Check, please!

“What is it about me? Is it the way I dress? Is it because I haven’t shaved in several days?” Alex scratches along his jaw, blunt fingers against sharp stubble.Across the booth, Liam appraises him, the urge to poke fun long gone. After several weeks, it’s become clear how much this bothers his best friend.Alex’s scruff is a little unruly, longer than he usually allows it to get. The third year of law school does that to a man. Just like medical school has resulted in Liam picking at his nails, leaving them chipped and brittle. He hasn’t seen his manicurist in weeks.But no, Alex’s beard isn’t the issue here. Liam’s own full and luscious (if he does say so himself) beard is proof enough of that.“Your facial hair has nothing to do with people assuming you're a top.”