Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 6

precious, Raul," Esteban said vehemently.
    "Yes, easy to say when you're not paying child support plus alimony," Raul accused.
    "Well, you should have thought before acting, you know."
    Raul defended himself. "I did, I always use protection, that day was an exception."
    "That day could end up being a disaster. Your penchant for young women is a disgrace, Raul."
    "Much better than having it for men, don't you think?" Raul said snidely.
    "What are you saying?"
    Raul held his hands up as if to say, I give up. "You know what, Esteban, you shouldn't get involved in our problems. Diego and I will sort this one out."
    There was a silence and Javier looked up, Esteban had walked away from Raul and stood in front of the panoramic windows for a few seconds before he turned around resolute, and told Javier, "Get your stuff, we're out of here."
    Surprised, Javier stood, but before he could move, Raul walked up to where Esteban was and said, "I'm sorry for yelling at you, but this is the most difficult thing I have ever gone through, not even my divorce was this complicated."
    "Why? Because you're going to be a father again? I see no complication there, besides, it could be the baby girl you've always wanted. Do you still want to kill her?"
    "All right, I won't talk about abortion anymore," Raul conceded.
    "Good. And you're going to find a way to work things out with Diego too."
    "Ah, that doesn't depend on me, you know how he is."
    "I'll talk with him, and you guys better come up with a good explanation why the both of you are having the same baby."
    Raul shook his head. "That sounds wrong Esteban."
    "Wrong is what Mom will say if she hears this story."
    "Oh, no, you can't let Diego tell her until we know who the father is."
    "Okay, but you better start apologizing to the baby's mother," Esteban informed him.
    "I've never been good at that," Raul admitted, and Esteban smiled."Then it's never too late to learn."
    "Fine, I'll send her some flowers with a card. Now, I better get ready, I'm going to be late."
    Raul headed for the hall and from there he turned around and asked Esteban, "Can you do some coffee for me while I take a shower please?"
    For a second Javier thought Esteban was going to refuse, but he walked to the kitchen. Javier followed him silently, and watched while Esteban looked around the room checking where things were.
    "Javier, are you hungry? I'm going to cook some pasta."
    "You know how to cook?"
    "Yes, the essential stuff."
    Javier wanted to tell him something, but wasn't sure if it was another wrong comment. After a while, Esteban looked back at him and asked, "What is it?"
    "Esteban, I have a theory about why Diego got involved in that whole mess."
    "You know why?" Esteban was curious.
    "Well, not exactly why, but I think I know the reason he was able to perform with that girl."
    "I'm listening." Esteban said encouragingly.
    Javier lowered his voice.
    "Because Raul was in the room, probably in the same bed?"
    Esteban looked at him in astonishment. "Do you think?"
    "Uh-huh," Javier affirmed.
    "I can't believe what sex does to people, it's amazing how far some would go for pleasure." Esteban shook his head in amazement.
    "Well, maybe you should try it so you can sympathize."
    Again, Javier regretted talking, but there was something in Esteban that urged him to be daring. When Esteban ignored the comment and turned around to set the coffeemaker, Javier wished he were not HIV positive, so he could seduce him. He smiled at that thought, because he'd always been seduced. He'd never taken the initiative with anyone. Maybe with someone with limited experience he wouldn't mind.
    "How virgin are you?" Javier boldly asked.
    Esteban set the coffee can on the counter with extra strength and turned around. When Javier saw Esteban's mouth drop half open in shock, he decided not to back down, no matter what. There were so many things they could do without putting him at risk.
    "What are you asking, Javier?"
    Before he could answer, Raul entered the kitchen, and asked, "Esteban, did you call Mom?"
    "No. I forgot, I'm calling her right now." Then Esteban squinted at Javier and shook his head before heading for the living room. Raul served himself coffee after offering Javier some, which he turned down.
    Raul sipped a few times, and standing next to Javier whispered, "You like Esteban, right?"
    "Yes, he has been very kind to me."
    "Maybe you can return the favor. He will be back to the church in a few days if something dramatic