"So... your roommate seems like a great guy," Rebecca said over the terrific salad we were sharing at my favorite bistro.

I choked on the cracked pepper and took a gulp of the flawless Cabernet. I wondered why we had ordered wine with lunch since I knew I'd fall asleep at my desk by around three o'clock.

But I guess the two of us just wanted to be bad. To cut loose. To be naughty.

"Yeah... me and Andrew go way back."

"How did you two meet?" she asked.

What the hell was I going to say? Damn it! Why had Andrew just shown up today? I told him never to do that-- to surprise me like that. I knew he suspected something between me and Rebecca, and I had to do something to stop it.

"Rebecca... Drew's gay."

"Yeah... so?"

"Well, Drew is... he's attracted to me. I didn't know this till I asked him to move in. Before I got the job at Granville, I was a little paranoid about money and thought I should get a roommate till I figured out my finances. I like Drew as a friend-- I mean, I have no problem with him being gay... as long as... he keeps to himself.

Rebecca sipped some wine and asked, "Eric, I'm fine with gay people. Why are you so defensive?"

Damn, she was perceptive.

"I just... I just don't want people to think there's anything going on with him and I... I mean, his coming to the office out of the blue... it makes me feel uncomfortable."

"Do you think he'd ever go further? Make a pass or actually get physical?"

I shook my head no. Man, I was nervous so I tried to change the subject. But Rebecca would have none of it-- she was enjoying my struggle.

"Eric, don't be embarrassed. I think it's great you're so open and I think it's nice you have a gay roommate. It just shows how secure you are with your own sexuality. I have to say though, I don't know how you keep your hands off him. Drew's so cute."

I froze. "What?" I asked. I wasn't hearing this.

"I mean, if he were my roommate, I think I'd probably attack him. But I've always been attracted to his type, you know, swimmers build... does he swim?"

I told her he did and she oooh'ed and ahhhhh'ed. Suddenly, I got jealous. I asked for the check and told Rebecca I had to go. I couldn't believe it, I thought she was interested in me -- but by the way she was going on about Andrew...

"Jealous?" she asked, smiling.

"A little," I pouted.

"Don't worry, Eric. You're my favorite."

I couldn't help but smile.