Excerpt: A Modern Arrangement

Steve leaned over and whispered to Erin, "Are they flirting?"

Erin whispered back, "I'm not sure. Maybe? I take it Darrin hasn't got much experience with this sort of thing."

"Uh-oh," said Jon. "Our scintillating conversation is losing the lovebirds' attention."

Darrin glanced back at them and shrugged. "They'll wake up when they've had their caffeine. Just gimme a tall chai latte, please."

"Coming right up," Jon said. He barked out their orders, then refused to accept payment. "This is your wedding present," he joked.

"Wow, you go all out," said Steve. "Thanks."

"Eh," Jon shrugged. "I try. You know, it's why my last boyfriend broke up with me. He said, 'Jon, I just don't know how you do it. You give, and you give, and I just can't handle being showered with gifts like this.'"

Well done, thought Erin. Subtly working into conversation that he's gay. Looks like he's interested.

Later when it got busier and Jon was helping customers and Darrin was in the bathroom, Steve turned to her and asked, "Are you already trying to set up my brother?"

Erin noisily finished the last of her drink. "Maybe. Is that a bad thing?"

It was Steve's turn to shrug. "Not really."