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bar for that. Although, he had to admit, the foot massage felt amazing.
    “It’s movie night, man. Want to join us?” William asked Sterling.
    Sterling watched as his father fiddled with the remote control and then handed it over to Alex to work. “Dad? You’re watching TV?”
    “Yes. Alex enjoys movies and I’ve started watching them with her. Yesterday we watched a chick flick, which I didn’t care for, so tonight Alex picked out something called an action drama. The title of the movie is ‘Die Hard.’”
    Sterling cocked an eyebrow. “Weird title. Is the movie about a man who dies with an erection?”
    “Don’t be silly.” Alex laughed. “It’s about a group of terrorists who destroy a building during a Christmas party. Most men love it.”
    “The title sounds like porn to me.” Sterling checked his watch and realized it was still too early to meet his friends. “I’m fine if you want to start the movie.” Yawning, he added, “I’ll watch a little of it.”
    Sterling had no interest in the movie, but had to admit it had good action, and therefore rated high on his shortlist of enjoyable movies. He sprawled out on the couch, his head in Sulie’s lap as she massaged his temple. He watched the others in the room and realized, once again, how lonely he was. Christ, the only women that ever mattered to him were in this room, and they were either taken or related to him.
    He still had a headache. Having another empty sexual encounter was the last thing Sterling ever wanted again in his life. Swearing off women was not an option, although appealing, considering the women he usually bedded. How did men find quality women in the first place?
    The next thing Sterling knew was the sound of the dogs barking and Sulie saying, “He just went to sleep, too.”
    The alarm system sounded announcing someone else was home. Sterling’s head pounded too much to get up and turn around to see who it was, but he recognized the voice as the man said, “Good evening, all.” Dixon, the soon to be ex–Colony Director, had arrived. “Sorry I’m late for the movie, but I’ve seen this action film dozens of times.” He scanned the room and his eyes rested on Sterling. “Sterling, you okay?”
    Even though Dixon and Sulie were not dating, they seemed always to be paired up. Now there were three couples in the room and Sterling. Not wanting to be a seventh wheel, he got off the couch. “I’m fine, Dixon. Have a seat. I was just leaving.”
    “You’re still in pain Sterling, sit back down.” Sulie protested.
    “Once again, thank you for the healing. I need to go out and find the rest of the cure though.” He removed himself from the couch and gathered his clothes without looking at his father. To Raymond’s credit, the man hardly ever criticized Sterling’s cavalier love life when Sterling’s pain level was high. But now, with the pain a bit subsided, the man took his opportunity as he followed Sterling to his car.
    “A wife could ease your pain,” he began. “You need someone by your side – to help you. It’s what I’ve been telling you your whole life, son.”
    Sterling took a deep breath and looked at his father. “You don’t understand me. It’s not that I want …”
    Raymond’s face hardened as he interrupted. “I understand that going after prostitutes and easy women won’t find you happiness.”
    Sterling looked away from his father and shook his head. “Whatever.”
    When he opened the car door, and got inside, his father quickly added, “Paying for the cure … it isn’t right.”

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    After compelling a man out of a choice parking spot, Sterling entered McGreggers Bar. To Sterling, the hole–in–the wall dive always seemed modest, homey, and with a charm all its own. Thankfully the dim lighting didn’t hurt Sterling’s eyes too much. His Colony buddies had already arrived, and they would help him find the remedy he needed. Daniel sat in a booth talking to a redhead,