Page 61 of The Build-a-Boyfriend Project

“Yeah, I mean, I guess I love them. My dad used to take me to the theater at least once a week when I was growing up. We lived on Balboa, a block away from the theater, and they played a ton of classics, plus some bigger new stuff.”

“That sounds really nice, actually.”

“He thought it was important to see whatever we could on the big screen. He’d say, ‘The TV is fine, but the theater is really where you want to be!’ like an old Hollywood guy.”

“Did he work in movies or something?”

“Nah, he taught at the college. English. He just always had a love for film.”

“Do you still do the movie thing with him? Now that you’re older?”

“Well, that’d be pretty hard since he’s dead.”

Peter brakes fast to avoid hitting the car in front of him, earning an aggressive honk from the car behind them. “Oh, God! Eli, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!”

“Why?”

“Because I asked about your dad, and he’s dead, and . . .” Peter pauses. “I don’t know, I’m just sorry.”

“But you couldn’t have known—this is literally the first time I’ve brought my dad up.”

“I know, but . . .”

“But . . .” Eli urges. He wants Peter to see the uselessness of constantly apologizing for something that couldn’t possibly be his fault.

“B-but . . .” Peter stammers. “Nothing. I’m sorry.”

“I’m going to have to start charging you for all these apologies. Only people from the Bay Area are allowed to say sorry as much as you do.”

“I’ll have to Venmo you,” Peter says, changing lanes to avoid the bus ahead of them.

“Just buy dinner next time.”

“Speaking of, do you have any ideas for our next ‘date’?” Peter asks.

“That eager?”

“I mean, I like spending time with you,” Peter admits. “And these dates have been pretty fun. In case you haven’t noticed, I don’t get out very often. I don’t have many friends. Actually . . . I don’t have any friends.”

Eli can’t help but smile at the man. There’s something so earnest about Peter, so . . . sweet.

“What about the people at the gym?” Eli asks. “They seemed to like you.”

“Yeah, but they aren’t my friends. They’re just being nice because I go to the gym.”

Eli wants to press, but he isn’t quite sure how. Then he figures maybe it’s best to leave Peter alone, at least for the time being.

“Well, you know, if you’d like to be friends after this is done, I wouldn’t object,” he says without thinking. It’s not like it’d be a conflict of interest, and the time he’s spent with Peter has been fun.

“Yeah?”

“Yes, Peter. I would.” Eli smiles at him.

“Thanks, Eli,” Peter says just as they pull up in front of Eli’s building.

“And another thing?” Eli continues.

“Yes?”