Page 56 of Due Dilligence (Takeover)
There were times when he wanted to shake Fazil.You’re brilliant. Smart. Beautiful. Stop thinking you’re a fuckup.If there was anyone in the car that deserved that label, it was Todd.
He cleared his throat. “How do you feel about hot chocolate?”
That shook Fazil out of his funk. “I’m generally in favor of it. Why?”
“Deciding on breakfast options.” They were heading north and could use a big breakfast. “There’s this place with hot chocolate smothered in whipped cream and M&M’s.” He got off the freeway and onto the local roads.
Fazil let out a laugh. “Never pegged you as a hot cocoa man. Especially with M&M’s.”
“You’ve never had this. Their breakfasts are good, too.” He paused. “Just what the hell’s a hot cocoa man, anyway?”
A flush and a shrug, but no more.
“Too girly?”
“No!” The blush deepened and Fazil sank into the seat. “I’m notthatmuch of a shit.”
“You’re the guy who moans over peanut butter cups.” He gave Fazil a grin. “Cocoa seems a bit weird for you to question me about.”
He coughed. “I always thought of you more as black coffee and cigarettes. Which Iknowis wrong, since you’ve never smoked.”
But it made sense. “James Dean?”
Fazil glanced his way, still ruddy-cheeked. “Something like that.”
Except he was still alive at thirty-three. “The greaser again.” He’d never escape the garage.
“The rebel,” Fazil said. “The cool kid.”
“The misfit.” He pulled into the lot of a strip mall and found a spot to park.
“No,” Fazil said. “That wasme. The nerd. The geek.”
“Mr. Glamour.” He turned off the car.
Fazil stared at him. “You’vegotto be kidding me.”
“Come on. You dressed well. You had...”
Fazil’s expression turned ugly. “Money?” The word was half snarl.
Shit. That was not the reaction he’d wanted. “A sense of style.”
Fazil rubbed a hand over his face. “Style and me so do not belong together.” A sour note to go with his bitter face.
Someone was grumpy. Coffee must not have taken. “Bet you look fantastic with whipped cream on your nose.”
Fazil opened his mouth—then shut it and stared at him. “Is that on the menu? Nose cream?” A smile peeked out.
Todd laughed. “I hope not!” He opened the car door. “Coming?”
Fazil climbed out and followed him into the Woodinville Cafe.
The hostess saw them to a tiny table for two and took their drink orders. Of course the answer to that was M&M’s hot chocolate. Todd ordered his with half the whip. Fazil gave him a quizzical look and got his with the normal amount.
Well, now, maybe someone would end up with cream on his nose after all. Todd held back the smile and flipped open the menu. Pancakes or eggs Benedict?
Fazil pulled the menu toward him. “Truth is, I never understood why you picked me all those years ago.”
