Even Respect

"So," he said. He was basically a child. "What happens now?"

"What do you want to happen now?" She was nice, lovely even, and treating him with what felt like respect. Respect even.

He didn't want to answer right away. "Does it happen where they just want to talk? I've seen that in movies. Where they sit and talk and nothing happens."

His innocence brushed her back. "Yes," she told him. "Sometimes that happens. Sometimes they just want to talk."

"What about?" he asked.

"Anything really. Mostly work and wives, wives and work."

He smiled. "Just like in the movies." She smiled back. There was some small laughter. She was enjoying herself. Him. "That's a relief."

"Why?" she asked.

"I'm glad there are still men like that." He stood, and turned quieter. She was there on the bedspread, and he felt insane. "Undress."