers through his hair, embarrassed.

“Oh no, it wasn’t,” she said, taking him in.  “If we weren’t on a mission to find information on a guy, for you, I’d have to reconsider out relationship.”  She winked at him and lightly slapped him on the butt.  “Come on, handsome, I have some stuff to show you.”  She had her tablet connected to the television so when she swiped it, an image came on the screen.  It was of a blue tick coon hound being playful on her fluffy bed.  She caught him looking at it and said, “That’s the love of my life, Sasha, I have to leave her with my parents when I’m at school.”

She sounded a little sad, so he asked, “How often do you get to see her?”

“Just about every weekend and I bring her here when I’m on break, but it’s not the same.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, sincerely.

“It’s alright,” she responded.  “But now, down to business.” She sat on the couch with her tablet in her hand and he joined her.  “My friend really came through, and in such a short time, but I’ll go over what I found first.”  She brought up the web browser that had several tabs open.  The first was a listing of all his plays that had been performed on any stage.  “As we already know, he’s a very accomplished writer, but I was looking for interviews,” she scrolled down and clicked on a link that said “Author Bio.”  “He doesn’t say much about anything, really.  He goes on about the play and how glad he is for its success and hopes that any one that can will come see it.  But he avoids or flat-out refuses to answer any personal questions.  He says that it should be all about his work and it should stand on its own and his personal life was just that personal.”

“I heard that he was a private man, but I didn’t expect him to say nothing.” Michael was filtering through the rumors that he had heard about Lukas but nothing seemed substantial, all just hear-say and shallow.

“Neither did I, everyone says something by accident, but I literally found nothing.  So, I moved on.”  She clicked on the next tab.  “But alas, he has no social media accounts anywhere,” she shook her head sadly, “his poor poor fans.”  Michael had a feeling that they wouldn’t find anything like that if he didn’t even comment anything personal, he was trying to keep his life a secret for some reason.  “So that was the end of my search, not that I didn’t try my best, and I have mad skills when it comes to internet stalking people.”  She laughed when he looked at her in surprise.  “Oh don’t worry, you’re next, as soon as the mystery that is Lukas is solved, I’m going to find what you are hiding.”  She rubbed her hands together in an evil gesture.

“Or you could, you know, just ask me?” he said, motioning with his hand in a way that made the option seem obvious.

“I could, but what fun is that?” she laughed again before clicking onto the next tab.

“I thought you said he didn’t have a facebook?  What is this?” Michael was taking in what was clearly a home page of some one’s facebook.

“Ah, yes, Lukas doesn’t, but his brother does.”

“His brother?” Michael asked.

“Yes,” she pulled up a document on her tablet with a complete outline about Lukas.  “He grew up in central Pennsylvania, in a small city named Altoona.  His parents are Margaret and James Rhodes.  He has two siblings, of which he is the youngest.  He has an older brother, Edward, and an older sister, Ivy.  They are each one quarter Native American on their mother’s side, which explains the complexion.  He graduated from Altoona Area High school and then joined the marines.  He served three tours over-seas before he was medically and honorably discharged with metals of honor in 2011.  Unfortunately, the reason for his discharge is sealed and not viewable to the public.  He did not return to his home in Pennsylvania but instead moved to New York City after the discharge.  His first published work came in early 2012 and he’s been a success since then.  My friend didn’t find anything about him having a wife or children or even where he lives.  All he found after 2012 was who his editor and publicist is.”

“Wow, even with all the information, I still feel like I know nothing about him.”  Michael sat back on the couch.

“There is very little to go on, his siblings only mention him on holidays, as far as I can tell, and he doesn’t return home for those events.  They miss him and love him is all they say.”  She put her tablet on the coffee table and sat back too.  “I’m afraid you’ll just have to talk to him and get to know him the old fashion way.”

“That’s easier said than done,” Michael sighed.

“Why? Because you two can’t seem to keep your hands off each other long enough to talk?”

“No! I—“

“Maybe you should just do the dirty then have a nice long pillow conversation.”

“EL!”  he said, flushing.

She was laughing so hard she could barely breath, “You’re face… haha…. So red!”

“That’s not funny!” he said, covering his face.

“Oh yes, it is.” A timer went off in the kitchen and she went to rescue her crisps from the oven.  “Oh, just right!” he heard her exclaim from the kitchen.

“Mind if I use your tablet?” he called out to her.

“Nope, go ahead, just don’t be looking at porn!”

“Ellie! Jesus, I think you’re the one that needs laid,”  he picked up her tablet and clicked  on Lukas’s brothers page.

“You don’t say?!” she said sarcastically, and he remembered how they met and he started blushing again.  He scrolled down through the feed and found that Ellie was right, Lukas was tagged only on special occasions and none of those contained a picture of him.  He looked through his photos and found only a few pictures with Lukas.  His brother stood next to and taller than him in them, he was a lot younger than he was now, maybe from high school?  His brother had the same dark skin, but had dark hair and almost black eyes, where Lukas had copper brown hair and milk chocolate eyes.  He looked happy in those photos.

