likesto gamble anyway. Owen seemed embarrassed by his mastersremarks, but amused, as well.Ilike the peep shows, too, Jesse said, putting Russ in a headlockthat he patiently tolerated. Jesse ruffled Russ hair with hisother hand and said, Russ, whats your favorite thing at thearcade?Strengthtesters, Sir.Thatsbecause youre stronger than me, Jesse said, laughing. He letRuss out of the headlock and gave him an affectionate squeeze beforereleasing him entirely. Are you fellows hungry? We could walk overto the restaurant.Henrywas always hungry. I could eat.Me,too, said Eli.Thethree boys and their slaves began walking.Say,Henry, is it true your family lets the slaves eat at the table?Jesse seemed energized by the idea.Henryblushed, feeling scrutinized. Not always.My father does it if hes eating alone, or if hes just eatingwith me, so I do that with Martin, too. But when the whole family iseating together, the slaves wait on us, like normal.Iwouldnt mind trying it, Jesse said. What do you think, Eli?Elisquirmed a little, looking very uncomfortable with the idea. Youmean now?Whynot? Jesse threw his arms wide, open to the possibilities. Ifthey dont eat with us now, when willthey eat?IfOwen gets hungry, Ill feed him, Eli said, sounding defensive.What,peanuts from a street vendor? Jesse said derisively. Henrydoes it all the time, Eli. Lets just give it a try.Henrydid not, in fact, do it all the time, but he liked the idea ofsitting down to a meal with Martin with his cousins. It made him feelthat he was very unconventional, very bohemian.He glanced back at Martin, who cocked a quizzical eyebrow at him butdid not seem unduly concerned about the impropriety of sitting downwith masters.Eliwas red in the face and seemed almost angry, but he said, Fine.Well probably get kicked out of the restaurant, though.Oh,no, Jesse assured him cheerfully. Not from thisrestaurant. Its run by theaterpeople.TheThird Eye Cafe was just opening for lunch, the waiters yawning andunenthusiastic about having customers.Atable for the three of you? asked the host.Wellneed a table for six, if you dont mind, Jesse said, shruggingoff his coat into Russ hands.Thehost raised an eyebrow but did not suggest this request couldnt beaccommodated. Certainly, sir. If youll allow us a few minutesto prepare a table.Jesseelbowed Henry and said, Ive never sat down with Russ in publicbefore. He sounded quite excited, bouncing a little on his toes.Ivenever wantedto sit down with Owen, Eli said crankily, and Henry darted aglance at Owen to see how he took this; he seemed unaffected, whichHenry suspected was Owens default state.Twotables had been pushed together for them; Jesse immediately sat atthe head, with Russ at his right hand. Eli sat at the other end, Owentaking the chair next to Russ. Henry sat at Jesses left hand withMartin sitting next to him, in the chair between Eli and himself.Jessewas looking over the menu in high spirits. He reached over and puthis hand on Russ wrist. Order whatever you want, he said.Anything at all.Thankyou, Sir. Russ smiled at Jesse with such fondness that Henry was alittle flustered. He was more and more convinced that Jesse and Russwere actually lovers, but could think of no possible way to