“Please, Joe. Stay.” Alan sat on the edge of the couch as I dressed.
“Alan, I have a train to catch and I still have to get back to the hotel and pack.”
“I don’t mean for another day or so. Move to New York with me.”
“Alan.” I stopped with my pants halfway up my legs at his proposition. “You don’t know how tempting it is, to just not go back.” I pulled my pants up. “Unfortunately, I have a job, a house, and a little dog waiting for me back home. I can’t ignore all that.” I grabbed his hands and pulled him toward me. I kissed him and smiled.
“I just don’t want you to leave.”
“I don’t either, but I don’t have a choice at the moment. Please, understand it’s not you. There’s nothing I would rather do than just to say the hell with everything and stay, but it’s just not the right time.” I
