I employed two beta readers: The female understood my purpose, while the male missed it entirely.

Are you representative of your gender?

“Cold Shower”

By Joseph Manno

In hindsight, I suppose it was bound to happen.

I’d been spending a lot of time in Cicero’s quarters, at all hours and in any room that suited me. I know how that sounds, but I’d simply felt welcome. There was, then, nothing between us.

This time, though, I barged in while he was stepping out—of the shower.

Now I’ve seen more men, more excited, than anyone I know, but… this was different.

He was composed, and… at rest. He politely excused himself.

Perhaps this doesn’t make any sense, but… it was the most erotic thing I’d ever seen.