Even the nicest of guys can decide to cut loose at some point, especially if he's at college and a frat brother invites him to a party. Unfortunately, that can end quite badly. Luckily for Dante ap Owen, it doesn't -- until he keeps needing to piss every few minutes and he sees blood in his urine. Another stroke of luck for him is the substitute professor, also a medical doctor he’s been crushing on, who happens to be there when he passes out in class and pushes him to come to his clinic.<br><br>But Dante and his beloved, critically ill mother are under the control of his bitter uncle, who also provides health insurance. If his uncle finds out Dante is being treated for anything, let alone what Dante fears is an STD, he's ... Dante doesn't want to think about that. So he flees the clinic before he has to make a follow-up appointment.<br><br>The good doctor shows up at his uncle's farm when phone calls do nothing. And when Dante's uncle invites the doctor to dinner and serves a meal worthy of Medea, the doctor urges Dante and his mother to leave. But will they? And will Dante realize the doctor wants him as much as he wants the doctor?

So Let Us Rejoice

“What did you plan to serve?” I asked.


Mrs. Mallory raised tear-drenched violet eyes. “I thought…It’s the Feast of the Seven Fishes, so some type of fish dinner.”


“All right. Mr. Mallory, why don’t you carry Mrs. Mallory up to your bedroom?” I rolled up my sleeves. “Help her get ready.”


“Got it.” He scooped her up in his arms and headed toward the stairs, then paused. “What then?”


“Both of you get changed. Once you’re presentable, come downstairs and settle her in a comfy chair.”


“I’ll check the larder and see what I can come up with.”


I bit my lip to keep from chuckling. Mum could burn water, and Da hadn’t been much better. Our landlady in Venice had taken a liking to me and taught me a few dishes. “The children are already tucked into bed. Now shoo.” I headed for the kitchen and got to work.


Chapter 16