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“Yes. So maybe over dinner you can tell me more about the good and the bad. I haven’t made a decision yet. I also need to talk to Alaina to see where she’s at. Her best friend just moved to Abbotsford, so she might be amenable to moving to Cedar Valley. It’s a huge change.”

A knock sounded at the door.

We stepped away from each other.

“Coming.” I strode over to the door and opened it.

Cody stood on the other side. “Everyone’s here and ready for lunch. I think you were planning to say a few words…?”

“Yes, of course. Mr. Fulton and I were…” I faltered. I didn’t even know how long we’d been in here.

“Quickly discussing the potential move to Mission City.” Demetrius came up beside me, but kept a decorous distance. “Mr. Prasad is from the town, and I thought I’d get his perspective.”

Cody eyed us.

“As a person of color.” I added that, then mentally slapped myself. Except maybe Cody would understand. He was Mission City born and bred…but he hadn’t faced the discrimination Arnav and I had. The town might have plenty of South Asian people, but Caucasian was still the primary race. I was careful never to forget that.

“Understandable.” Cody grinned. “I’m partial to the town. I went only as far as I needed to so I could earn my degree and come back. Plenty of kids in town to help. And not just gay ones.” He met my gaze. “When you’re ready.”

“We’ll come now.” I gestured for the other two men to head out.

Once we were all outside, I locked the door.

As a group, we headed to the great room.

Chapter Twelve

Demetrius

Iprided myself on always being early and arrived at Stavros’s at ten minutes to six.

To find Jai outside, fidgeting.

Inwardly, I sighed. I’d hoped he’d be relaxed. Outwardly, though, I offered a wide smile. “Perfect timing.”

He returned my smile. “I parked in the lot out back but then wasn’t certain which way you’d be coming, but since you said you were coming from your hotel…” He gestured. “But then I realized I didn’t know which hotel, because there are three—”

“The Grand.”

“Which is what I figured because the other two aren’t that close, and…” He winced. “I’m rambling.”

I grinned. “I find it charming.” I gestured to the door. “Shall we go in?”

“We’re early.”

“There’s a seating area where we can wait.” Truthfully, Stavros had been a little amused at me making a reservation for a Monday night. Apparently that was their slow night. “But I suspect our table will be waiting for us.”

Stavros promised the perfect table and the best server.

I was touched.

The man himself greeted us when we arrived. “My friend Demetrius, so wonderful to see you.”

My cheeks heated at his enthusiasm. “This is my friend, Jai.”

“You are welcome here. Let me take you to your table. Best in the house.” He grinned.

As Jai and I followed, I resisted the urge to put my hand possessively at his lower back. Yes, he’d responded to my touch earlier—but that had been in private. Tonight was public.