“Why are you hurting now?” he asked the picture.  “What happened?”  He was tempted to send his brother a message asking him about Lukas but decided it would be better if he just asked him himself.  He might find that a betrayal going to his family.

“Hey, I asked Sarah and Yuuki to join us for some dinner before the show, I hope that’s okay?”  Ellie said as she came back out of the kitchen.

“Hm?” Michael responded, still looking at Lukas and Edward’s picture.  “Oh.  Yeah, that’s good.  What time?”

“Four, so we have time to get across town.”  She looked down at the tablet, “he was so adorable and happy.”

“Yeah, he does look that way.  He’s not like this now.”

“What happened?” she echoed his own question.

“That’s what I’d like to know.”  He sat the tablet back on the table.

“Are you okay?” she asked, feeling his sorrow.

“Yes, I’m fine, just lost in thought,” he looked up at her and smiled.

“You don’t have to pretend with me,” she said, placing a hand on his folded knee.

“I know,” he said, hesitating, “It’s just hard to open up to people.”

“I understand.  Maybe someday you’ll explain yourself.” She said with a smile.  “Ah!” she said as a phone started ringing.

Michael reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.  “Hello?” he answered, “oh hold on,” he pulled the phone away from his ear and pushed the “Speaker” button.  “Okay,”

“Hello! Ellie!” Yuuki’s voice came from the speaker, which was quickly followed by a hello from Sarah.

“Hey guys! What’s up?” Ellie answered.

“We’re heading to the restaurant and were just calling to see if you want us to swing by and pick you guys up since your place is on the way.”  Sarah said.

“Oh! Is it that time already?” Ellie looked at the clock on the wall.  “Yeah, sure, come on up, I’ll be ready shortly.”  She hopped off the couch and headed towards the hallway before the even answered.

“Okay, we’ll be there in about five,” Sarah said, “See you then!”

“Okay, bye,” Michael said and hung up.  Ellie re-emerged from the hallway just after the asked to be let in.  She made it to the door just before they knocked.  She had changed from jeans and a t-shirt to a sleeveless red dress with a slightly puffy shirt and a sheer shall.  She slipped on black ankle-high boots, good for walking in snow.

When Michael gave her a look of surprise she said, “What? I’d rather only match a little and not fall on my face, thanks!”  She opened the door and Sarah and Yuuki came in, both dressed nicely, but not overly done.  “You guys look great!” Ellie said and hugged them both.

Michael stood and greeted them too and then started putting on his own boots and coat.  “You guys ready?” asked Yuuki.

“Just have to put on my coat,” Ellie said, as she did just that.  They left the apartment and made it to the restaurant just in time for their reservation.  They ate and talked, and even though Yuuki kept giving Michael the eye, knowing something wasn’t as it seemed, he never asked about it.

“Oh! Michael, my editor called, he wants to meet tomorrow about my story board,” Yuuki said.

“Oh?  That’s good, right?  It didn’t take him long.” Michael answered.

“I hope so, usually when I throw him a curve ball, he calls and talks to me over the phone about it, and takes him at least a week to make all the edits he wants.”  Yuuki said, a little nervious.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine, you have never given him anything that he hasn’t like before and I think you’re adding just enough spice.”  Michael tried to comfort him but he knew how he was feeling as he himself was waiting for a response from his editor.

“Yeah, you’re probably right, I am a genius,” he said with a laugh.

“Speaking of which, do you mind if I tag along with you?  I’m going to nudge my editor a little, but what an excuse to be there.  I don’t want him to think I’m impatient,” Michael asked.

“Sure, but you know he’s going to see right through you.”  Yuuki laughed again and Michael joined him.  The real reason he wanted to go with Yuuki is that he wanted to see Lukas, and Yuuki was always saying that every time he’s there so is Lukas.  He had no idea what he planned to do, but he had asked before he thought.

Sarah and Yuuki started off on their own conversation so Ellie leaned over and nudged Michael.  “What?”  he said, but she gave him a look of exasperation so he said, “Lukas is always there when Yuuki is.”  She made an “oh” face.  “I don’t know what I’m going to do or say but I want to see him.”  She smiled at him.  “I’m glad you’re getting entertainment out of this,” he said back at her which only made her smile widen.

“Why not give him a message?  Make an actual effort to spend time with him?”  she said.

“You mean ask him on a date?” Michael said.

“Not necessarily,” she answered.

“And I have his number, I could just send him a text.” She gave him a disapproving look.  “Right, that’s not personal at all.  What am I to do, hand him a note?”

“Why not?” she asked, “Write him a letter specifying what you want.”

He sighed, it wasn’t a bad idea, but now he was going to be up all night trying to figure out what to say.

“What are you two whispering about?” Yuuki jumped in.

“You’re butt!” Ellie said and Michael facepalmed.  She and Sarah laughed.

