Not a hooker, not... competition. Just an old friend of James's. Mort tried to relax; he knew James could feel the tension still settled in his shoulders, where James's arm wrapped around him helping him along. He knew he was being stupid, really. James knew they were, as he had said, "exclusive" - that was all that mattered. He just couldn't help being nervous around women who might get the wrong impression. Even when it wasn't him they'd be hitting on.

"Hi again!" James chirped as they reached the table. "Sorry to leave you so long."

Mort swallowed, willing his voice steady, ignoring the last of his awkwardness. "Yes, sorry. You still want to hear the slide-rule story, Joy?"