“How could I resist when you so eloquently articulate the necessity of Mercurtio’s role in the plot?” Anthony shoots back without missing a beat, a curve of a smile on his lips. He is purposefully avoiding the point Gabriel is trying to make, but that is something Anthony excels at.

Gabriel’s next comment makes Anthony’s chest tight. He doesn’t trust himself to speak for a moment. Instead, he finishes his cigarette.

“How about that drink, then?"