FROM "His Scar"

We sit at a table and the conversation is really pleasant, so nice that unusually I move my hair away from my face twice without even realizing.

“You should do that more often,” Charlie murmurs, leaning a hand on my arm.

“I don’t think I’m ready. I can’t stop thinking it must be a bit ... horrifying.”

“You see it like that. Listen, Ryan. Obviously, people can see it. And it’s natural they might stiffen for a second when they notice it. But I can tell you it isn’t because of scorn or disgust. It’s because the first thing you think is that something bad happened ... and you feel speechless. I mean, you feel sorry.”

I look at Charlie and feel deeply touched. I squeeze the hand she leaned on my arm and tilt my head sideways.

“Thanks, Charlie,” I whisper, smiling.

“And above all, yes, it’s true you have a scar, but there’s a guy staring at you.”

Suddenly I raise my head, surprised. “What?”

Charlene nods her head to my right and I turn, gazing around, trying to figure out who’s looking at me.

I immediately understand as soon as I see a mass of honey-blond curls. Sean. I blink and move my hand up from the table to greet him. Sean smiles and lifts his glass.

And a second later I yelp in pain because Charlie’s nails dig into my arm.

“Do you know him?” she mouths excitedly. She seems shocked and ready to explode.

“Well, yes. He is ... he works near the library.”

“But do you see how he looks at you? Ohhh, you have to invite him over to join us!”

“Did you hit the beer tap before sitting down? No way!”

“But he’s so nice! Look at that cute face!”

“Charlie ... ”

“Mmm, and those thick lips ...”

“Charlie.”

“And how soft his hair must be!”

“CHARLIE!” I scream this time, causing her and Frank to both jump. Immediately I lower my voice and move closer to my friend. “Number one, I don’t know him that well. Number two, I’m not exactly single. Number three, I don’t even know if he’s interested in me. I don’t even know if he’s gay!” I keep my voice low, almost conspiratorial.

Charlie looks at me, showing she understands, and nods like I’m a small child. “Honey ... number one, you don’t need to know what size underwear he wears to invite him over to our table. Number two, single or not, I don’t expect you to have sex on the table in front of us. It’s a public place, in case you didn’t notice. Number three, trust me, love. The way he looks at you, he’s gay and he’s interested in you. You know, if his eyelashes had hands, you would be naked right now.”

I look at my friend as if she’s an alien. I will never get used to the way she can floor me.

“Sorry, but what am I supposed to do about it?” I murmur, shaking my head. “I don’t think ...”

I haven’t even finished my sentence when, to my horror, I see Charlie standing up and heading towards Sean. I give Frank an imploring look, but he only shrugs.

“This is between you and her,” he says, lifting his hands with half a smile.

“But she’s your wife!” I look over at Charlie who’s now talking to Sean.

“I know, but I love her for what she is.” Frank chuckles, crossing his hands over his belly.

“I do, too,” I whisper, my voice trembling when I see her coming back with Sean.

Oh my, and now?

“Hi!” the Irishman says with his usual funny, almost adorable smile.

“Hi,” I answer, having a little coughing fit.

“Can I?” Sean asks, taking a stool.

“Well, if I said no, that would be rude,” I murmur.

For an instant I’m afraid Charlie’s going to slap me. Frank looks at me with little sympathy while Sean stands there with the stool, not moving.

“Oh. I’m sorry. Charlene told me ... nothing. I don’t want to disturb you,” he sputters, putting the stool back in its place, getting ready to walk away.

I know I have to do something. Every time it comes to Sean, I say something terrible, and I feel bad about it.

“Hey!” I call him back, reaching out my hand. “I’m sorry. C’mon, sit down ... I have a bad temper, I know. I promise I’ll try not to insult you for the rest of the night.” This wasn’t much better, but at least it was a start.