“I wouldn’t have gone that far.”
“Not even knowing that he had no hope?”
“You shouldn’t have done it either.”
“If you came to tell me I fucked up, save your breath. I already know that.”
“I’m here to support you.”
“Oh yeah? I wouldn’t have guessed.”
I drink some of my tea while Paul swallows more pasta.
“You knew, didn’t you?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You knew I would get involved.”
Paul takes a sip of his drink. “I knew you would care about this case and that you would do your best. Did I know you’d crawl into his bed?”
“Paul!”
He laughs.
“More and more arsehole.”
“And you get screwed more and more.”
“Go to hell.”
“Not before I make sure you don’t have any plans for next Thursday.”
“Why should I have plans?”
“Because it’s your birthday. Don’t think I’ve forgotten.”
Shit.
“As you well know, I prefer not to…”
“Blah, blah, blah…” Paul grins at me like he’s five.
“What’s on your mind?” I give in immediately. I know he’s got something on his mind, otherwise, we wouldn’t be here talking about it.
“Do you trust your friend Paul?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Very good. That is exactly what I wanted to hear.”
“Don’t exaggerate like you usually do. You know I’m not comfortable with…”
“With people? With joy? Happiness?”
“Go fuck yourself.”
“I love you too. That’s why I always think of you. I know you don’t like celebrating, but I do, especially when it’s you.”
