Page 28 of The Missing Ingredient

“The million-dollar question.”

“I’ve told you what I’m usually like. Everyone’s fair game. Dare me enough and I’d take that waiter over there into the toilets right now and blow him,” said Marcus, nodding at a young man serving a family of four.

“Heavens, you’re making me feel really special today.”

“But the thought of doing anything with Tom…. Well. I can’t even bring myself to think about it.”

“What? You don’t fancy him?”

“Of course I bloody fancy him.”

“Then I don’t see what the problem is.”

“Thatisthe problem. He’s as good as family, Dan. And not only was he horrified about having had those thoughts, he’s fundamentally straight.”

“Well, clearly that’s not the case. Sounds like he might swing both ways.”

“And, more to the point, I told him I’d back off. So that he could get out there in the real world and meet some of the fairer sex.”

“Very noble of you. And has he?”

“Don’t want to think about it.”

This time Daniel let out a deep sigh. “I didn’t realize quite how fucked-up you are, Vine,” he said, getting up from the table to deliver his lecture. “Look, if he’s bi, and he’s out there trying other women on for size, then chances are he’ll either put himself back on the straight and narrow—good expression, that—or if he really can’t live without you, you’ll have to play the waiting game, give him time to come around. In the meantime, you’re just going to have to man up and get on with your life. I’m going to get some more lobster. You need anything?”

“Yeah, a lobotomy, apparently.”

“Want a side of Thousand Island with that?”

“Ha-bloody-ha.”

While Daniel headed off, Marcus thought about what his friend had said. Yes, he needed to get this stupid notion out of his head and get on with his life. Maybe he could ask Moira and the girls to stop giving him updates on Tom’s dating life. Given enough time, he’d be able to cool off and get a grip.

The Blue Royal Hotel had a strict policy about phones being switched to silent during their sumptuous Sunday brunch session, but Marcus had purposely put his on vibrate in case any of his staff needed to contact him. Just as Daniel sat back down, Marcus’s phone buzzed. He turned the display over to see the nameMoirafill the screen.

“You got to be fucking kidding me.”

“What is it?”

“Tom’s mother.”

“Ignore it.”

Marcus stared shocked at Daniel as though he had committed treason.

“I can’t. I would never forgive myself if something had happened,” he said, thumbing the Call button. “Hi, Moira. Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine. Well, a slight glitch. And a huge favor to ask, I’m afraid. Are you busy this afternoon?”

Marcus peered over the phone at Daniel, who sipped from his champagne flute, assessing the flower arrangement on the table, pretending not to eavesdrop.

“Why? What’s happened?” answered Marcus, shrugging and throwing Daniel a world-weary glance.

“I’m babysitting the girls right now. Tom has a second date with this Jeanette woman he met at the cricket club, and they’re watching the new Reyna Lockwood film at the cinema this afternoon. She’s invited him back to her place afterward for dinner. Apparently she’s quite something in the kitchen.”

“Is she now?” said Marcus, trying not to sound bitter.

“Youknow what I mean. She’s not a maestro chef like you, Marcus, but—”

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