At Theo’s grouchy reaction, Ira hid a grin and glanced up to catch Staas’ eye with a knowing look. He was also familiar with Theo’s animosity towards the other boy, in spite of his sibling’s obvious affection for Third. Which no doubt had something to do with that rivalry. Ira had a certain amount of experience with that irrational emotion and could, in a way, sympathize. It was, however, much more amusing in hindsight.
It took a moment for Ori to register that “Third” was the name of another kid, but then she nodded, playing along with Staas’ switch back to the pastries. “Oh, is it that Candi’s place? Ira took me there the other day.” She giggled. Her brother was effusive about the place and was a regular as far as he’d told her, but had somehow gotten on the bad side of one of the employees who worked there. This she had seen for herself – in the form of a silent, tense staring contest—when they’d stopped by for brunch on Saturday. It was too bad, Ori thought; the guy was hot.
“Ooh. We’ll have to try those, then.” She took a big bite of profiterole and peered down at her brother, who nodded and cleared his throat.
“She hasn’t eaten at El Torro yet,” Ira explained, neatly unwrapping the bottom of his cupcake. “I wanted to wait ‘til after the weekend to ask if you’d be free again for lunch or dinner. Or any other time between now and Friday.”
“Please?” Ori batted her lashes shamelessly at Staas and the kids. “Pretty please? You guys are amazing. No wonder my brother loves you all so much.”