They finished dinner and made it to the show early.  They talked about what they were expecting and when the show started they were all proven wrong.  It was much better than they expected, the girls were in tears and the men were trying to not join them.

“What a beautiful show,” Ellie said.  “I think I’m going to go to all his shows,” she wiped a tear from her eye as the left the theatre.

They went their separate ways after walking together to Ellie’s house.  Michael was lost in thought all the way home.  What was he going to say to Lukas and how could he convince himself that this was okay?  What if Lukas was just messing with him or he somehow read the signs wrong?  And what if he wasn’t interested in him that way, he didn’t want to hurt the guy?

He sat down at his desk and fiddled with his pen for almost half an hour before even starting the letter.  He was nervous when he started writing so he had to start over several times so his writing was legible. Then finally:

Lukas,

I’m not sure what is happening between us and I don’t know if you do either.  I can’t lie and say I’m not intrigued but I’ll also not lie about saying I’m on very uneven ground here.  I don’t considered myself to be closed-minded and I am willing to give whatever this is a chance.  I know a little about you, but I’d like to know more.  You are such a mystery to me that I can’t stop thinking about you.  You also said you wanted to know more about me and promised that we would take it slow.  As long as you keep your promise, I’m going to reach a hand out to you, so please don’t burn it.

If you weren’t lying and you are sincere meet me for dinner at Louise Tov’s at eight p.m. Thursday night.  If you can’t or no longer want to proceed, I understand, and I’ll leave it at that, as if nothing happened.  Here is my phone number, in case you can’t make it: (917) XXX-XXXX.

Michael.

He went to bed shortly after one a.m., but he couldn’t sleep, he just tossed around nervously before he got up and went to his living room.  He watched documentaries for a couple hours, then he finally fell asleep on the couch.

He was awoken by the sound of his doorbell.  He moaned and grabbed his phone, seeing it was dead, he looked up at the clock and saw that it was past nine a.m.  “Oh crap!” he said and jumped up hitting the buzzer and unlock the door to let Yuuki in, and rushed to the bathroom, he brushed his teeth and his hair at the same time then rushed to his room as he heard Yuuki come it.  He threw on a pair of jeans, and his usual graphic tee and overshirt.  He hopped out of his room, trying to put on socks.

“I’m so sorry, man, I over slept.” He said.

“I can see that,” Yuuki said, not in the least bit upset.  Michael got his socks on and threw on a coat.  He had placed the envelope with the letter to Lukas in his pocket so he didn’t forget it or Yuuki saw it.  They went out the door only minutes after Yuuki had arrived and were on their way to the office to see his editor.

“I’m glad you live so close to the office,” Yuuki said and they hurried down the street.

“Me too,” Michael said.  They got there in just a few minutes and Yuuki hurried away down the hall.  “Good luck!” Michael shouted after him.  Michael made his way to the elevator.  He was actually going to go see Tori, since he was here.  And he didn’t want to just stand around waiting to see if Lukas would show, plus him moving kept his nerves in check.  Even though his chest was already tight, he tried not to focus on it.  He got off on the fifth floor and saw that Tori’s office door was closed.  He must be in a meeting.  He waited outside for almost an hour when he got a text from Yuuki saying that he was done.  He went back to the elevator and waited for it to come down from higher in the building.  When the doors opened he couldn’t believe his eyes.  Inside the elevator stood just one person, Lukas.  Lukas didn’t seem to notice him at first, he was looking down at the floor and seemed deep in thought.  Michael stepped on and hit the “Door Close” button.  When the doors closed, Lukas finally looked up and Michael was staring at him.  He looked taken aback, even embarrassed for a second.

“What are the odds?” Michael said, trying to break the ice.

“Indeed,” Lukas responded, “it seems that you have no interest in being near me, what a cruel world this must be for you.”

“No interest--? No nevermind.” Michael said, If only you knew what you are putting me through.  “I have something for you.”  He reached into his pocket and pulled out the envelope.  He held it out in front of Lukas with a shaking hand.  “Please take it.”  Lukas looked at the paper and slowly raised his hand to take it, but instead of just grabbing the envelope he grasped Michael’s hand.

“You’re shaking.” He said, “I’m sorry if I’m the cause.  I don’t take rejection well and this is a delicate matter.”

“It is,” Michael said, not pulling away.  “Do you mind, if I … touch you?”  What?!  Lukas looked surprised but nodded.  Michael pulled his hand away from Lukas’s and reached up, touching his cheek with just two fingers.  Then, as if he was shocked, he pulled them back but only for a second.  He stepped closer to him and put his full hand on his cheek then his other hand on the other cheek.  Before he could stop he leaned in and put his forehead against Lukas’s.  He closed his eyes and took in Lukas’s heat.  Then he leaned in and just laid his lips on his, just a timid kiss.  The whole time Lukas just stood still, allowing Michael to take his time and even now, he only lifted a hand and laid it on one of his elbows, trying to reassure him.  But before he could build up the courage, the elevator stopped and the door dinged opened.  He quickly stepped away from Lukas and off the elevator, leaving Lukas standing here, flush and surprised.

