Chapter 23

Inside, the restaurant was blessedly warm. A large fire roared in the stone fireplace in the back of the dining room, giving off a soft orange glow across the wooden floor and paneled walls. Pictures and paintings celebrating the gay community of London hung in various spots throughout. Despite the reference to the Stonewall riots in the States, Stonewall Eatery was named for the central fireplace itself.

Morgan noticed Alec shaking his head as they sat down in one of the booths.

“Okay, damn it, come clean,” Alec said, giving Morgan a dubious look. “Why do you come here if you don’t want to pick anyone up?”

“Because I like the atmosphere.”

Alec looked around, then back at Morgan. “Dude, no one comes here for the atmosphere. If you haven’t noticed, this has become one of the prime pick-up joints in all of Soho.”

Morgan opened his mouth to defend himself, but shut it quickly when the waiter stepped up.