If he were a wolf, he thought his ears might have drooped in that moment of indecision. Then Greta took in a breath and declared that it was not a problem and Biffy allowed himself to feel relieved as well. He hated to cause fuss or trouble but he also had a low level of tolerance for cruel things being said about him in his own home. It was a great relief that those interests did not have to cross paths.

And then she turned red and began to giggle, explaining herself in half-words until Biffy was the one sitting there with his eyes wide. With his own lack of interest, it had never occurred to him that his gesture might be perceived as anything but friendly. If anything, he had expected by now for it to be rather obvious. He was hardly a pink or a poodle faker but Biffy had been assured that he dinged on the 'gaydar' of anyone blessed with a pulse. And many without.

He began to giggle too, unable to suppress his laughter into his own hand. "My goodness. Oh, Greta, I am so sorry. No, please..." Everything was so terribly awry that he had to laugh. Not at her but at the comedy of manners they had blundered into.