Lukas watched Michael run out the door.  He met his friend and they were soon out of his sight.  He walked the other direction of them to a café a few blocks away.  He sat and tried to warm up and draw himself out of the haze his was in with a coffee.  Once he felt his nerves settle he reached into his pocket and pulled out the envelope Michael had given him.  He read it slowly and as he reached the end he felt a joy rise in him that he had never felt.  He reread the note several times.  And again when he got home later that evening.  He pulled out his phone and typed a simple message:

Yes, I’ll be there.

Michael read the message and immediately sent one of his own.

You have to help me shop! >.<;;;;

At which Ellie replied:

You’re lucky I’m on break.  Meet me at the mall at noon. J

Chapter Two: Breaking the Ice

Chapter Two: Breaking the Ice

            Lukas left the club in a hurry, in disbelief at what had just transpired.  When did he go completely mad?  He just kissed another man and why?  Because he was there?  Because he was kind?  Because he knew exactly what he needed in the moment panic took over his body?  It wasn’t as if he was partly to blame for it, if he hadn’t even been in the room he wouldn’t have needed comfort or he could have at least dealt with it alone, without anyone seeing.  Now, not only was his secret known to another but he had to go and make it worse by kissing him?!

            He pulled up his collar to hide himself as he walked quickly to the subway.  Why had he even gone to that club in the first place?  His brother.  His obnoxious big brother had urged him to try new things.  He was trying to help in his own way but Lukas knew himself better than his brother did and knew that a place like that would trigger him.  He knew but he still went.  He wants to get better, but it hurts every time he fails.  He averaged one panic attack a day but the more he tried to make them go away the more he had them.

            He locked himself in his apartment for the next several days, draining all his emotion and energy into his new play.  That was his secret.  He used his dark emotions and turned them into light, on paper at least.  Everything he wrote was beautiful, as if he had a golden touch.  If he could do that in his real life then maybe he would stop hating everybody and be able to breathe without fear.  Why that man in the club?  He didn’t even know his name.  Why did he follow him and why did Lukas allow him to see him at his weakest?  His mind started to wander and soon he was thinking faster than he could write, his scribbles were undiscernible and he would spend a good amount of time translating them into English later.  This would be his best play yet.

***

                Michael walked back to Yuuki’s in a haze.  He hadn’t even told him he was leaving, but how could he face him after what had just happened?  He flopped down on his couch, not even bothering to turn on any lights.  He linger on that moment.  He wasn’t repulsed, just confused.  Had he really kissed him?  Lukas, the ice king of New York, kissed him, quiet, keep-to-himself Michael?  That didn’t make any sense.  Of course he was in the middle of a panic attack and Michael did comfort him, but usually a thank you suffices in situations like that, even if it had been between a man and a woman rather than two men.  Maybe he was still really drunk and his mind was playing tricks on him.  Why a kiss, though?  Even his mind wasn’t that warped.

            He was pulled out of his thoughts by his phone ringing and he fell off the couch trying to dig it out of his pocket.

            “Ow…. Hello?  Yuuki?”

            “Miiiiiiiicheal!  Where did you go?” his voice was almost drowned out by the music still pumping in the club.

            “I somehow made it back to your place.”
            “That sounds like an adventure!” Yuuki was clearly more drunk that Michael.

            “Do you need an escort home?  I haven’t taken my boots off yet.” Michael said cheerfully, glad for the distraction.

            “I need a date to Denny’s!”  He sounded happy but feigned disappointment.

            “How could I have forgotten the tradition!?”  Every time they drank, they went to Denny’s after for food that, most of the time, the never actually ate.  “I’ll meet you there in 15?”

            “Don’t be late!” he said and, from the sounds of it, dropped his phone, giggled then finally hung up.  Michael stood up from the floor and shuffled to the door.  Outside it had started snowing so he pulled his hood up as he walked down the street, his breath fogging up in front of him.  He quickened his pace so he made it to the diner in less than ten minutes but Yuuki had somehow beaten him there.

            “Miiiii-woah-ok-chael!” he said as his slid on the sidewalk, waving vigorously at him.

            “Hey!” Michael responded as he crossed the street to where Yuuki was waiting.

            “The girls were cold so they went in ahead of us,” he said opening the door.

            “Girls?”  in all the commotion Michael had forgotten about the girls they had been dancing with.  “Oh!” he said as he caught sight of them.  They were still beautiful, even in the fluorescent light of the diner.  They were a little sweaty and the one he had been dancing with had pulled her long hair up and she smiled at him when she saw him.  He could see her better now, she had hazel eyes and light brown hair with purple streaked through it, she was average height but she looked good.  Her friend had shoulder length, dark, wavy hair and dark brown eyes.  She was a little shorter than the first girl and a little chubby but she was gorgeous.  They were in a booth so he had to sit close to this girl; he had been hoping for some time with Yuuki to talk with him but he had to put up a front so the ladies wouldn’t notice he wasn’t enjoying himself.

