Labor Day Weekend: A Deal of Cold Business

'Lewis,' Mark said with exasperation as he opened the door, 'what are you doing here? I told you I didn’t want to see you tonight.'

'And I told you I wanted to see you.' Lewis’s tongue was somewhat thick and he had difficulty focusing his eyes in the light.

'Oh, God, you’re drunk.

'Doesn’t make any difference. I want to see you.

'No. Not tonight. Go home. I’m not letting you in.' Mark stood firmly in the doorway.

'What the hell you mean, you son-of-a-bitch! Not going to let me in. This is my house.' Lewis shoved Mark backwards into the room and stepped through the door. 'Tell me not to come in, you son-of-a-bitch!'

'All right, Lewis,' Mark made an effort to control the anger in his voice, 'I’m not putting up with this. Now get out of here.'

'I’ll get out when I’m damn good and ready to get out.'

The two men stood near the door facing each other. Mark moved forward as though he were going to force Lewis out the door, but Lewis shoved him backwards again. Lewis was a big man, larger than Mark, and the force of the shove sent Mark stumbling backward several steps.

'I’m warning you, Lewis.

'You’re warning me! I am warning you. That’s the way it is. I’m the boss. I’m the one who says when and what.'

'Lewis,' Mark’s voice was softer calmer, 'remember last night? We talked, shook hands, remember? Remember what we agreed on?'

'I changed my mind. It’s not going to be that way.'

'Yes! Yes, it has to be that way.'

'Won’t hurt you any to--'

'That’s not the point.'

'I’ve got every right--'

'No, you do not! That’s just what I’ve been trying to tell you.'

Lewis stood looking at Mark for a moment, then said more quietly moving toward Mark. 'Let’s don’t fight . . . let’s be friends.'

'Fine with me, but it has to be my way.' Mark moved away as Lewis approached him.

'Let’s go in the bedroom . . . lie down. I’ll rub your back.' Lewis moved closer.

'No, Lewis. Not tonight. How many times do I have to tell you that?' Mark moved farther away.

'What’s the matter? You afraid of me?'

'No, I’m not afraid of you.' Mark stood still as Lewis moved up to him and started unbuttoning his shirt. 'Lewis . . .'

But Lewis ignored the warning. He finished unbuttoning the shirt, put his hand inside, and began stroking Mark’s side and stomach.