In the Silks by Lisa Wilde

know?”
    “Here we go fellas. App sampler and two beers,” the waitress said, putting the food down and handing them their beers.
    Saved by some hot wings.
    Henry didn’t want to answer Ryan’s question. What was he supposed to say without sounding like a flighty little girl with a crush? They picked off the platter for the next few minutes and worked on their drinks.
    “So, Henry what about you? What are you doing with yourself now? You were going to law school, right?”
    Henry nodded, wiping his fingers on his napkin. “Yes, I was going, but that changed. I’m a juvenile probation officer.”
    “Wow, that must be a tough job,” Ryan said, dipping a celery stick in some bleu cheese and chomping on it.
    “Yeah, it has its bad and good, I enjoy it though,” Henry said. He picked up his beer and finished it off. He wanted another, but he knew he may start to get a bit too relaxed if he did that.
    They talked about their jobs while they finished off the food. Ryan seemed truly interested in what Henry did, and that was refreshing. Henry was fascinated by what Ryan did, what the schedule was like, all the travel. Ryan was clearly comfortable in front of an audience and very social. That contrasted with Henry’s own personality. So far neither of them had mentioned that night and he was okay with that. Henry wanted to ask about Ryan’s boyfriend but didn’t dare. Ryan didn’t volunteer the information either. When they were done and the check had come, they both pulled out their wallets. Henry put a hand out to stay Ryan when he reached into his. With the other hand, Henry grabbed up the folder with the bill in it. “I got it,” he said to Ryan.
    “Nah, come on at least let me pay half.”
    Henry shook his head at Ryan, pulled out a card from his wallet and slid it into the folder. He held it in his hand until the waitress came for it so that Ryan couldn’t try to grab it.
    “At least let me leave the tip,” Ryan said still holding his wallet in hand.
    “Okay, leave the tip.” Henry smiled at him.
    “You know Henry, this is the second time you’ve bought me a meal,” Ryan said.
    “Is it now?” Henry looked around for the waitress, tapping the folder against the table. He felt awkward. Ryan clearly wanted to bring up that night. Henry did too he guessed. But he had no idea where to start and what would happen if he did.
    “Yes, it is. I owe you.” Ryan pulled some cash out of his wallet and tossed it in the middle of the table.
    “No you don’t. My treat, it’s all good.” Where is that waitress?
    “I do. Listen, I’m having a sort of house warming party next weekend at my loft. You should come. You can eat and drink. You can bring a date it you want.” Ryan looked him straight in the eye when he said it.
    “Oh, sure, yeah that sounds great. I would love to. Thanks.”
    The fact that Ryan looked him in the eye when he said that Henry could bring a date was not missed. He just wasn’t sure what to say without sounding like an idiot. Ryan watched him for a minute, biting his lower lip and leaning in to the middle of the table. Arms crossed in front of him. It looked like he was waiting for Henry to say something. But he had no idea what. So he stayed silent. The waitress came and took the folder. Ryan broke the silence. “Okay, so I’ll text you my address then.”
    “Sounds good,” Henry got up from the table. Ryan followed suit. They walked to the door together and Ryan told Henry where his loft was but still offered to text him the address.
    “It was really great to see you, Henry. Thanks for getting in touch.” Ryan leaned in and caught Henry off guard by hugging him again. This time it lasted a few seconds longer than the last one. Not that he was counting seconds or anything.
    “It was great to see you too. I’m looking forward to the party.” Henry patted his back and pulled away. He was getting stirrings low in his gut again.
    “Yes, you better come.” Ryan winked at him and