Page 57 of Heart

“My pleasure,” said George. “Is that a Philly accent I hear?”

“Yeah.” Ned smiled. “I’m down here with work. Possibly relocating.”

“Philly is a great city. I imagine it would be a hard place to leave if you’re a native.”

“That’s the truth. My family’s there too. I may need a little more incentive to make the leap.” He looked to Mikey briefly, then his attention returned to Fabio.

Fabio raised his glass. “Here’s to David’s. Long success to you, George, my friend.”

They all raised their glasses and toasted.

“Don’t you just love that accent?” Ned gushed. “It’s so...Italian.”

“Mikey’s Italian too, you know.”

Fabio looked at George curiously, as if he could somehow get inside George’s head and see what he was thinking. But George was a vault.

“Third-generation American, though,” Mikey said. “My accent’s more Baltimore, I’m afraid.”

“Never be ashamed of that voice,” said George. “So, I take it you guys met at B.J.’s?”

“Yes,” said Ned. “Dreadful. All that singing. I don’t care if I ever go back. I could go for some dancing, though.”

George ignored Ned. “Thank you again for singing tonight, Mikey. It was the highlight of my evening.”

Fabio sighed, looking at his watch.

“I’m sorry if I’m distracted,” George continued. “It’s been a long day. I wish I were better company.”

“Nonsense,” Mikey said. He reached across the table and put his hand on George’s. “It’s totally understandable. You’ve been working up to this for weeks. You must be exhausted. We should go.”

“But wait,” said Fabio. “I thought the night was just beginning.”

Mikey looked at Fabio. “He’s tired, dude. He was kind enough to invite the three of us here for a free meal. But he’s been working this whole time. He’s spent, can’t you see? We should let him rest.”

“Fabio and I had discussed dancing earlier.” It was Ned again. “We thought maybe the four of us would hit... what was it called, Mikey?”

“Flash. It’s a club... a couple of stops away on Florida Avenue. But that was earlier. We don’t have to.”

“But I want to,” said Fabio. “I love the disco.”

George held up his hands. “Uh, no. Mikey’s right. I’m not much for dancing tonight. But you three go. Have fun.”

“Are you sure?” Ned asked. “A little drink, a little dance... might pep you up, George.”

“Nope. Only one thing I want right now... and it’s not dancing.”

Mikey looked at George again. George returned the gaze, soft, yet intense.

“OK,” Mikey said, standing. “Let’s go guys. We’ll let you get some rest, George. You’ve been a wonderful host.”

Fabio rolled his eyes. George caught it in his periphery.

You were right, May.How the hell could I have missed it?

Ned grabbed Fabio by the arm. “Come on, Fabio. We’ll show you the town. We’ll take you to an American disco.” They stood, heading for the hall tree and their coats.

Mikey crouched down to George. “Anything I can do?”