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Royce’s eyebrows shot up, and he captured her gaze, his, full of questions. She shrugged. Eventually, she would explain everything to him.
As if she had conjured him by mentioning him, Kasem walked in. Royce shoved the album and frame into the cabinet, and Susan and her mother settled on the sofa.
“Your condo is simply amazing, man. Thank you for hosting me.” Bringing his hands together, he bowed his head to their host. “Are you allowed to use the pool I saw from the balcony of my room?”
“Absolutely. And the gym located on the top floor, and the game room with ping-pong, billiard, and other table games,” Royce added, studying the man.
“Will I be able to use them?” Kasem pleaded like an envious kid.
“I’ll have to get you an entertainment room key and a card to access the various areas.”
“Tomorrow, I hope. No need to waste my time doing nothing until the wedding when I can build up my muscles, right?” He nodded at Royce with a man-to-man chuckle.
Susan tilted her chin. Was Kasem planning to amuse himself at the gym and pool while she worked at UC? She’d refused to set a wedding date until she earned her first check.
The doorbell rang, interrupting Kasem’s cheerful planning.
“Our food is here,” Royce announced. “Kasem, give me a hand, please.”
“Sure.” The men walked to the door while Susan observed them.
“Just put the warmers on the kitchen counter.” Royce tipped the delivery man and joined his guests in the kitchen. “We’ll eat in the dining room. Here are the placemats. The plates are in this cabinet, and the silver is in this drawer. Set the table while I get the drinks.”
Puzzled by the string of orders, Kasem waved to the living room. “Susan—”
“Nope. The ladies are our guests. You live here. You’ll have to follow my lead.”
Susan repressed a satisfied smile and exchanged an amused glance with her mother. Royce had challenged a man who’d never carried his dirty plate to the sink. It was about time someone taught her ill-bred fiancé some manners.
“In Thailand, women—” Kasem started.
“You’re in Cincinnati, Ohio, now. Different place, different culture.”
Kasem shrugged. “If you insist.”
“Ladies, dinner is ready,” Royce called a moment later. “Kasem and I are bringing the food. Susan, will you serve, please? I’ll pour the wine.”
Royce raised his glass in a toast. “Welcome to Cincinnati, my friends.”
“Thank you, Royce.” Mrs. Chen clinked her glass against his. “You’ve done your best to make us feel comfortable.”
“Thank you for accommodating Kasem on such short notice,” Susan added with a frown at her fiancé.
“That’s what I was about to say.” He stood and raised his glass to Royce. “To my generous host. You’re doing a great job, considering your wife is away. Thank you my friend.”
“Glad to help.”
For a change, Royce wasn’t startled at the mention ofhis wife.
Mae served everyone.
“This lasagna is delicious.” Kasem licked his lips. “And the veal parmesan spicy and rich. Good to know that you manage to eat well when thelittle womanis not around. I like your condo Royce, and I like this building.” He surveyed the open-concept kitchen, dining area, and living room. “It’s an amazing place, so comfortable with a pool, a gym, and other amenities, which leads me to think…”
Angst gnawed Susan’s insides. What was the man concocting now? She peered at him.
“Think about what?”
“As soon as you get your first check, we’ll get married, and buy a condo in this building.”