            “Hello there,” the long haired girl said as he sat down, trying not to touch her.  “I don’t think we have been properly introduced.  My name is Elane, but you can call me Ellie, El, or just E, whatever is easiest. I answer to pretty much anything.

            “And my name is Sarah, you can call me Sarah,” she said with a laugh and Yuuki wrapped his arm around her.

            They introduced themselves and then chatted for over an hour over water and bacon before they started to sober up.  During that time, Ellie had placed her hand on Michael’s thigh and was slowly sliding it up.  He didn’t mind it so much but he was elsewhere and barely noticed.

“Well, I feel much better,” Yuuki said, patting his stomach.  “So, Sarah, Ellie, tell me what you gals do?”

            “I’m two years into graduate school.” Ellie said when Sarah hesitated, acting shy.  “I’m studying biology, hoping to be a professor and travel around the world helping teach people about endangered species.  I love teaching so it’s my dream.” Ellie said with a smile, she beamed as she talked more about what she did every day and where she wants to end up.  Michael looked at her and nodded, pretending to be listening but he tuned her out on the finer details.  Then, he was drawn back in when Sarah started talking, the change in voice caught his attention.

            “I work downtown as an accountant, its hard work but I love the hours and the pay, haha.”  Sarah looked at Yuuki and smiled, “What do you do?”

            “Michael and I are both authors.  I work on comics, my work is pretty well known but, if you haven’t heard of it, I won’t be offended.” Yuuki said.

            “Oh yes you will,” Michael said jokingly.

            “Maybe a little,” Yuuki laughed.

            “You’ll have to show me what you are working on sometime, if you don’t mind,” Sarah said with puppy eyes and a pouty lip.

            “Um…” Yuuki hesitated.

            “That might not be possible.” Michael stepped in, “He is very protective of his work.  He’s had girls in the past look down on it, even though it’s amazing and much more well know that he’s letting on.”

            “Michael!”  Yuuki exclaimed.  “I’m not ashamed of my work,”

            “And you shouldn’t be,” Michael said.

            “I just don’t like the stigma that is around comics,” Yuuki continued as if Michael didn’t even talk.  “And being half Japanese with all manga craze, it’s hard for people to take my comic seriously, they all want what’s coming from Asia and that’s not where my passion lies.”  He finished with a huff.

            “Oh no, I won’t expect that.  I’m a fan of all forms of art and I look at each piece as it should be looked at: as its own entity.”  Sarah said and Ellie nodded in agreement.  “But I understand if you don’t want to show me the new stuff, we can take a walk to the comic book store and you can show me the stuff that is already published.”  She smiled and gently rubbed his hand in comfort.  He smiled back at her and thanked her for being so open-minded.

                They drifted off into conversation about his story and he showed them pictures he had on his phone of some of his stand-alone art.  They were in the middle of a heated talk, their cheeks flush and words flowing from their lips.  Michael sat back and just listened.  Skipped over again, huh? –sigh-  I should be used to this by now.  As his mind drifted, he noticed that Ellie’s hand had been removed at some point.  She lost interest?  He looked over at her but she was looking at Yuuki and his phone.  Yuuki could hold the attention of anyone when he tried, which he wasn’t right now, but he was so animated, as per his personality, that he held the girls’ attention and fascination without even breaking a sweat.  Everywhere he goes he fits in, even has a great time, I’ve never seen him uncomfortable or out of place.  I wish I wasn’t so dull.  Michael placed his elbow on the table and rested his chin in his hand.  He tried not to leak disappointment; he was happy for Yuuki, but that didn’t stop him from being jealous.

            The other three soon ran out of energy and decided it was time to leave.  “Can we exchange numbers?”  Yuuki asked as they gathered their coats and made their way to the door.

            “Of course!” Sarah said, “I still want to see your work!”

            “Sure,” Ellie said, and the three of them put their heads together.  Michael pushed his way out the door.  He stood out in the chilly night, the snow had become heavier but he didn’t mind.  He reached out a hand and let the snow melt on his palm.  Another, gloved hand covered his and he looked up to see Ellie.

            “You seem distracted,” she said, a sincere look in her eyes.

            “Really?” he said, lowering his hand.

            “Yes, I may be drunk but I’m not stupid.”

            “And here I thought I was doing a good job at faking amusement.” He had meant it as a joke but it came out with less humor than he intended.  He cleared his throat to try to distract from it.  “I’m sorry.”

            “I’ll let it go as long as it wasn’t because of me.” she said.

            “Oh no, most definitely not, I’ve just got a lot on my mind right now.”

            “I see,” she said and leaned in, kissing him on the cheek, “could I offer you a distraction?” she asked sweetly.

