‘We sure do … I’m just enjoying my food, Alexi, nothing else,’ I repeat flatly, eyes on the food and not him, even though I can see him in my peripheral vision, and he is still looking at me.

Alexi sighs, his face losing all hints of anything I can read as he tucks into his too. Glances pull my attention occasionally as we eat in silence, and awkwardness grows between us again.

This is why it should always be about business when it comes to us.

‘You want to talk ...