“Food is fuel.”
“Damn straight.”
* * *
The car dropped Adam and Bas off just before eight. They got checked in and seated at a table for breakfast that had three chairs instead of two. Was someone else coming?
“Is Ru or Tommy joining us?” Bas asked. Both of the singers had been off with their heads together more than once in the past twenty-four hours like they were planning something. “I hope they aren’t planning some sort of surprise party. My birthday is months off, and I scream like a girl when things jump out at me.”
Adam laughed.
“I’m pretty sure there’s no party planned. I know Ru is making dinner for us tonight. I told him I’d help, but he said no.”
“Thank God for that.”
“Hush. Be nice. I try hard.”
“It’s okay that you can’t cook. You’re cute and have a great ass. That makes up for not being able to cook.”
Adam shook his head.
“Whatever.” He pointed toward the door. “There’s Tommy with our third.”
Bas turned to find Tommy approaching their table with Dane lumbering behind him. It had been almost a week, and the guy already looked better. His face wasn’t so hollow and discolored. Bas hoped Dane was finally on the track to recovery.
“Hey, guys,” Tommy greeted. “Just going to drop Dane off. I’ve got some errands to run. Have a great day, though, okay? Call if you need me.” They all nodded as Dane took the empty seat. “See you around five.” He waved and left.
Adam held out his hand to Dane. “Hi, Dane. I’m Adam. Nice to finally meet you.”
Dane took his hand and shook it.
“I’ve heard a lot about you from Tommy. I’m hoping to reconnect with Ru soon. I feel horrible for not being as supportive of him as I should have been. And I apologize ahead of time for anything I might say to offend you. It sort of happens sometimes. The words come out before I can even think about what I’m saying. But everyone tells me how good you are and how perfect for Ru.”
“Don’t worry. Ru understands. He’ll be happy to finally see you again. He’s been worried for ages. And I’m not easily insulted. I’m also far from perfect. But I love Ru a lot.”
Dane nodded and stared at the table a minute before he turned to Bas.
“I wanted to apologize for some of the things I said.”
“No need,” Bas told him. He motioned for a waiter. “Let’s get some food, shall we? I’m starving.” He watched Dane’s expression, which turned to worry for a few seconds before he glanced away and then back to the white-cloth-covered tabletop.
A moment later, they were given leave to indulge in the buffet. Bas marveled at the mounds of fruit, vegetables, eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries, and even chocolate fountain. Now this was living. He watched as Adam filled his plate with eggs and meat, adding a piece of toast for a balance of carbs and a second plate of veggies. Dane picked at the fruit, glanced at Bas, who’d decided on some pastries and eggs, and carefully spooned a little bit of egg on his plate. Bas hoped he would try it. He was glad there were no pancakes set out, likely thanks to Tommy’s intervention.
They all sat down to eat, Adam digging in right away, as he wasn’t at all shy about food. The boy could pack it away.
“You must have a lot of great sex with Ru to keep you so fit, Adam Corbin,” Bas teased.
Adam blushed. “It’s the running.”
“Are you saying you’re not having great sex with Ru? Please don’t tell me it’s mediocre sex. You’ll burst all my fantasy bubbles.”
“Bas!” Adam looked away, his face beet red. “Don’t talk about that in public.”
Bas laughed. “Don’t mind him, Dane. Adam is sweet and shy, but the blush that goes all the way up to his pretty platinum hair is adorable. I’m sure they regularly have great sex.”
Dane stuffed a strawberry in his mouth and stared thoughtfully at Adam as he chewed.
“Is it great? Like he doesn’t hurt you or anything?” he asked after he swallowed the berry.