            He looked at her as if seeing her for the first time.  She was being genuinely kind.  “What did you have in mind?” he asked.

            She grabbed his hand and started walking down the sidewalk, the opposite direction of Yuuki’s apartment.  “Come back to my place, I can guarantee it will be worth your while.”  She smiled and winked at him.

            “Oh really?” he replied, she hadn’t looked past me.

            “Mhm” she nodded, biting her lower lip.

            “Well, color me intrigued.  I shall accompany you to your abode,” he said and half bowed.  She giggle and pulled harder on his hand as she led the way.  She lived near the diner, it only took them seven minutes or so to reach her front door.  She took him up to the fourth floor.  4B was shining in gold on the one she unlocked.  She unzipped her knee high boots and slid them off in the doorway and he follow suite.

            “Welcome welcome!” She said turning around and motioning to the apartment.  It was cozy, her personality was everywhere: pictures of animals all over the walls and flowers painted between them.  She had an eye for art.  There was a small kitchen to the left of the front door but straight in was the living room/dining room combo that had a sliding glass door taking up most of the far wall and a doorway at the far left end of the room.  She had a small tree displayed in front of the glass door, lit up with color lights and snow flake ornaments.  She had lights strung everywhere, it would have been tacky if she hadn’t done it in such a unique way, another way her personality was showing.

            “This is very welcoming,” he said as he took in all the lights and art.  “You have good taste.”

            “Well thank you,” she said as she slid off her coat and hung it on a hook by the door.  “Let me take that for you,” she said motioning to his coat.  He slid it off and handed it to her.

            “Thank you.” He said.

            After she hung up his coat, she stood behind him, wrapping her arms around him and kissing his shoulder.  We’re starting?  That was quick.  He laid his hands on hers and leaned against her.  He could feel her breathing quicken.  She wants …me?  He turned around, breaking her grasp and put his hands on either side of her head, drawing her attention to his face.

            “Is this what you really want?” he whispered.

            “Yes,” she was half impassioned already.  He leaned down and kissed her.  As soon as his lips touched hers all he felt were Lukas’s.  He gasped and pulled back and she smiled, mistaking what he was reacting to.  She pulled him back down to her and she kissed him again.  She was hungry and all of her need was displayed through her soft red lips.  He ran his hands over her shoulders and down her back, pulling her close to him, but he didn’t feel her.  Her hands were replaced by larger, hotter hands and instead of her small moan he heard Lukas’s voice fill his ears: “Now… I’m curious.”  He tried to pull away again, but she bit his lip and wouldn’t let him.

            “Huh uh,” she said against his lips, “You’re not getting away this time.”  She reached down to the bottom of his shirt and ran her fingers up his stomach under the soft cloth.

            “Mmm.” He tried to speak, but he couldn’t.  He didn’t want her touching him.  He finally grasped her hips and pushed her back away from him.  She made a disappointed sound.  He dropped his hands.

            “I should have known,” she said, putting her fists on her hips.

            “I’m sorry,” he said, not being able to look at her, “but I just—“

            “Have a lot on your mind?” she interrupted.  “I get it, I do too, but you have to take a break every once and a while.  You’ve been distracted all night.”  She poked him in the belly and he looked at her in shock.  She wasn’t mad, she was smiling.  “Now, this can go two ways, you can leave here now and I’ll be upset OR we can have a cup of iced tea and you can tell me what’s going on.”

            “Huh?” he said, stupidly.

            “Look, I don’t just throw myself at just anybody.  Believe it or not I know who you are and I was intrigued.  Honestly, I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw you with Yuuki.”

            “You know me?  How?”

            She sighed and walked over to a book shelf.  She pulled out a book and handed it to him.  “I read.”  It was his latest novel.  “You do know you’re also a well-known novelist, right?” she asked sarcastically.  Not that well known, Michael thought.

            “Oh,” he said.

            “Yep,” she walked past him to the kitchen.  “Do I need a large glass or a small one?”

            “What?” he asked, feeling stupid, again, when he realized she was talking about iced tea.  “Oh, um… I don’t know if you’ll want to know what’s on my mind.”

            “I would have kicked you out already if I didn’t.” she said coming back with two medium glasses of tea.  “Here.” She handed him one and went to the couch and sat down.  He hesitated before he followed her, setting his glass on the coffee table.  “Spill,” she insisted.

            “I don’t know, I haven’t even talked to Yuuki yet.”

            “Well, he’s busy and right now you need a bud, so let me be that bud, I’m obviously not doing anything else tonight,” she raised an eyebrow at him to make her point.

            “I don’t know how you make friends, but normally you build up to something like this, not instead of sex let’s talk, girl to girl.” He fluttered his eyes like a posh lady.

            “This is how I make friends, I’m not shy, but if you are then you don’t have to tell me, but I might be able to help.  And you know us girls, we just can’t help fixing things,” she said with a smile.

