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.

Upvoted via wefwef (or Apollo II as I named it)

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.