on the edge of reasoning

 "Man, what's got you so down?" Roman wanted to know. They would soon be free from the coffee shop and he wanted to hang out with Kyle, but from the looks of it that wasn't happening. Kyle looked so sad, but he went through the motions at work. He was on every order that was given to him.

"I'd rather not say," he said barely above a breath. He was straight-lipped and looked as if he was in need of sleep.

"Hey, the kid's not even here yet and you look like shit, bro?" Roman summed it up. 

Kyle almost smiled but he closed his eyes as if he might fall into a deep sleep.

"What the fuck is up?" Roman kept looking at him as if he could sleep on his couch all afternoon if need be.

"Oh, you don't want to know," Kyle winced with a frown as he went to clean up.

"Why can't you tell me?"

"It's personal."

"How personal? Is the sex still good?" They were in the tight galley kitchen when Roman asked. 

Kyle turned from him and put his hand to his forehead to see if he had a fever and then smiled, almost shaking in laughter.

"Is that all you think about?" Kyle turned back to ask.

"All the time." Roman shot back. "It's like a vitamin every day, but sometimes, I might need it twice." Roman grinned.

"This is not about sex," Kyle shook his head, no.

"Then what is it?" Roman looked at him as if he better spill. The new crew came in. There was a break at the window and the counter. They took off their aprons and name tags and went out the back way.

Kyle pushed the dark bangs back and started to walk on without Roman but then stopped and turned back to Roman.

"I..I guess things are a lot different with Hope..than I thought." He pressed his lips tight as he stuck the tips of his fingers into the front pockets of his faded jeans.

"How so?" Roman couldn't think it could be so bad for Hope who looked to be from a good family. After all, she was quite smart. She could probably have any job with her study skills.

"Her step-dad beat her when she was in high school."

"What?" Roman squinted hard. That was unheard of in the burbs or so he thought.

"She can't go home. She won't go home." Kyle told him.

"Wow, that's some serious shit," Roman shook his head. He felt bad for both of them. "At least she's got you."

Kyle nodded, but looked so stressed.

Roman shook his head and then said, "At least you know."

Kyle nodded. Roman gave him a slap on the back. "Well, if there is anyone up for this job..it's you."