My sister laughs, and I focus on her for a second to get my equilibrium back. I haven’t seen Mags for a week—not since he had to support me home and put me to bed. My cheeks burn at the memory. He’d come knocking the next day, but I’d pretended to be out. He’d tried again that evening and then seemed to get the hint and didn’t bother again. I was embarrassed, yes, but that didn’t excuse being impolite, and I owe him an apology.

Lennie’s gaze darts from Mags to me. “It’s so lovely that you’ve finally had the chance to meet.” I sincerely hope Mags doesn’t hear the barely suppressed glee in her voice. She’s been trying to set me up with him for years.

Mags glances at me, and I suspect he’s thinking back to the last time he’d seen me after he’d had to help me into bed. However, he just smiles. “Yes, Laurie and I finally met. It was at rather an awkward moment in my life.”

“Not as awkward as the moment the man with the accessorised penis was experiencing.”

“What?” Chris asks.

Before Mags can reply, a young man walks out of the lounge. He’s beautiful, with a long willowy body and a head full of blond curls.

“Here you are, Magnus,” he says.

Mags turns to him. “Yes,” he says. There’s an uncomfortable silence, and I repress a smile because it’s evident that Mags doesn’t know his name.

“My glass is empty,” the young man says winsomely.

Mags hesitates, and I want to laugh. “And that is certainly a problem,” he finally says. “But not really mine.”

The younger man smiles at him. “You need to get me a drink.” He leans closer. “I’m very friendly when I’ve got a drink inside me.” He winks. “And other things.”

He waltzes back into the lounge, and there’s another very long second of silence which I break by laughing.

Mags shakes his head at me, a smile tugging at his mouth, and turns to my brother-in-law. “Why is he acting as though he’s a rather feral cat, and I’m tonight’s dinner?”

Chris grimaces. “Sorry. I thought you’d like him. He’s your type.”

I nod when Mags glances at me. “I’m sorry. He really is your type. Check for the ribbon on his person.”

Mags sighs. “I’d better go back in.” He moves to the lounge door and then turns back. “Put me next to Laurie at dinner,” he instructs my sister.

“Why on earth should I do that?” There’s a smile playing on her mouth. “I happen to like my brother.”

“Because I want intelligent conversation tonight, and he’s probably the only one capable of giving it.”

“Charming,” Chris says. “Did you forget me?”