“To have the giant version of such an inviting tongue involved in the early stages of the process of swallowing me whole would be the most sensuous and thrilling thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m sorry it took me a while to think it through, and then I gave you that false excuse on the phone messaging this afternoon. Now I’ve had two days to think about it, and I’m glad you want me to be the one more than anyone else, because I’m the one who most wants to be that one too,” said Lennox.

“I guess I should be glad I’d used up the first page of that notepad,” she said, “You’re a treasure, young man. Are you sure you’re not upset that I was just going to do this to you without giving you any chance to object?”

“It’s part of what made me feel like a treasure, even before you said it. You must want me in your mouth ... and later your tummy, very much,” said Lennox.

“I surely do,” said Pandora.

“Then I want to make it easier for you to organise too. Reba told me about Bob as well. So you won’t have to worry about keeping his existence a secret from me. I just don’t want him to know about me, or Mick, and there is one more secret I think we should keep. Reba feels bad about having initiated all this by inviting you and Bob to be Upsized. I think she’d feel better if she thinks that her warning to me has kept anyone from being eaten. So instead of playing along with you, I’ll play along with her. I’ll do that by letting her think I’m playing along with you. You can help, by not telling her after I turn up on the giant land side of the West Lindfield portal, and by not letting her know that we’ve worked all this out tonight. Is that all okay with you?” asked Lennox.

“I don’t think I could have resolved all those loose ends that well myself,” said Pandora.

Their food arrived, and Lennox watched her tongue dealing with every straying drop of whipped cream in the most arousing manner, as little by little, the apple turnover made its way down into her stomach.

When they had finished eating, he called for the bill, and went over to the counter to pay.

“Are you sure I can’t put in something to contribute?” she asked.

“I’ve got this,” he said, collecting his receipt from the waitress and putting his hand on her shoulder to walk her out to the street, “I’m guessing you think you had to buy me as much good food as possible, since you see me as the best meal you’ll ever have. But you don’t need to do that. I’m volunteering for this now, or at worst agreeing to it, instead of being taken by surprise. I know all about your plans for me, and I’m still willing to come to the giant land with you.”