99 Problems

Rob Catteneo has returned from completing an MBA to take charge of his family’s business selling ice cream in a seaside town in the north of England. He finds his family’s main rival company, Bianchi’s, is now being run by Cesare “Chez” Bianchi, once a schoolmate but never a friend, because of family rivalry. Rob’s soon not only interested in going into partnership with Bianchi’s, but is also interested in a more personal relationship with Chez. Though Chez feels the same way, he’s deep in the closet, terrified his very traditional family will discover he’s gay.

A night together in a hotel gives Rob insight into Chez’s fears and vulnerability and he is sure he can help. But Chez resists both business and personal overtures. On an important Bank Holiday weekend for both firms, Rob keeps a cool head in an ice cream emergency, helping Chez out. This leads Chez to finally accept both the business and personal propositions from Rob. They are at the first step on the road to a sweet future together.

(Short story originally published in the *Not Quite Shakespeare* anthology.