            He hesitated and she just sat silent, sipping her tea.  “I was kissed,” he blurted out after a second.

            “Oh no, the world is ending!” she said jokingly.

            “If you’re going to make fun then why did you ask?” he was about to get up when she grabbed his wrist.

            “I’m sorry, I am.  Help me understand, cause we kissed and that isn’t affecting you nearly as much.  Who was it? An old friend?  A work mate?  An old enemy??” she was getting more excited with each guess.

            “It…. Was a man.”
            “Oh~” she said.  “Assume you’re NOT gay or bi, because you came home with me, though those dance skills leave one to wonder…”  she drifted off for a second then caught herself.  “Anyways, was it that it was a guy that kissed you, was it THE guy, or was it that you like it?”  She had nailed all three of his concerns.

            “I don’t know and I don’t really want to talk about it anymore.”

            “I get it, you’re thoughts and emotions are all over the place, you need time.”

            “They are so distracting I didn’t even have a mild panic attack when she touched me…” he mumbled, thinking to himself.

            “What?” she asked.

            “What what?”

            “You said you didn’t have a panic attack when I touched you.  Should you have?” she asked with concern, for him or for her, he didn’t know.

            He didn’t say anything for a moment, realizing he had thought out loud.  “The only one that knows about that is Yuuki.  Its not something I broadcast, and usually when I’m drunk its delayed until after I leave.”
            “I understand, I won’t say anything—“

            “Its not that I’m ashamed!” he stood up and started pacing, “It’s just none of anyone’s business and the judgement isn’t—“

            “It’s okay,” she stood up and hugged him.  “I won’t judge you.” She squeezed him tight and her warmth calmed him.

            “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

            “Don’t be.” She said.  He stepped away from her and she took on a whole different look to him.  She was a friend to him even though she didn’t know him, it was natural for her.

            “I think I should go,” he said.

            “Okay, are you sure?  Will you be okay?” she asked walking behind him to the door.

            “Yeah, I always am.”  He slid his coat and shoes on.

            She walked back into the kitchen, “here,” she said as she returned to him, “Take my number and call me if you need to talk and sent me a text when you get home.”  She handed him a post-it-note with her name and number scrawled on it.

            He took it reluctantly.  “Why do you care so much?” he asked.

            “I’m human?”  she said as if it was normal.

            “Well, you’re the first I met, then”

            “Then you need to learn to pay more attention.” She said.

            “Yeah…”  He reached for the door.  “Thanks for… well, whatever you would call this.”

            “You are most welcome,” she said and hugged him again.

            He made the trip home and flopped down onto his bed before he remembered that he smelled like sweat and smoke.  He reluctantly dragged himself to the bathroom where he showered, slowly.  His head was swimming from the night.  He couldn’t believe all that had happened and somehow he had made a new friend.

            “Oh shit!”  He wrapped himself in a towel and quickly grabbed his phone out of his pant pocket.  He already had a message from Ellie asking if he made it home safely and thanking him for “walking her home ;).”  He responded then climbed into bed with a sigh.

            He slept well past noon the next day and would have slept longer if he didn’t get a text from not only Yuuki, but also Elli and Sarah.  How does Sarah even have my phone number? he wondered as he stretched and wished for more sleep.  As soon as his head hit the pillow again, he got another text from Yuuki.

           

            Hey! Get up! I’m on my way to

 your place.  I brought lunch. 

Thought we could do some

brain storming today.  See you in 10!

            “Auuuuggghhhh.” Michael groaned.  As much as he wanted his friend’s time last night, he was hoping for some alone time today.  He pulled on a pair of gym pants and a t-shirt and mozied into the bathroom to brush his teeth.

            When Yuuki arrived they had a heated conversation about what he had planned for the future of his comic and Michael gave him feedback.  They came up with several ideas for Michael but he didn’t feel like any of them were for him.  They called it a day when the Rangers game started.  Neither was a sports addict but they never missed a hockey game if they could avoid it.

            Yuuki left after the game and Michael sighed in relief at the quiet.  He watched a little more TV before heading off to bed.

            The next few days he devoted to coming up with a story.  When he got frustrated he watched TV or read, trying to ignite his imagination.  When several days passed and he still had nothing he decided to take a walk down the street to the corner store and get a sub and some snacks.  He was enjoying the snow and cool air so much on his walk that he almost bumped into several people before making it to the store.  On his way back out of the store, with two full bags of junk food, subs, and soda, something caught his eye.  He walked in front of the alley closest to the store and recognized the copper hair he saw.  He quickly stepped back and against the wall, hiding from Lukas.

            “Why are you here?” he whispered.  He dreaded running into him again after the other night but for some reason he was excited.  “What is happening to me?” he asked himself, frustrated.  He put his hood up and stepped away from the wall.  He started walking back towards his house but as soon as he breached the alley he was stopped.  Lukas stood in front of him, stopping him in his tracks.

            “What are you doing here?” he demanded.

