The meal quickly descends into awkward silence, and they finish eating. Charles puts his fork down with regret. He wanted nothing more than to taste Andrea’s pasta, but Lance’s jealousy got in the way. He feels a sudden anxiety; Lance’s newfound posessiveness is bad news for him. If Lance is interested in Andrea, it’ll be almost impossible for her to get him to let her go.
“Are you finished, Charles? Shall I call for dessert?” Mr. Hamilton asks.
“IIf it’s okay with you, I’d like to take a look at you first.”
Charles is about to lead him away for treatment, but Francis interrupts him. “Come to the living room and take a look at Andrea first,” he says, “I’d like you to use that traditional Chinese pulse-taking style you’re so good at.”
The pleasant odour of tea fills the living room. A
