That Way Madness Lies: XV of Shakespeare's Most Notable Works Reimagined

by Dahlia Adler

“If you can afford to pay back a loan with interest, then why don’t you just lend Sebastian the money?” “Well, I don’t have the money right now. But I will. I’ll get it.” It’s then that Shai understands: he is in the position of power. It’s a position he’s never once held over Antonio Devenzano, and it’s exhilarating and daunting and makes his mind race with possibilities. His heart pounds as he tests out this theory, sliding out from under Tony’s grip and facing him. It requires tilting his head up, confronting for the millionth time the fact that Tony looks like he could crush him with one hand and eat him for breakfast with room for a couple of waffles left over. But Tony doesn’t grab him back, doesn’t threaten him. He can’t, if he expects any cooperation. For the first time between them, size doesn’t matter. And even though Shai knows he should tell Tony to eff off, that he doesn’t have the money and that he and Bas will have to go squeeze someone else for cash, he can’t bring himself to say the words. This is the kind of control he’s dreamed of for years. And while he knows there’s no way in hell Tony would respect any kind of financial arrangement, it occurs to him that maybe there’s a way to take this power a little further. He conjures a silent prayer for the bar mitzvah money he’s been stashing away for college, for the favors he’ll have to call in for the plan taking a messy shape in his brain, and says, “Okay.” Tony’s eyes widen in surprise, and it makes Shai fe...