6 Chapter 6

“Oh… I… I’m sorry,” Danny babbled, feeling his cheeks reddening.

“Not a problem, sir,” Bret’s deep bass rumbled again in Danny’s chest. “Take your time. They’ve ordered a bottle of Merlot with dinner. Is that acceptable to you?”

“Uh, yeah uh, sure. Um let me see.” Danny did a quick scan of his menu. “I think I’ll have the halibut, but could I have steamed broccoli instead of the rice? And could the fish be broiled instead of fried?”

“Of course,” Bret said politely. “Will there be anything else?” he asked the table in general.

After the waiter departed, Bill snorted and said, “God, Danny, he’s going to think you’re a fag or something. ‘Could I have steamed broccoli, could you broil the fish?’” Bill imitated Danny in a sing-song voice. “Give me a break!”

“Oh, shut up, Bill,” Paula said. “Danny’s always been funny about his food. Doesn’t mean he’s gay or anything.”

Danny said nothing. He wondered what Aunt Daisy would have said if she’d been there.