Salvar scooped up another spoonful of congee as his laughter halted and held it aloft, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and the particular irritation that only Patrick could inspire. "You're very funny," he said. "I understand now, Patrick. This is your distraction technique."
"I wasn't joking," Patrick replied, swallowing the latest mouthful with considerably less resistance than the first. The gossip, it seemed, was serving as an effective anesthetic. His voice had grown stronger, his eyes brighter, as though the act of spilling secrets had restored some vital energy to his battered body. "I seriously thought the two of you were dating."
"Oh, please." Salvar shook his head, the spoon momentarily forgotten in his hand. "Why would I date a literal ass?"
Patrick did not miss a beat. "That is exactly what people who are dating and wish to avoid rumors would say."
