“You need a vacation, Thomas.”
Blinking, Thomas looked away from the view of Central Park to face his friend and boss. Where Thomas was fair and blonde, Carlos was dark and brunette. His smile was infectious, but, sadly he was straight. “Get out of the city for a while,” continued Carlos.
“Please tell me you didn’t sign me up for some Gay Cruise of the Azores or something,” said Thomas, sipping his drink.
“No.”
“Tinder?”
Carlos laughed. “No my friend. What I have is a week booked in Vermont with your name on it.”
“Seriously?” Thomas shook his head. “It’s fall. It’ll be asses and elbows.”
“No ifs, ands or buts. You’re leaving tomorrow, so after you finish your drink I suggest you go home and pack.”
Thomas rolled his eyes. “So if I show up for work tomorrow you’re going to fire me?”
“I might.” Carlos looked at him. “You haven’t taken a vacation in almost two years. You work too hard. It won’t bring him back.”
Sighing, Thomas finished his drink. “I know. I’ve dated a little, but, well, it isn’t the same.”
“Of course it’s not. But he wouldn’t want you to work yourself to an early grave either. So take the ticket, go to Vermont, and forget all this exists for a while. If I have to, I’ll confiscate your cell phone…”
