Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #13 April 2015 | Page 36

for sex. I’ve never done it with a guy on crutches. You could help me cross the nurse fantasy off my bucket list.” “Aren’t you a little young for a bucket list? You’re not terminally ill, are you?” “If I said yes, would that get you into bed with me?” “Not a chance! I’m sure it would have been spectacular. It’s just that I have a lot on my plate right now. I told you once before that my school work is vitally important. It’s not more important than you, but you’re too important for only half my attention.” “I don’t understand.” She sighed. “Well, it was worth a try, anyway. I guess Janet’s lucky to have a guy like you in love with her. I kind of wish I’d found you first.” “When I do make love to you, I want to give you everything: heart, mind, and body. Maybe someday I’ll be allowed to tell you everything, and then you’ll understand why we couldn’t be lovers right now. I promise you that you have right of first refusal on my body.” Janet frowned when she saw me. “What are you doing here?” Janet laughed. “Spoken like a true lawyer. So what happens now?” “I invited him,” said Aimee. “Look, Janet, you don’t just let a guy like this get away. You need to talk it out.” “I pledge my love to you. I don’t have time for a girlfriend right now. You are the one I would choose if did.” “I guess as long as you’re here, you might as well come in.” Janet turned and walked back into the apartment. “What about Miss What’s-Her-Name?” “Uh, no.” “That’s the spirit! I’m outta here. Don’t forget to leave a hanger on the door if you’re going to have sex! I’ll check in on you guys later.” “You wouldn’t return my calls,” I said. I shrugged. “You’re never going to have to compete with her. Like I said, I’ll probably neve r see her again anyway. Even if I did, I still wouldn’t have time for a relationship right now. If I won’t sleep you, I certainly won’t sleep with a girl I don’t even know. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Aimee. She offered.” “I didn’t know what to say to you. I felt dirty. You must think I’m some kind of slut.” “She didn’t!” Janet looked surprised and shocked at first, then she started to laugh. “Of course she did. She probably mentioned her nurse fantasy, didn’t she?” “How would you know what I think, if you won’t talk to me?” “What, is there anything you won’t talk to each other about?” Janet shrugged. “I guess you got me, there. What do you think of me, then?” “No, not really. It’s a girl thing.” She hugged me tightly. “I believe you, Wayne.” I took Janet’s hand. “I love you. Make no mistake about that. I could never forgive myself if I had taken you to bed the other night.” “It’s the truth. If you’ll wait for me, I promise to be your lover after I graduate. I might ask you to marry me one day. But no matter what, I will always be your friend. I will always hold you in my heart, and I’ll be there for you. I promise to always love you.” “Would sleeping with me be that bad?” PAGE 36