Page 19 of Sit, Stay, Love
‘Since when do I hog? I share nearly all my meals with you.’
‘That’s true. Maybe I shouldn’t hog you.’
‘Who else is going to hog me?’
‘Mrs Barker and her pug? I’m sure she’d be up for a date with her handsome vet. I’ve seen the way she pinches your cheeks.’ She grinned.
‘Great. Thanks. If you’re going to set me up, you could at least set me up with someone my age.’
‘Do you want me to set you up? I could ask Ethan. I’m sure he has super-hot friends.’
Toby stiffened and leaned back in his chair, his arms crossing over his chest. ‘I don’t need Ethan James’s cast-offs thanks very much.’
‘Herriot, I was joking.’
‘Sorry. That guy rubs me up the wrong way.’
She stared at him, stunned. ‘You don’t even know him. You saw him for all of five minutes.’
‘Just a vibe I got. And he’s obviously a liar. That’s why he’s in the predicament you’re getting him out of.’
‘That he’spayingme to get him out of.’ She shook her head. ‘We should all have lunch together or something, so you can see he’s a decent guy. He’s taking me out tomorrow, by the way. To Cafe Manly!’
Toby picked up the menu and held it in front of his face. ‘Sorry, I can only swing for Thai. He’s obviously got more cash than me.’
‘What the hell are you talking about? You make very good money. Anyway, you know me well enough to know I’m not impressed by fancy things.’
‘You sound impressed.’
She pushed down his menu. ‘Why are you trying to pick a fight?’
‘I’m not.’ He sighed. ‘I guess I’m more tired than I thought. But don’t set up a date for the three of us. I don’t need to get to know him.’
‘What if I asked you to?’
‘Why would you do that?’
‘But what if I did?’
He cocked his head, one eye squinting. ‘Then I probably would. Because I’d do anything for you. You know that.’
‘I know. And I love you for it.’
His throat bobbed as his gaze lingered on her face, then he returned to the menu and asked, ‘Green or red curry?’
She balled up a serviette and flung it at him. ‘Aren’t we having an entree? If it’s your shout, I intend to eat until I can’t move.’
He laughed. ‘I’m not carrying you home like I did that time you had too many tequila shots at Tia’s birthday.’
She let out a dramatic sigh. ‘Chivalry is dead.’
Toby pulled a piece of meat off a satay stick with his teeth. ‘How about those gory details you promised me?’ he said between licks of his fingers.
‘Herriot, be nice. There are no gory details. Ethan didn’t lose an arm or anything, though I’m not so sure Kevin isn’t capable of accidentally doing that.’ Sera picked up a spring roll and dipped it in a tiny bowl of sweet chilli sauce.
‘He could dislocate a shoulder at the very least. Did he dislocate James’s shoulder?’
Sera reached across the table and punched Toby’s arm. ‘Sorry to disappoint you, but no. Ethan did surprisingly well. I think he bonded with Kevin.’ She crunched down on the spring roll.
