Free Of Love and Corn Dogs by Parker Williams Page A

on, he pulled up his online bank statement and grimaced. He’d have enough money for this month, but once he paid the bills, his student loans, and rent, there wouldn’t be much there for those pesky incidentals, like food. He had to find a job and soon.
    He had just put his phone away when he heard the tone that indicated a voice message. He slipped it out of his pocket and saw he had missed a call from Darwin. His heart leapt just a little bit. He had waited to see if the man would call, but wasn’t sure what proper protocol was after their not-quite-a-date. Call and invite Darwin out? Wait to see if Darwin called him? He groaned. It was like high school all over again. Maybe it would be easier to write a note with ‘ Do you like me? ’ and checkboxes for yes or no.
    He listened to the message, smiled, and put the phone away. He wiped the sweat from his brow, sighed as he looked up, hoping to see a few rainclouds that might bring some much needed relief from the heat. Of course, not a cloud in the sky. The sun beat down, heating everything to well past the ninety degrees his phone claimed it was. He started the long twelve-block walk to his apartment. After the first two blocks, he had to peel off the suit coat and long-sleeve shirt he’d worn in hopes of getting an interview. His T-shirt dripped with sweat and he thought about taking that off, too, but he figured he’d wait until he got home and strip off in the privacy of his room. At least then he could sit in front of the tiny air conditioner in the bedroom, where he would then pretend it wasn’t really that hot.
    Stepping into his place, he caught sight of Merlin sprawled out on Ricky’s favorite chair, on his back, legs spread in the near sweltering heat. He scooped the kitten into his arms, then strode off to the bedroom where he closed the door, then cranked the small AC unit he’d found in a thrift store as high as he could. He put Merlin on the bed, then grinned as the cat jumped on the machine and stretched across the vent.
    â€œSorry, buddy. I know it’s hot. It’s supposed to cool off next week. I know that doesn’t help now, though. When I go out tomorrow, I’ll leave the air on so you can try to stay comfortable.” Ricky groaned at the thought of his electric bill, but he refused to leave Merlin in an apartment that would probably be a few degrees warmer than outside.
    Stripping off his clothes, Ricky trudged to the bathroom and turned on the shower. He stepped beneath the cool jets of water, grateful for even that little bit of relief. After toweling off, he joined Merlin in the bedroom, stretched out naked on the bed, and sighed. The little AC unit didn’t put out much cool air, but almost anything was better than being outside. At least coming home had been a welcome relief.
    He rolled to his side and reached into the pocket of his discarded pants to pull out his phone. He listened to Darwin’s message again, chuckling at how nervous he sounded.
    â€œWhat do you think, Mer? Should I call him back or make him sweat it out?”
    The cat gave a soft meow.
    â€œYeah, that’s what I thought, too.”
    He dialed the number, then gave a soft whimper when it went to voice mail.
    â€œHey, it’s Ricky. I see we’re playing phone tag, so I guess this means you’re it. Talk to you later.”
    He hung up, put the phone on the nightstand, and closed his eyes, wishing he and Merlin could be in Alaska right now.
    ***
    As the car pulled out of the tunnel, Darwin’s phone beeped. He dropped it once before he could get a good grip on it. When he saw Ricky’s name, heat rushed through him.
    â€œDamn,” Darwin cursed. “I missed his call!”
    â€œOkay, so you call him back. It’s not a big deal, Dare. Why are you so nervous about this?”
    â€œIt’s been a few years,” he snapped. “I’m out of practice.”
    â€œAnd right now,