Page 9 of True

He was at least twenty-one—had to be to work at BJ's—but he looked fresh out of high school.

Upon closer inspection, Alec recognized what it was that Mac saw in the boy. They resembled each

other—the same height… same brown curly hair… same blue eyes… and now, standing this close to

him, even the same build.

"You know," Alec said, gesturing toward the men's room, "fifteen years ago and I was you in there."

"What?" Chad said, confused.

"Not with Mac… but with another like him."

"I don't understand."

"Give it time. You'll figure it out."

Alec left him with a puzzled expression and went back out into the bar.

The crowd had thinned a little more, but not much. He could see Mac speaking with Demarco

midway down the length of the bar. Both had glanced to see him emerging from the kitchen door. Alec weaved through gyrating men more aggressively while Crystal Waters sang100% Pure Love. He was ready to be gone and he could see from the distance that Demarco was already standing.

Mac stepped up to him. "I can explain."

"Not necessary," said Alec. "I don't need to behandled."

Demarco held up Alec's coat so that he could slip into it, all the while giving Mac good glare.

They left him standing there at the bar, completely still in a sea of churning men.

Outside it was cold. They walked briskly, instinctively to the Dupont Circle Metro station,

though neither knew where they were going. The November air was brisk, but nowhere near as frigid

as Alec's head-space felt right now. Demarco drifted back, leaving him a few steps ahead and alone to his thoughts… though he wasdyingto know the details.

After the first block, Alec turned and spoke. "I should have known."

"I was expecting a beefier cliché."

"How about a tiger never changes his stripes… a leopard his spots… a wolf his coat? Do any

of those suit you?"

"Never battle a writer with words."

"I'm sorry, D. It's not your fault. You told me last time and I should have listened."

Demarco said nothing.

"And the time before," Alec added, voice wavering just a tinge.

Demarco held out his arms and Alec collapsed into them. The hug was the easiest thing to offer,

the scenario all too familiar.

Moments later, Alec composed himself and they continued walking, silent. When Alec spoke