The Greatest Lie Part 3

" "I’m so sorry, I had never had a final like that, with so much to cover. I just ran out of time" "It’s really not fair, you’re so much younger than the other students. Your other answers were wonderful, but this one was for the most points, and it was not good." "If only I could have had more time." "Maybe you can. Come over to my place tonight."

I was pleased Jon was taking such a great interest in me. Was it my mind, or my body, I wondered? I re-read my notes Orlando, and freshened up. If he going prepared to give me another half hour on the exam, I would gladly give him a half hour he would never forget.

Jon had my exam book, partly marked up, but not graded. I sat at his kitchen table and he gave me the test and set a timer for a half hour. I sat down and wrote a brilliant essay, as he paced the room and watched me. When the half-hour was up, he took back the exam. "I’ll read and grade that tomorrow," he said. "Now, let’s relax," he said as he put on a Tracy Chapman CD and produced a joint and a bottle of Chianti. I hadn’t had a drink or gotten high for months, and I soon had a pleasant buzz. My inhibitions had receded, but not my preoccupation with my performance on the exam.

I got up to pee, and checked myself in his bathroom mirror. Even slightly buzzed, I looked really good. I had on this totally subtle makeup. I added some shadow, mascara and gloss, looked at myself again, and decided I looked gorgeous. I mouthed "Good luck" to my reflection, returned to the couch where Jon relaxed, and boldly sat in his lap and threw an arm around his shoulder. He looked pleasantly surprised. I made close eye contact and asked "Jon, remember the first day we met and you asked if I were gay?" He nodded. "Well, I’m not. But I’m not straight either, and I am so mixed up about myself." I batted moist eyes in his, looking confused and vulnerable.