Page 77 of Something Like Hail

“What?”

“I remember when you firststarted out. Quite a few clients contacted me to sing your praises.Not just due to your appearance or performance in bed. No, most ofthem kept mentioning your heart.”

Noah snorted. “My heart?”

“Genuine was the mostcommon descriptor. They spoke highly of your authenticity. Themistakes you found embarrassing were part of what endeared you tothem.”

Noah started to roll his eyes but rememberedhe was in front of his employer and ended up looking away. “There’sonly one part of me they should be interested in. Anything else andthey’re deluding themselves.”

“So it’s your belief thatthis job is purely physical?”

Noah met his gaze. “That’s how it’s supposedto be. I’m not there because I love them. I’m there because they’repaying me.”

Marcello was quiet long enough that itseemed he might not respond at all. Then he blinked and leaned backin his chair. “Chester called me the other day. He’s a kind man,always willing to write a check for a good cause. Imagine mysurprise when he told me—”

Noah raised a hand to stop him. “I canexplain. Chester got too attached. He started talking about love,and not just when we were roleplaying. So the last time we met, Itold him how it had to be.”

“That you were no longerwilling to see him.”

“Yes.”

“Hm. I understand. Chesterfalling in love with someone other than his departed husband mightcause him emotional turmoil. That’s why you were soconcerned.”

Noah laughed, thinking it was a joke, andwas surprised when his boss remained somber. “I called it offbecause that’s not my job! I’m not there to start a relationshipwith people, or to pretend that I love them back. In the bedroom,sure, but the rest is just shadow puppets.”

“Make believe?”

“Exactly. Besides thephysical part, the rest is just an act.”

“I see.” Marcello continuedto study him. “You’ve been with us for how long now? Ayear?”

Noah nodded. “Almost exactly.”

Marcello sat upright suddenly and clappedhis hands together. “Let’s go to lunch. We’ll celebrate!”

“I have other errands Ineed to run.”

“Yes, but you’ll have tostop and eat regardless. You’re also due for your employeeevaluation. We can either proceed here while I’m increasinglyemaciated and therefore irritable, or we can seek out a moreconducive environment.”

“Thanks,” Noah said, “butI’d rather not. I’m dieting.”

Marcello appeared crestfallen. “Howstrange.”

“What?”

“It strikes me that, nottoo long ago, a disheveled young man showed up in this officewilling to do just about anything for a bite to eat. Now he’ssitting before me and intentionally starving himself. Where exactlydid we go wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Noahsaid, unable to meet his gaze again. His old self never would haveturned down a free meal. That he could do so now was a sign ofprogress. Or that he was already taking his new life for granted.“A quick meal.”

“Excellent!” Marcello said.“Shall I drive? Or perhaps a limo, just in case we have one toomany, or preferably, five too many.”

“However you want to getthere is fine. I can even give you a ride, but you’ll have to findyour own way back. I have things I need to do in town.”

“I’ll make my ownarrangements then,” Marcello said. “I’ll text you the address.”Then he stood and gestured to the door, like Noah should leave. Hedidn’t look pleased.

“I offered you a ridethere,” Noah said, feeling the need to defend himself.

Marcello nodded curtly. “Your generosity hasbeen noted. I look forward to dining with you.”