Old Friends

Alex

I carried the bowl of coleslaw to the table where the boys were all sitting. I took the remaining seat and scooted forward. I looked around the table, taking in the sight of the faces of the people I cared most for in the entire world. I really liked having them all at the same table. Damion took a long drink from the cold bottle of beer Wayne had at the ready. I watched as Wayne took his own drink.

“This looks amazing,” Damion said. “I think I could get very used to your cooking. It’s not a craft I’ve done well at picking up.”

“I’ve been a single man for a while. Learn or starve or eat sludge. I opted for the first.”

Damion grinned. “I’m learning.”

“How long have you been single?” Wayne asked.

Damion looked at Oliver. “Five years.”

Wayne slowly nodded with a look of understanding. “I see. So, Alex tells me you’re from New York.”

Damion nodded. “I am.”

“Wow. That’s exciting. What did you do?”

“I was an editor for a magazine,” he said before looking at me. I could see the discomfo