Page 64 of Tide and Seek

I leaned back in my chair.“I’m glad.”

We paused our conversation when Marcus returned with the bottle cradled in one arm.“The Sancerre you ordered, sir?”he said, showing the label to Max.

“Yes, that’s it,” Max replied smoothly.

With a practiced flourish, Marcus uncorked the bottle and poured a small taste into Max’s glass.Max swirled it, sniffed like he was auditioning for a sommelier’s guild, then took a sip.After a beat, he nodded.“It’s perfect.”

Marcus smiled knowingly and began filling our glasses with the pale gold liquid with practiced efficiency.“Are you ready to order?Or do you need a few more minutes?”

I looked at Max.“Would you want to order for me?Seeing as you know the good stuff on the menu.”

Marcus laughed.“Oh, it’s all good, sir.”

“I’m sure that’s true.”I grimaced.“But Max knows what I like.”

Max looked flattered at the idea of ordering for both of us.“Absolutely.”He grabbed the menu that I’d barely looked at and scanned it quickly.“We’ll start with the lobster ravioli to share,” he said without hesitation.

“Very good.”Marcus nodded approvingly.

Max continued.“For the main courses, my partner will have the prime New York steak, medium rare, with the truffle mashed potatoes.And I’ll have the miso-marinated sea bass with seasonal vegetables.”He handed the menus back to Marcus with a smug little smile.“If we have room, we’ll decide on dessert later.”

“A man who knows what he likes.I’m impressed.”Marcus beamed, giving Max an admiring look.“All excellent choices, sir.I’ll just put your order in now, and please let me know if there’s anything else you need.”

“Thanks,” I said, smiling at Max.

Once Marcus was gone, we clinked glasses, and I sipped the crisp wine.It was delicious, and I immediately took another sip, meeting Max’s amused gaze over the rim of his glass.

“It’s good, isn’t it?”he asked.

I nodded.“Probably the best white wine I’ve tasted so far.”

“It’s my favorite.”He held up his glass, examining the pale wine.“I looked into having some shipped to Rainy Dale once.”He winced.“Let’s just say, it wasn’t cost effective.”

“Maybe one of the local restaurants in Rainy Dale could order it for you, since they get discounts through their food service deliveries.”

He brightened.“I never thought of that.Is that allowed?”

“I don’t think the restaurant would mind, and the food service people would never even know.”I took another sip.“It would be worth a try.”

He smiled slyly.“Look at you, breaking the rules.That’s not like you, Royce.”

I held his gaze.“I guess I’ve changed too.I’m trying not to be too straight-laced.”I gave an exaggerated sigh.“Naturally, it’s a struggle, because I’m such a good boy.”

Max’s lips twitched.“That you are.”

I took another long sip of wine and Max laughed.“Don’t drink too fast.You don’t want to be drunk before the party tonight.We have to pace ourselves.”

I held my wine glass with my pinky distended.“It’s just so much fun being sophisticated.”

Max’s laugh was warm.“I love seeing you this relaxed.I don’t know why, but it makes me happy.”

“You make me happy, Max.”

His smile faded slowly.“Do I?”

“Absolutely.”I frowned.“You doubt that?”

“No.I know you love me.”He hesitated.“Can I ask you something?”