[ The laugh Booker lets out is sharp and sudden, and very real. ]

Mm. [ He agrees sagely. ] You are the one with the sweet tooth, and Nicky is the one with the culinary gifts.

[ He isn't above admitting that some of the things Nicky can cook up are among his favourite things to eat — ever. And they've all eaten a lot of food over the years. ]

So — are you going to feed me dessert until I find one to your liking that I can call my favourite?