“I come bearing gifts,” Jim said the moment Alan let him into the apartment, just after six that evening.
“If it’s food, I’ll get down on bended knee to thank you,” Alan retorted.
Jim laughed. “Not necessary, although plates and silverware are. I am not eating out of Styrofoam carry-out boxes.” He set the bags down on the table at one side of the small living room then looked around. “Nice. I like your minimalistic decorating style.”
“Meaning the lack of pictures on the walls? I keep meaning to do something about that, but never seem to find anything I like enough to pay for.”
When Alan started toward the kitchen, Jim said, “Sit. You’ve just gotten out of the hospital. Tell me where to find everything and I’ll get it.”
“I can—”
“Can and will are two different things.” Jim eyed him, t
