One of these days

 "We need to have a party or something," Deano reminded Roman that Halloween was coming. "We could have it at your place."

"Nope, not gonna," he said he wasn't feeling it. After all, he'd started this semester getting his training in radiology. After all, he lived with his Aunt and LaLa and they were always on his back about finishing up his courses. He might be quitting the Coffee Shop soon.

"Roman, you look like hell, what's going on?" Deano gave him a miserable wink. He was so close to telling him about Levi's whereabouts, but then he knew that might not give Roman exactly what he needed either. 

"I am fine." But that bottom lip of his was just a little too pouty. Roman went to get Deano some refreshment. Of course, a few minutes later after having a lime beer with Roman, Deano was sure they'd crash together on the couch.

"Remember the time you dressed up like Michael Jackson from Thriller?"

"No."

"What is wrong with you, man?"

"I'm a serious grownup now," Roman said as he finished off his beer and went for another.

"But you sure aren't drinking like one," Deano smiled. Of course, Roman brought him another too. They drank while being mesmerized by a local soccer game on TV. Naturally, they said they'd go to the next game when the team was in town. But Deano knew they'd never pay that kind of price for entertainment. After all, they were still college students.

"Look," Deano finally asked. "What would you do if you knew Mr. Wonderful was back?"

"What?" Roman looked at him with a wince. "Who are you talking about?"

"Jesus, you don't know?" Deano cracked up. "Levi, of course."

"Levi?" Roman squinted harder but acted as if he was really into soccer now. "I'd have to let him make the first move."

Deano shook his head no. This love story was never gonna happen.