Bucky was as tall and awkward as ever standing on the front step of Turkish’s condo. He reminded...

Bucky was as tall and awkward as ever standing on the front step of Turkish’s condo. He reminded Frankie of a big gangly overstuffed scarecrow. “Oh, hey,” he said, mild recognition flashing in his sleepy hazel eyes. “You’re that guy from the other night.”

Frankie assessed him suspiciously from the doorway, taking in his worn flannel shirt and baggy jeans with what he hoped was a neutral expression. “Yes. We spoke at the museum opening.”  His mouth felt dry and his stomach was swimming in far too much gin. The universe was trying to teach him something, but he was in no frame of mind to listen to it. “If you don’t mind me asking, what pray tell are you doing here?”

“I’m supposed to be picking up my sister?” He phrased it like a question and that confused Frankie for a moment.

“Are you asking me? Because I really wouldn’t know anything about that. Now if you cared to discuss what happened three years ago…” He paused, a tremor of mild shock running down his spine. “Jesus. Did I just say that out loud?”

SMOOOOTH