Past, Present and Future

Checking On a Friend

The day after Bruce and I had dinner and drinks, we both show up at rehearsal looking awful. Of course I'm wearing yesterday's clothes and my hair's un-brushed. I knew immediately that gene was going to say something so I cut him off sharply. "NOTHING HAPPENED!" I snap. 

Gene's reply is cut off by Bruce puking in the trash can and all on the floor. Oooh, maybe I shouldn't have let him have tequila. It's not called TO KILL YOU for nothing. I'm Italian so I'm used to drinking. Poor Bruce is a good Jewish boy so he's not. 

Anyway, I've just showered and dressed when my phone rings. "Hello?" 

"Eric? Could I come over? I feel awful." whispers Bruce. "I think I'm dying."

"Let me come to you instead." After getting his address, I head out. Knowing Bruce can't cook, I stop and pick up soup, crackers and juice. I knock with my left hand and wait for the door to open. 

A red eyed Bruce peeks out as he opens the door. He's so pale. 

I start to feel bad, thinking I gave him alcohol poisoning or something. He closes the door as I head to the kitchen to put the soup down. "Do you think you can keep soup down?" 

"I  hope so. I'm starving." he replies. 

While Bruce eats, I do the few dishes and clean up his kitchen. "Do you feel any better?" I ask in a bit. 

"Yes, thanks so much."

I start singing in Italian as I finish cleaning. Turning around I see Bruce staring at me. "You have an amazing voice." he says, blushing. 

Before I know it, his arms are around me and he kisses me. I have no idea how to respond so I just kiss him back. Oops! That's a mistake. I'm with Gene. Bruce realizes what he did and backs away. 

"I think you should go." he finally says. "Thanks for the food but I'm sorry." 

Letting myself out, I sit in my car for awhile trying to absorb what just happened.