The phrase in parentheses is explaining that he wants a burger and not to have sexual relations with 5 men. It acts as an “anti” circle like the anti sea bear circle in the SpongeBob episode. So using the phrase to communicate that he wants a burger and not hot steamy man on man on man on man on man on man sex, clarifies to the reader that the author is not gay.

Would HOA president/board members be above or below School board?

For me there was a couple wild suspensions of disbelief that just didn’t work. Earning enough cash from an afternoon of playing randoms at chess in the park to afford a full on suite at a decent hotel downtown Toronto. And the police just letting them go, no license, no identification of any kind…

I did really enjoy Toronto in general and thought the main plot was strong enough, but agree the romance was unnecessary and also think the dialogue needs some work.