Quest

So he had 5 contacts on his phone. I believe one was 'Sweet Pea'. He sat next to me as soon as he could. After an hour of our talking, when he left to smoke a cigarette, I heard someone behind us say 'that guy is coming back, isn't he?' voice hoping. He said he was half black, half white, but that was a logical lie and didn't fit his eyes. His face kept just to the proper side of duress, like he saw exactly as much sun, smoke, and late night as necessary in a constant pattern. After an hour of talking to him, I understood how he kept himself in check so well. I'm not going to explain how I got to talk to him.

I have to ask you though, he said. Don't get scared now and put up your wall. I'm not going to try to kiss you, (silly) as he leaned in almost too close and looked right into my eyes. Why'd you do it? During a phone call, sitting there in calf-hiked sweats with a Southern Gentleman's drawl and the lean for an expensive jacket, he said the plantation was going to be big enough. Hanging up, was any part of that too much? That's a good smile, but don't use it now. Cute... kind of. A touch, for immediate details. I don't know why he expected me to have a good answer, but maybe that is part of the secret anyway.

4 hours later we were holding hands. Are you shocked, he asked, nodding toward a pair of men working on each other's hair. At each other's throats like that, his voice snapped. The fighting is going to start. But there's nothing wrong with feeling good now is there? There is something wrong with it. That's what I'm hearing from all sides, there's something with it, what do you say about that?
You might have to tell me what to say to that.
Those eyes... why don't you be the man.
You haven't been listening for that.
Deep, checking my face for upset. You're kidding me? He looked across at his hand being held. It's alright to be in the comfort zone for a little while, isn't it? I'm not even attracted to you, honestly.
Are you asking if we're going to stay in touch?
In 2 and a half weeks. That sounds right, I nodded. I was scared when he left, but it didn't go badly then.