Chapter 38

In only fifteen, according to the clock that chimed every quarter hour—a rather annoying piece of chronometry Frank often wondered why he even owned—his bladder gave him a warning. He could either move, or else mark the sofa, and so he had no choice but to drag himself up.

Frank had paid little attention as he’d passed Liam and the table the first time, but upon his return, after putting on a pair of fresh briefs and well-worn dungarees, he saw not only Liam standing proudly in his undershorts, but also a breakfast tableau. It was set with several romantic offerings that tore Frank up inside.

“Aww, Liam.”

There were strawberry jelly hearts drawn with a knife on two slices of toast. The amorous centerpiece was a braided double heart of willow tree rope adorned with dried goldenrod and Bur marigold Liam must have gathered from the property outside. Two paper napkins continued the concept, also folded into the shape of that morning’s theme, which seemed to be two hearts.

“Good?”