Cheating, again. Skimmed most of the stories, because I really grabbed this for "Unappreciated Gifts", a short story in Patricia Briggs' Alpha and Omega series. It explores sometime in the life of my favorite supporting character, Asil, as a few mysterious packmates set him up on a series of blind dates. This story covers the first date: dinner and masquerade ball. His date Kelly and he immediately get off on the wrong foot, mostly because Kelly is a man. I love Asil.

"... They didn’t give me your email address or any way to contact you—just the restaurant inform—”
He looked up. His mouth stayed where it was and noise quit coming out of it.
Yes, Asil thought, the other’s awe soothing the feathers that had been ruffled by the wait, I am beautiful.

I was hoping that he and this young man, who had been tricked into this farce as well, would come to an understanding of the more intimate nature, but Asil proclaims his heterosexuality. Alas! Still, a good friendship blossoms. Kelly is very cute, I would love to see him in the background the next time we meet Asil in the main series.