Chapter 20
“Main course?”
Jay hesitated before giving a terse nod. His, “Looking forward to it,” sounded false.
During the main part of the meal, Dean enquired about Jay’s work, asked after April and her work, their family, and listened to Jay’s monosyllabic mumbles. Despite dishing up an excellent meal, he’d made a terrible mistake. What little remained on their plates they both pushed around.
“So, you really can cook.”
Dean put down his fork. “So my girlfriends tell me.”
“Good seduction method, I guess.”
A person would have to be deaf not to notice the confusion in Jay’s voice.
“I’m sorry. I really am a wanker.” He caught Jay’s attention at least. “It’s what your sister calls me anyway. You’re right. This is how I’d seduce a woman, or make it up to her after an argument. The idea ‘Dean can cook’ blows them away.”
He was almost glad to see his friend smile, but Jay’s lips trembled and twitched, rueful, before the attempt disappeared altogether.