Rob Catteneo takes charge of his family’s business, selling ice cream in a British seaside town, and finds their oldest competitor, Bianchi’s, is now being run by the youngest son, Chez. Chez was once a schoolmate but never a friend, because of their old family rivalry.<br><br>Rob’s interested in both a business partnership with Bianchi’s and a more personal relationship with Chez. But Chez is deep in the closet, terrified his very traditional family will discover he’s gay. A night together in a hotel gives Rob insight into Chez’s fears and vulnerability and he’s sure he can help, but Chez resists further business and personal overtures.<br><br> On an important summer weekend for both firms, Rob keeps a cool head in an ice cream emergency and helps Chez out, leaving Chez open to future propositions. Will this be the first step on the road to a sweet future together?

99 Problems

“You don’t seem likely to make much money today,” Rob said.


“You know this is a use-it-or-lose-it pitch.”


Rob knew it. If Bianchi’s didn’t use the pitch often enough, the council would take it off them and let another firm lease it. Rob’s firm. Problem was, the trade here was so up and down it meant plenty of wasted days. Chez leaned against the freezer, while Rob took a good look around the interior of the van. In decent nick, but the machines were a bit old. Clean, though. No hygiene inspector could find fault.


“You actually want an ice?” Chez asked.


“Why not? I just had lunch and no dessert. Give us a 99.”


“I thought you liked my Nana’s sophisticated flavours.” Chez took a cone from the top of the stack.


Chapter 8