The Tables Have Turned

Addock swallowed. This had been a horrible idea.

"Ah, touchy subject, I get it. Well, never mind, I was being nosy. Sorry."

He took a deep, shaky breath.

"...Are you implying something about my character? Because my father shaped nothing about me. That man is worthless--I don't hate him, I just feel nothing. Do you understand? I'm not some girl with daddy issues dancing on a pole and awaiting your pity--I'm a fucking grown-ass man and a fucking brilliant defense attorney."

"...Stephen, I'm sorry for bringing it up. Okay?" he said softly.

There was a long silence.

"Just don't bring it up again, okay? Let's...let's talk about something else.

"What the fuck're you doing for Christmas, anyway?"

"Well...I plan on visiting my mom and dad's house and spending the rest of it watching reruns of Christmas movies with my dogs, since, well, I'm single right now and don't have a boyfriend to snuggle up to," he shrugged. "Pretty typical for me."

"That sounds fucking boring," he replied, though there wasn't much heart in it. "I'm sure whatever I do will be more interesting than that shit."

"You know, if you'll be alone Christmas night, you could come over and join me for movies," Addock suggested gently.

"Why, you need someone to pretend to be your boyfriend? Your parents gonna grill you or something?" He laughed, regaining his good mood. "Or is it your dog who's gonna judge?"

"Haha, no, quite the opposite. It's much better if I don't bring a boyfriend home to them," he laughed although it was somewhat less enthusiastic than it should have been. "No, Maggie much prefers it when I'm with her alone. She doesn't like most other men."

"Then what the hell do you need me for?" he asked, genuinely confused.

"I don't need you, I just thought you might want to spend Christmas with someone. It sounds like you don't usually, so...if you want to, I won't be doing anything special," he ventured, turning towards Stephen.

He snorted, rolling his eyes. "You saying I need you, then? As if. The last time you got involved in my affairs, I lost my job." Despite his strong words, he didn't sound angry.

"Ah, well...it's fine if you don't want to," he replied simply.

"I'll think about it," he mumbled, not meeting Addock's eyes. "You know, if I get bored out of my mind, or something."

Addock smiled despite himself. "Yes, if you get bored, come on over. You know the address."

He cleared his throat, anxious to change the subject. "So, uh...what kind of girls do you like? Redheads, brunettes?..."

"Girls?" Addock replied incredulously. "Hardly. You know I'm not interested in women. Besides, as far as I'm concerned, hair color doesn't matter. Obviously."

"Right, right," he said, rolling his eyes. "Forgot you're a fucking homo. What kind of men you like, I guess?"

"Stephen, I enjoy the effort, but I'm hardly in the mood to take home a stranger tonight," he replied honestly. "I'd much rather enjoy a quiet night of drinking."

"Well, what, do you wanna just go to my house, then?" he asked, wrinkling his nose. "I mean, I suppose we can...I thought you wanted to party, was all."

"Well, I do, but...I'd also prefer someplace quiet. Perhaps your house is the better option?"

He sighed deeply and turned the car around.

"Whatever you say, princess--I do have a pretty nice liquor cabinet."

"Thank you, Stephen," he said genuinely. He smiled at Stephen. "So, what's your drink of choice? Personally I like wine."

"Oh, I am not picky," he laughed. "If I'm feeling classy, whiskey is the drink of choice, but I've certainly indulged in...less classy substances, we'll say."

"Whiskey is good. Rum is more my flavor, though," he shrugged. "We can drink whatever you'd like."