"Oh my! You really want to try? Justin's going to be so happy!" I jumped up and down and clapped my hands.

Brian rubbed his head and sighed. "Can we turn down the flame a bit, just for a few minutes?"

I pouted, but nodded.

I suggested, "Ok. Ok. You should put your arm around him while we are here at the restaurant and hold his hand at some point tonight. You could feed him a bite or two of your food, which would be perfect for Justin because he adores food! You might also hide the two of you behind one of the menus (since they are so huge) and kiss him sweetly. Oh…Oh…and you should tell him how gorgeous he is, but don't compliment his ass this time. You could compliment his eyes."

Brian appeared to be looking at the floor, but his eyes had lost focus. He seemed a little disgusted, but his face held a serious expression. Was Brian really considering what I'd suggested? I was starting to get worried, when, suddenly, his head shot up. He smirked and let his arm fall slowly with a flourish like a doorman. He drawled, no hint of sarcasm detectable, "After you, Miss Emmie."

I gaped at him for a moment but, then, smiled and exited the bathroom.

I saw Joshua and Justin chatting, and, folding my hands together excitedly, I spouted, "Oh, he's back!"

Brian laid a hand on my shoulder and whispered, "Don't be too eager. You know the boys like it best when the girls act cool, indifferent."

He was right. I should probably dial it back a little. I stared at Brian for a moment in wonder, but then started moving toward the table again, though a little more slowly. Joshua looked scrumptious! He was dressed more casually tonight, in a soft gray sweater that matched his eyes and black slacks. He stood up when I approached, took my hand, and brought it to his lips for a kiss. I couldn't help but blush. His lips were so soft against my skin that I had goosebumps.

He smiled and said, "It's wonderful to see you again, Emmett. You look lovely. I think pink's definitely your color."

I managed to smile, but I (can you believe it!) was feeling too shy to speak. Baby smiled brightly as he watched us. Brian sat down next to Justin (they were on a wooden bench, while Joshua and I were in chairs) and slid his arm gently around Justin's shoulders. He did it so smoothly and casually. Perfect. Justin was taken aback, but, once he'd recovered, he flashed Brian a million-watt smile and snuggled into him a bit. When Brian didn't think anyone was looking, he pulled Justin closer and smiled.

Justin saw how nervous I was and offered, "So Em, Joshua was telling me that one of his designs was just accepted for a new modern art museum PIFA's planning."

I asked, "Oh wow, you're an architect?"

When he nodded, I inquired excitedly, "Did you design the mansion yourself?"

"Yes."

"Oh wow! So what is your design for the art museum like?"

Joshua pulled a little writing pad and a mechanical pencil from his pocket and started sketching. We all leaned over to watch.

He explained, "It's going to be a one-story maze-like building. The corridors will house paintings, and the central area will be a set of four 'mini-buildings' that are two stories high and connected to the maze proper with corridors and each other with sky walks. They will house modern works that require more space as well as lecture rooms. The 'empty' spaces created by the maze will be open to the air, for gardens and cafes."

I was in awe. I breathed, "It's beautiful."

I looked up at Joshua and saw that he was blushing.

Then, Justin mentioned with a wink at me, "Joshua, Em indirectly works in the art world, too."

He smiled. He asked, "You do?"

"Well…"

Brian shocked both Justin and I by stating matter-of-factly, "Don't be modest, Emmett. Modesty's for the talentless."

Then, he turned to Joshua and said, "Emmett catered an exhibit opening for the Sidney Bloom Gallery, and, after being such a hit, he expanded his business into event planning."

Joshua's eyes widened. "You're that Emmett? I attended Mrs. Devlin's annual luau. She's a client at my firm. The food was delicious!"

I blushed a little at the praise. Incredulously, I asked, "You were there?"

Then a little wistfully, I added, "What a shame we didn't meet then."

He replied softly, "A terrible shame."

His words sent a shiver down my spine.

A waiter approached for our drink order.

Brian asked, "Do you have a Château d'Yquem from 1980 or earlier?"

The waiter brightened, "Why yes, sir, we do. A delicious 1975."

"Great. We'll take a bottle."

"Excellent choice, sir."

Brian and Joshua also ordered scotches. After the waiter left, I looked after him in amusement and asked Joshua, "What was all the fawning about?"

He replied, "Brian just ordered a $200 bottle of wine."

Justin and I both gasped and exchanged a glance before training our eyes on Brian.

He chuckled. Then, he deadpanned, "What? It's a sweet wine that I knew Justin would love, and it's pink, Emmett's favorite color."

Amazed by Brian's transformation, I exclaimed, "How thoughtful!"

I watched Justin watching Brian and Brian looking at the menu, apparently indifferent to the effect his choice had had, but he was rubbing Baby's shoulder gently. Justin was literally gazing at Brian, a soft smile on his lips. When Brian plays, he plays to win! That's for sure.

As Joshua was telling me more about his art museum design, I couldn't help but keep an eye on Brian and Justin. Brian snapped Justin's menu closed and set it flat on the table. Then, he pushed his menu over more so that Justin and he could share. Awww… He was even asking his opinion about what dish to order! Justin's face was flushed with pleasure as he eagerly weighed in on the possibilities. Then, Brian lifted the menu a bit higher. I imagine that Brian opted for a less chaste kiss than the one I had suggested because when he lowered the menu, Baby's eyes were glazed over with lust. Brian just smiled.

When the wine arrived, Brian poured Justin a glass and watched a little tensely as Justin took a sip. He beamed, and, looking directly at Brian, he declared, "I think it's the best wine I've ever tasted!"

The wine was delicious, but I'd bet the farm that Justin would have said the same if it had tasted like cat pee.

Brian didn't say anything, but he kissed Justin tenderly on the lips. Everything was going perfectly.

A few minutes later, a couple of violin players entered the dining room and started moving from table to table playing. One of them approached ours. I hadn't caught sight of his face because Joshua took that moment to place his hand on mine. I smiled and gave him my best coquettish eyelash bat. I laughed softly when he blushed. However, when I saw Baby pale and Brian tilt his head and plaster a very fake smile on his face, though his eyes were cold, I turned around and nearly had a heart attack, for I had discovered that our violin player was none other than Ethan Gold.