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

Noon passed and Rob was going great guns. Sweltering people, many of them pink from the sun, flocked around his and Chez’s vans for ice creams and lollies. Rob gave out free cardboard sun hats to any especially pink-looking kids along with their ice creams—branded, of course. Then a sudden rush of customers appearing disgruntled made him look across the way to Chez’s van.


There was no queue by Chez’s van. The serving window was closed. Rob could see Chez up to something inside the van, looking a bit frantic. What the hell? Rob, with the ease of years of practice, went on serving while calling Chez’s mobile. No answer. Dammit. He had a brainwave and gave a blast of his chime. “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic” rang out across the field.


“We already know you’re here, mister,” a boy said.


Chapter 10