Slightly Single by Wendy Markham Read Free Book Online

thing that really gets me is that Will went with a couple of people who work at the catering company one night a few weeks ago when a gig ended earlier than they’d expected. I was really irritated with him when he told me he’d seen that movie without me. He knew I wanted to go.
    “So now what? You’re going to wait until it comes out on video?” Buckley asks.
    “Yeah, and believe me, I can’t stand the suspense. I’m trying to get someone to go with me. But everyone I’ve asked says you can’t see it twice, because once you know the secret, it’s pointless.”
    “That’s what I heard, too.”
    I gape at him. “You haven’t seen it either?”
    He shakes his head.
    “Then you have to go with me!” I say, clutching his arm. “I can’t believe I’ve found someone who hasn’t seen it. I’m so psyched! We’re going. Okay?”
    He shrugs. “Sure. When?”
    “Tomorrow,” I say decisively. “I’ve been waiting almost a month to find out what the big twist is, and I’m not going to put it off any longer. This is great.”
    Suddenly, the blasting Bob Marley tune goes silent. We turn and find Raphael standing next to the stereo,teetering a little. I wonder how many flaming shots he’s ingested.
    “Everybody!” He claps his hands together. “It’s time for cake. Alexander and Joseph have really out-done themselves this year. So please, gather round and get ready to sing your hearts out!”
    “He’s a little over the top, huh?” Buckley asks, as we push closer to the cake table.
    “He’s the greatest guy I know,” I say fiercely, wishing that were enough to make Buckley fall madly in love with Raphael. But I can’t help noticing that he really doesn’t seem that interested in him.
    After a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday to You—and three encores, coaxed by Raphael—the cake has been cut and devoured, Buckley drifts back over to Alexander and Joseph, and Raphael sidles up to me.
    “You’ve got frosting smeared in your hair,” I say, wiping at it with a napkin.
    “That’s not the only place I’ve ever had frosting smeared, Tracey,” he tells me with a wink. Only Raphael can wink and not look like somebody’s grandfather. “Listen, what’s up with my new man? Did you talk me up?”
    “Definitely. I told him you’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met.”
    “What did you find out about him?”
    I sip a fresh daiquiri. They’re getting less slushy-sweet and more rummy as the night wears on, but at this point, nobody cares. “He said something abouthow he’s just come out of a relationship with a guy who thought he wasn’t spontaneous enough.”
    “Tracey, I’m spontaneous enough for both of us.” Raphael casts a lustful glance at Buckley. “What else did he say?”
    “Not much. But I’m going to see Flight of Fancy with him tomorrow afternoon. I’ll try to find out more then.”
    “You finally found somebody to see it with? Tracey, I’m so happy for you!” Raphael slings an arm across my shoulder. “Will Will be jealous?”
    “Why would he be jealous of a gay man? Anyway, Will is never jealous. He trusts me,” I tell him.
    Silence.
    “What?” I demand, catching a dubious look on Raphael’s face. “He’s never jealous. Really!”
    “I believe you. And Tracey, I think you should ask yourself why,” Raphael says cryptically.
    “What do you mean by that?” I ask, but somebody is already pulling him away to join a conga line.
    Suddenly, I’m in no mood to conga.
    I find myself wondering what Will is doing. I check my watch and decide he might be home by now. Maybe I can take a cab up to his place and spend the night with him.
    But when I try calling his apartment, the machine picks up.
    I don’t leave a message.

Four
    S unday morning.
    Will is cranky.
    It’s raining.
    Will is most likely cranky because it’s raining and because it’s Sunday morning, but naturally, being me, I can’t help feeling like it’s somehow my fault. Ever since we met for