            “I could ask you the same thing.” Michael responded.

            Lukas raised an eye brow at him in disgust.  “I live near here, if you must know.”

            “Well, funny that.  I also live near here.”  He held his bags close to his leg and took a step to the side.  “And if you don’t mind I’d like to get back to my apartment.  I have work to do.”  He stepped past Lukas and thought he was in the clear.  He was wrong.

            “No,” Lukas said and grabbed his arm, dragging him into the alley, far enough back that they were shadowed and no one could see them.  “I want to talk about what happened.”

            Michael took a deep breath; being cornered was doing nothing for his anxiety.  “What happened?” He asked, feigning ignorance.  He felt his chest get tight.  I have to get out of here.

            He gave him a look of irritation, “You know what happened.”

            “Do I?” he asked, his breath coming faster.  “I’m not quite sure that I do?  I believe that one human comforted another that was having a hard time and that is all.”

            “If you want it to be that way then fine.  But tell me this, have you been sleeping?  And how is your writing going?”

            “What?” he was taken by surprise.  “Of course I’m sleeping and my writing is none of your business.”

            “That may be but I’m curious.”  Lukas said and Michael heard the echo of the last time he had said it.

            Michael flushed and replied, “If you must know I am at a standstill.  And have been for over a week now.  I have a lot on my mind.”

            “Would I happen to be one of those things?” Lukas asked, with a hint of a smile in his voice.

            “No you are not.” Michael responded, irritated, “Now, if you don’t mind—“

            “I do mind.” Lukas said and stepped closer to him.  “I can’t stop thinking about you.”  Michael was in shock and looked him straight on for the first time.  “I don’t even know your name,” Lukas stepped even closer and put a hand on the wall beside him, blocking him completely in.  Michael’s heart rate shot up and he grabbed his chest before he could stop himself.  He quickly put his arm back down.

            “Mi-Michael,” he said around a deep breathe.

            “Michael, of course.” Lukas ran a cold finger down the side of Michael’s face and he shuttered.  Please hold off, please.  “Michael, I’m curious about what you have done to me.  I’ve… I’ve never felt this way before.”  He leaned in and kissed him.  He was gently and Michael could feel his confusion.  He wanted to pull away, to catch his breath, to run and hide, but part of him had him frozen.  He was curious, too.  Without thinking, he leaned into Lukas’s kiss and replied with the same emotion.

            “Mmm,” Lukas wrapped an arm around his back and pulled him against him.  He reached down and slid his other hand down his chest and slid it between two buttons of his coat.  Michael felt his fingers touch him and he pulled away in panic.  I can’t breathe.   He turned away from Lukas and knelt down, placing his hot forehead against the cold wall.  His sight was starting to go black and his breath was shallow and fast.  He thought his heart was going to pound right out of his chest.

            Lukas didn’t ask him if he was ok, he just bent down and laid against his back, covering him with his body.  “I’m sorry,” he said against him, but he didn’t move.  “I’m here,” he said, “I’ll protect you.  No one is going to touch you, I promise.”  He heard his own promise, made to Lukas a few night prior and was surprised how much it meant to him.  He tried to take a deep breath but it came short and he slouched against the wall as he blacked out.

            Michael woke with his head against someone’s chest.  He looked up and saw Lukas, he was sitting on the cold ground with Michael between his legs, resting on his warm chest.  He could hear his heart beat, calm and stead.  Lukas smiled at him for the first time and Michael couldn’t help the tears that came to his eyes.  Lukas put a hand gently on the side of Michael’s head and held him still against him.  “It’s alright, Michael, I’m still here.”  He remained in Lukas’s arms for a few minutes.  He didn’t want to move but he knew he had to.

            “I’m so sorry you had to see that,” he said as he sat up and pulled himself together.  Both men stood and brushed off the snow.

            “Don’t be sorry,” again he echoed his own words to him.  “It was my fault, I didn’t know you had it or that I would trigger it.”

            “I assure you, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Michael said, embarrassed, and turning away.

            “Don’t be ashamed.  I’ll tell no one.”

            “Thank you,” Michael whispered.  He looked at Lukas and saw him smile again.

            Lukas touched his cheek again and, leaning in, kissed it softly.  “We’ll go slow.”  Michael caught himself nodding, he was still a little weak and couldn’t stop thinking about how Lukas had held him.  No one had ever done that for him.  Lukas stepped back and pulled out a card.  He handed it to Michael.  “I’d like to get to know you.”

            “Me?  I thought you were a hard ass and hated everyone.”  Michael said without thinking.

            “I do hate everyone.” Lukas responded a little bit of his wall going back up.  “But not you and I want to know why.”  Michael took his card.  “Call me.”  Lukas left Michael in the alley.

            Michael took out his phone, still flush and panicked:

            Are you busy?

            A few seconds later his phone rang.  “Hello?” He paused listening.  “Can we meet up?”  Pause.  “Okay, I’ll see you in an hour.”