Chapter 27
Standing outside of McKenny’s pool hall, Xavier tried not to pace, not to smoke, and not to fall apart at the seams. It was eight-fifteen, but Billy wasn’t here. He’d checked inside the bar twice already. No sign of him. What if Billy had changed his mind? He’d neglected Billy in the last month. Had been too self-absorbed again. Had he lost him?
When Xavier felt the weight of someone’s stare, he looked across the street.
Oh, there he was. The one and only.
Too moved to speak or even wave, Xavier watched Billy making his way to him. Had Billy always been this beautiful? And he was wearing that white jean shirt. His pastel blue Pepe jeans. That had to be a good sign.
Once on the sidewalk, Billy stopped and then took a few steps in Xavier’s direction. His eyes were lit and his
